INSIDE: l News and Views: UNWLA’s cultural diplomacy – page 6 l Community Chronicle: Southwest Florida, Cleveland – page 13 l Sports Update: Bilodid’s quest for Olympic gold – page 14 The Ukrainian Weekly Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association

Vol. LXXXVIII No. 38 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 $2.00 NEWS ANALYSIS Thousand-year-old St. Sophia Cathedral Ukraine and the new Belarusian factor is focus of new preservation efforts by Bohdan Nahaylo this implies for Ukraine, still facing Russian aggression in the Donbas, will be seriously KYIV – The unexpected peaceful but dra- aggravated. Not exactly what Ukraine needs matic revolution in Belarus against the when it is at war with Russia and seeking to Lukashenka dictatorship is about to enter recover the occupied territories in the its seventh week. It has not only become a Donbas and in Crimea. turning point in the country’s history and On the other hand, if the Belarusian peo- profoundly changed Belarus, but is also ple continue to display the unity, resilience, impacting in different ways on its diverse heroism and creativity they have demon- neighbors, including Ukraine in the south. strated in the face of the shocking brutality For Ukraine, the new and evolving situa- and disregard for the law and human rights tion, rife with uncertainty as to the direction on the part of the Lukashenka regime, and it will take and the eventual outcome, is if their struggle for regime change is suc- replete with challenges, threats and dangers, cessful, this could be a gamechanger in the but also potential new opportunities and region and for Europe as a whole. And possible significant changes for the better. while many Belarusians may feel a special The challenges and dangers are obvious affinity with their Lithuanian or Polish enough: a brutal dictatorship next door on neighbors, there is much that also links a long shared border which is no longer dis- Ukrainians with their northern neighbors, guising its hostility to a democratic and pro- culturally and historically. Western Ukraine and what it represents; an The Belarusian revolt against dictator- embattled despot, rejected by his people ship has so far tactfully not proclaimed Zagoriy Foundation and desperate to secure Vladimir Putin’s itself to be either pro-Western or pro-Eur- Speaking at the presentation of the new technology installed in the St. Sophia support at any cost, including becoming a asian in the sense of the hitherto existing Cathedral complex in Kyiv to preserve the 11th century landmark is Kateryna vassal of Moscow, or as Alyaksandr Luka­ close economic and political bonds with Zagoriy, co-founder of the Zagoriy Foundation, which co-sponsored the preservation shenka now puts it, having reverted this Russia and its other partners among the project. week to the servile language expected of former Soviet states. But its rejection of the non-Russians during the Soviet era – despotism and the Eurasian notion of rul- by Roman Tymotsko cent monasteries of excessive moisture, the Russian “elder brother.” ers remaining in power for life implicitly thus saving them for future generations. If, in desperation to cling to the sem- identifies the revolt with the democratic KYIV – The administration of the The process is to be implemented with blance of power, Mr. Lukashenka scrambles European model. And Ukraine, where National Sanctuary Complex “Sophia of innovative Swiss equipment, called the to bring Belarus “closer” to Russia, condon- (regardless of the flaws in its democratic Kyiv,” together with patrons of the historic BioDry system, that is used for natural res- ing, in effect, the merger of the two states – system) regular elections have been demo- preserve’s renovation, on September 16 toration of a proper level of humidity. The or, rather, Belarus’s absorption – then the presented a project to drain the foundations political, military and economic threats that (Continued on page 5) and walls of St. Sophia Cathedral and adja- (Continued on page 3)

Derkach among ‘Russia-linked’ individuals blacklisted over interference in U.S. election

RFE/RL November elections through social media, is facing criminal charges in the United States fake news and other means. for stealing American identities. The United States says it has imposed In the same statement, the Treasury The United States had previously sanc- sanctions on a Ukrainian lawmaker behind Department announced it had also sanc- tioned the IRA and owner Yevgeny leaked telephone records of Democratic tioned three Russian nationals working on Prigozhin, a Kremlin insider known as presidential hopeful Joe Biden, as well as behalf of the Internet Research Agency “Putin’s chef,” for its interference in the three other “Russia-linked” individuals (IRA), the so-called troll factory based in St. 2016 U.S. presidential election. accused of attempting to influence the U.S. Petersburg that was involved in the Biden tapes electoral process. Kremlin’s attempt to interfere in the 2016 The U.S. Treasury Department said in a presidential election. Between May and July, Mr. Derkach statement on September 10 that it had “Russia uses a variety of proxies to attempt released edited audio tapes from 2016 of blacklisted Andriy Derkach, who has been to sow discord between political parties and Mr. Biden’s conversations with then-Ukraini- helping President Donald Trump’s personal drive internal divisions to influence voters as an President Petro Poroshenko. lawyer Rudy Giuliani find compromising part of Moscow’s broader efforts to under- Vice-President Biden served as the information on Mr. Biden. mine democratic countries and institutions,” Obama administration’s point man to Kyiv The Treasury Department said Mr. the Treasury Department said. following the 2014 revolution that ousted Derkach, a member of the Ukrainian The three Russian nationals – Artem corrupt pro-Russian President Viktor Parliament who studied at the KGB school Verkhovna Rada Lifshits, Anton Andreyev and Darya Aslanova Yanukovych, and he regularly spoke with in Moscow, has been “an active Russian National Deputy Andriy Derkach. – were sanctioned because they had “sup- President Poroshenko. agent” for over a decade. ported the IRA’s cryptocurrency accounts.” On the tapes, Mr. Biden appears to tell Mr. “Derkach has directly or indirectly Russian malign influence campaigns and The IRA “uses cryptocurrency to fund Poroshenko that the United States will pro- engaged in, sponsored, concealed, or other- protecting our upcoming elections from activities in furtherance of their ongoing vide a $1 billion loan guarantee to Ukraine wise been complicit in foreign interference foreign interference,” the statement said. malign influence operations around the once Kyiv replaces its top prosecutor. in an attempt to undermine the upcoming The move comes amid growing concern world,” the Treasury Department said. The West tied loans and other forms of 2020 U.S. presidential election. Today’s des- in Washington about attempts by Russia Separately, the Justice Department ignation of Derkach is focused on exposing and other foreign nations to interfere in the announced on September 10 that Mr. Lifshits (Continued on page 13) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 No. 38

ANALYSIS

Belarusian protests via emotional Sanctions upheld on Russian energy firms ment of the EU’s efforts to bring a solution to the crisis in Ukraine that respects its territo- The European Union’s top court has rial integrity, sovereignty, and indepen- upheld restrictive measures adopted by the versus analytical lenses dence.” (RFE/RL) 27-nation bloc against Russian oil and gas by Grigory Ioffe opposition body, created to negotiate the companies in connection with Moscow’s Russian court sentences Crimean Tatars Eurasia Daily Monitor putative transfer of power in Minsk, has actions in Ukraine. The Luxembourg-based been trying to connect with the Kremlin A court in Russia has sentenced seven Court of Justice announced on September Crimean Tatars to lengthy prison terms on Narratives devoted to the ongoing politi- (Lenta.ru, September 7). This same out- 17 that it had upheld a judgment by a lower cal turmoil in Belarus fall into two basic cat- come is de facto recognized in the West: charges of being members of a banned EU court dismissing an action against the Islamic group. On September 16, the egories: emotional and analytical. Attempts notably, Deputy Secretary of State Stephen sanctions slapped on companies that are to mix both genres do not succeed. “Even if Biegun recently conducted detailed Southern Military Regional court in the city part of state oil giant Rosneft, saying the of Rostov-on-Don sentenced Marlen Asanov, the Belarusian revolution ends in defeat, it Belarus-related negotiations in Moscow. measures “have been duly justified and are will still go down in history and will have a Most revealingly, Moscow’s key role was Memet Belyalov, Timur Ibragimov, Seyran suitable for putting pressure on Russia Saliyev, Server Mustafayev, Server Zekirya­ huge impact on the further development of confirmed by Mr. Lukashenka himself, because of its role” in the Ukraine crisis. the country,” wrote Valer Karbalevich of whose two-hour-long interview to Russian yev and Edem Smailov to prison terms of Beginning in July 2014, the European between 13 and 19 years. All were found Radio Liberty, only to be rebuked by multi- journalists on September 9 contained one Council adopted restrictive measures on the ple comment posts to the effect that “by no primary message: “The West seeks to carry guilty of being members of the Hizb ut-Tah- Russian bank and energy sectors in Russia rir Islamic group, which is labeled as means will the revolution be defeated” out a color revolution in Belarus solely in in response to its annexation of the Crimean (Svaboda.org, September 10). order to prepare a springboard for the extremist and banned in Russia but is legal peninsula and its support for militants fight- in Ukraine. An eighth defendant, Ernes Nevertheless, narratives of both kinds same revolution in Russia. Therefore, by ing in eastern Ukraine. Those measures are warranted, each in their own right. And supporting me you are saving yourself. By Ametov, was acquitted. Russia’s Federal include prohibitions on the export of certain Security Service (FSB) branch in Crimea said when looked at together, they form a much suppressing the protest in Belarus, I am products and technologies to the oil and gas more complete and objectively truer pic- actually defending Russia” (YouTube, earlier that Messrs. Smailov and Mustafayev, sector and restrictions on the access of cer- a coordinator of the Crimean Solidarity ture of what is now happening on the September 9). tain operators in that sector to the EU capi- human rights group, were arrested in May ground in Belarus. Following their meeting in Sochi on tal market. A number of Russian companies 2018, while the other men were arrested in On the emotional side, many observers September 14, Mr. Lukashenka and Vladi­ that are part of Rosneft had brought the Crimea in October 2017. Rights groups and have expressed astonishment and admira- mir Putin, as expected, did not sign any action before the General Court and asked Western governments have denounced tion over the scale of the protests involving bilateral documents and did not hold a for the annulment of the measures. The what they have called a persistent campaign members of a national community previ- press conference afterward. All that is General Court dismissed that action in of oppression targeting Crimean Tatars and ously thought to be rather pliant or passive. known for sure at the moment is that Russia September 2018, prompting the companies other citizens who opposed Moscow’s forc- At the same time, vote-rigging and mis- will issue a $1.5 billion loan to Belarus to appeal further to the Court of Justice. The ible annexation of the peninsula. Russia treatment of protesters, especially women, (Lenta.ru, September 14). Yet, conjectures September 17 ruling noted that the court occupied and seized Crimea from Ukraine in elicits indignation. The bonds of solidarity about the content of the meeting abound. “dismisses the companies’ appeal in its March 2014. The majority of Crimean Tatars and the emergence of networks of mutual The most detailed hypothesis, authored entirety.” The judges said the companies in opposed the Russian takeover of their his- support in what heretofore looked like an by Arseny Sivitsky and Yury Tsarik, posits question “could not reasonably have been toric homeland. (Crimea Desk, RFE/RL’s atomized society generates pride and com- inter alia that Mr. Putin would like to a) unaware of the reasons why the targeted Ukrainian Service) mitment to resist the brutal handlers of the limit the revision of the Constitution, restrictions at issue were imposed on them” regime to the bitter end. immediately followed by new presidential and that both the export prohibitions and Austria rejects halting Nord Stream 2 The moral authority of the female lead- elections, to just one year; b) suggest Mr. the restrictions on access to the EU capital Austria has said it still supports the Nord ers of the protest movement is currently Luka ­shenk­ a’s voluntary exile to Russia; and market “clearly contribute” to achieving the Stream 2 gas pipeline, despite growing res- sky-high, with Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya c) ensure the release of most political pris- objective pursued by the European Council: ervations about the project in parts of largely a symbol of the protest and Maryya oners, especially of Victor Babariko and Ms. increasing the costs of the Russian actions Europe following the poisoning of Russian Kalesnikava rising to the level of its political Kalesnikava, who will be allowed to regis- against Ukraine’s sovereignty and promot- opposition figure Aleksei Navalny. Presi­ head. The circumstances of the latter’s ter a political party (Forstrategy, Septem­ ing a peaceful settlement of the crisis. The dent Alexander Van der Bellen said on September 7 abduction; the distorted ver- ber 14). decision is also in line with two key interna- September 15 that there should be no con- sion of what happened next, shared by Incidentally, in his improvised speech tional agreements: the 1994 EU-Russian nection between the Navalny case and President Alyaksandr Lukashenka (RBC, immediately preceding the meeting with Partnership Agreement and the General Nord Stream 2, a nearly complete pipeline September 8); and the actual chronicle of Mr. Putin, Mr. Lukashenka mentioned that Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, they said. that will bring gas from Russia to Europe Ms. Kalesnikava’s intransigence, culminat- he is aware of multiple conspiracy theories The European Council welcomed the ruling, beneath the Baltic Sea. Mr. Van der Bellen ing in her choosing imprisonment in about the agenda of this meeting (RIA saying it “demonstrated the legitimacy, legal was speaking alongside visiting Ukrainian Belarus over personal freedom abroad (Nv. Novosti, September 14). robustness and strength of the EU’s sanc- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose ua, September 8) will surely be rehashed Finally, there is an economic side to the tions in place for Russia’s destabilizing country receives vital income from the tran- repeatedly by future scholars and drama- Belarusian protests that the aforemen- actions in Ukraine.” Spokesman Peter Stano tists alike. tioned Russian loan cannot fully address. said, “The sanctions in place are a key ele- (Continued on page 10) Incidentally, Ms. Kalesnikava’s treatment The country used to extract economic rent by the authorities invokes the memory of from Russia – namely, revenue from large the famous 1964 quip of the poet Anna price discounts on hydrocarbons. After this Akhmatova about the Soviets’ handling of rent diminished, it made it more difficult The Ukrainian Weekly FOUNDED 1933 Joseph Brodsky (Nobel laureate in litera- for Mr. Lukashenka to maintain the loyalty ture, in 1987). When he was sentenced to of the political elites; whereas in every sec- An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., forced hard labor in the High North, the tor of the economy (except for information a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. poet exclaimed, “What a biography they are technology, which is oriented toward the Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. making for our red-headed one – as if he United States market), personal incomes Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. had hired someone to do it.” Ms. stagnated. Creating a non-rent-based eco- (ISSN — 0273-9348) Kalesnikava will now also stand trial, offi- nomic alternative is only possible through cially accused of making “public calls for the long-term foreign investment, which The Weekly: UNA: Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 seizure of power” (article 361 of Belarus’s requires good returns and protections of Criminal Code) (Tut.by, September 9). investor’s rights. In any case, the path to Postmaster, send address changes to: More analytically inclined authors have that alternative is not short and runs The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz arrived at somewhat different conclusions. through protracted economic decline. But 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas First, if the Belarusian authorities switch to the Belarusian protesters are demanding to P.O. Box 280 pointed and less demonstrative repres- see prompt results. This impatience does Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] sions, the protests are likely to subside. And not bode well for Belarus regardless of who the advent of cold weather may further is at the helm of power (Finizvestia.ru, The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com facilitate that outcome. If, however, repres- August 21). sions remain as clumsy as they are today, When looked through emotional versus The Ukrainian Weekly, September 20, 2020, No. 38, Vol. LXXXVIII protests will linger, but the authorities are analytical lenses, the developments in Copyright © 2020 The Ukrainian Weekly unlikely to flinch (see Jamestown.org, Belarus suggest divergent reactions. No September 10). wonder that Western policymakers are at a Second, Russia has become the principal crossroads. ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA arbiter in Belarus’s domestic conflict, For example, the idea on the part of whereas the West’s ability to affect it is lim- some U.S. senators to punish Minsk by Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 ited. This outcome is recognized by the withholding sending an ambassador e-mail: [email protected] now-exiled leaders of the protest move- (Svaboda.org, September 2) understand- Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 ment itself: for example, Pavel Latushko of e-mail: [email protected] the Coordination Council said that the (Continued on page 11) No. 38 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 3

NEWS ANALYSIS A problem for Putin: Belarus is not Ukraine, either now or if Moscow annexes it

by Paul Goble would link up with anti-Moscow protests The situation in Belarus differs funda- strategy does not promise the dividends it Eurasia Daily Monitor like those in Khabarovsk, change the demo- mentally. Because of Soviet nationality poli- did in Ukraine, where church membership graphic balance in the Russian Federation cies that wiped out much of the Catholic, more strongly follows regional lines than in Belarus is not Ukraine either now or and confront the Kremlin with a challenge Belarusian-speaking west, differences lin- Belarus (Current Time, September 4). should Moscow try to annex it, Russian the latter would find difficult if not impossi- guistically and regionally today are far small- All these diverging opinions about what analysts are warning. It is far more integrat- ble to deflect. er (Kasparov.ru, September 4). Language is a Moscow should do now are obfuscating the ed as a society than Ukraine is, with far Belarus is far more homogeneous ethni- much less neuralgic issue, even though reality that – all of Mr. Putin’s bravado not- fewer regional, linguistic or even religious cally and linguistically than is Ukraine. One- many Belarusian nationalists would like to withstanding – the Kremlin will have to divisions than exist in Ukraine; and it is far fifth the size of the Ukrainian nation, promote their native tongue. And because of give up, at least for the foreseeable future, more European because so many of its peo- Belarusians are far less divided by language President Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s insis- any plans to integrate Belarus fully into the ple have visited Poland and other neigh- than Ukrainians are. Most speak Russian but tence for most of the last two decades that Russian Federation. Sergey Belanovsky, the bors or even gone there to work for a time. do not see speaking Belarusian as a prob- Belarusians are a distinct nation different Moscow sociologist who has attracted As a result, Moscow has little hope of lem, whereas in Ukraine, language remains a from Russians, most of them have accepted widespread attention for his successful repeating the strategy it used in Ukraine to divisive issue that splits the country region- that idea – whether or not they support the predictions related to the Russian protests, play one region or linguistic group against ally, with western Ukraine overwhelmingly long-serving autocrat. In contrast, Mr. Putin is among those making that argument. another (see Eurasia Daily Monitor, August Ukrainian-speaking and people in the east, still believes the Belarusians are a branch of Absorbing Belarus into Russia would be 13; Krizis-Kopilka, September 9; including the occupied territories of the the Russian nation (Rossiyskaya Gazeta, “a very big error” for Moscow, he asserted in Sovershenno Sekretno, August 30). Donbas and Crimea, predominantly speak- October 8, 2019). a recent interview, because Belarusians, That argument accounts for much of the ing Russian. Those linguistic divisions rein- Over recent months, there has been talk who are now angry at Mr. Lukashenka, Kremlin’s present halting approach toward force cultural differences, given that the in Moscow and speculation in the West that would redirect their anger at Moscow. Belarus, where it has not been able to use western Ukrainians look back to their his- Russia might pursue a Ukrainian strategy in Moreover, an annexed Belarus would the playbook Vladimir Putin employed in torical legacy as part of Austria-Hungary Belarus by promoting secession in one or become yet another unstable region, like the Georgia in 2008 or in Ukraine since 2014. while the eastern Ukrainians more often another region (Topcor.ru, August 25, North Caucasus or Khabarovsk, within the And it also helps to explain why a growing look to the Russian state. Moreover, the 2020), but Russian observers have shot Russian Federation’s borders. He posited it number of Russians fear that, while regional borders within Ukraine in many down these proposals as impractical or would be far better for the Kremlin to work Moscow could annex part of Ukraine more cases follow these divisions, unlike in even counterproductive. Moscow will cer- toward the replacement of Mr. Lukashenka or less successfully, it would face disaster if Belarus. Not surprisingly, Moscow exploited tainly continue to support the Russian in such a way that Belarus would remain a it sought to annex Belarus as a whole. In such cleavages in Ukraine in 2014 and con- Orthodox Church in Belarus against that event, Belarusians within Russia tinues to do so now. Catholics and Protestants, but even that (Continued on page 11)

exceeds the norm by about three to four plunge into eternity when you enter Sophia that Ukraine did not appear 30 or 100 Thousand-year-old... times, in some places – five times. We expect of Kyiv,” Archbishop Yevstratiy began his years ago, but much earlier. That they may (Continued from page 1) that this figure will drop by about three address. “This spiritual power has always remember that the Ukrainian Church did times in the first year, and in three years, it been felt here, even when all this could not not appear when we were given the Tomos, equipment will help restore the microcli- will completely return to normal. This tech- be officially said and acknowledged. And [it but was here a long time ago. Here is St. mate in the cathedral buildings and elimi- nology allows walls to be drained naturally, is felt] especially now, when services are Sophia, which is 1,000 years old,” under- nate excessive moisture. Similar technology without resorting to construction work, held here again and prayers are heard.” scored Archbishop Yevstratiy. He went on is used to preserve cultural heritage sites while maintaining the integrity and original “Here, on Independence Day, represen- to thank patrons for their support of the around the world. structure,” explained Mr. Zhuchenko. tatives of all denominations held a joint historic religious complex. St. Sophia Cathedral is one of Ukraine’s The device dampens the electrostatic prayer for Ukraine. This is a good tradition “Physicians and museum workers have most significant historical monuments; it is potential, which causes water to rise to the that shows peace and harmony among all one important mission in common: to take included on the UNESCO World Heritage surface. Water returns to the ground by religious organizations in our country. St. care of health,” said Ms. Kukovalska of the List. The cathedral is a spiritual center in gravity. Afterwards, the wall dries naturally. Sophia unites the Ukrainian people in this sanctuary complex. “In the medical sphere, which the Ukrainian people’s unique heri- Using the BioDry system, the structural as well,” the archbishop said. it is the health of people, while for us, tage of the last millennium is concentrated. integrity of walls remains intact and no He continued: “But, at the same time, in museum workers, it is the health of monu- Thanks to patrons who restored the cumbersome construction work is addition to the spirit, there is also the body. ments. So, we are sincerely grateful to our cathedral during different historical epochs required; thus, the service life of the build- And this body is of a respectable age, so it patrons that they are expanding the hori- after hostile invasions and natural disas- ing is not negatively impacted. After drain- needs special care. We need to preserve zons of treatment and giving a ‘magic pill’ ters, its ancient architecture and the age, it is possible to observe the normaliza- Sophia for posterity so that people know to Sophia of Kyiv.” world’s most complete ensemble of origi- tion of the humidity level and the elimina- nal mosaics and frescoes of the 11th centu- tion of conditions for pathogenic microor- ry have been preserved. ganisms. As a result, the building is brought “St. Sophia Cathedral is at a very venera- up to proper sanitary norms. UCC condemns Russia’s persecution ble age and is sick. Our city’s urbanized “It is a real miracle and joint achieve- environment has a bad effect on her,” said ment of Ukrainians that we managed to of the Crimean Tatar people Nelya Kukovalska, director-general of the preserve this 11th century cathedral,” said National Sanctuary Complex “Sophia of Kateryna Zagoriy, co-founder of the Zagoriy The following statement was released “The draconian sentences handed Kyiv.” “This is an important place for our Foundation, which co-sponsored the proj- by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress on down today by the Russian ‘court’ country, and we will do our best to make ect together with two pharmaceutical com- September 16. against these political prisoners are an Ukrainians happy as long as possible. For a panies, Darnytsia and Interchem. “We have affront to justice and internationally rec- thousand years in Sophia, the waterproof- to thank scientists, builders, renovators, The Ukrainian Canadian Congress ognized human rights,” stated Alexandra ing of the walls collapsed, and today there museum staff for this. And, of course, (UCC) resolutely condemns Russia’s Chyczij, national president of the UCC. is a capillary suction of moisture, and the patrons of all times. It is a great honor for escalating, systematic persecution of the “Canada and the rest of the civilized material is slowly being destroyed. Many us to join their work.” Crimean Tatar People. world must react strongly to the system- technologies can help drain walls, but they “The reconstruction of St. Sophia under The UCC calls on Canada and the ic campaign of terror undertaken by the all imply their destruction, and we cannot Ivan Mazepa was a symbol of Ukraine’s res- international community to respond Russian occupying regime against allow that,” Ms. Kukovalska explained dur- toration after the Ruin. I am confident that strongly and swiftly to Russia’s violations Crimean Tatars and anyone else who ing a briefing on September 16. this joint project will be another important of basic human rights and implement opposes Russia’s occupation of Crimea.” A total of 14 devices have been installed, step towards restoring the culture of chari- sanctions against the Russian officials Over 100 citizens of Ukraine are ille- covering the entire complex of buildings of ty in our country,” she added. [The Ruin responsible. gally imprisoned by the Russian regime. St. Sophia. In Ukraine, such systems are was a period in the late 17th century that Today, the Southern Military Regional The Russian “investigators,” “prosecu- currently in use only on two sites of the was characterized by the disintegration of “court” in Rostov-on-Don sentenced tors” and “judges” and officials responsi- Kyiv-Pecherska Lavra (Kyiv Monastery of Ukrainian statehood and general decline, seven Crimean Tatar civic journalists and ble for their illegal detention are publicly the Caves). notes the Internet Encyclopedia of activists to prison terms of between 13 known. The UCC calls on the government “The equipment installed in St. Sophia Ukraine.] and 19 years. Marlen Asanov, Memet of Canada to use Magnitsky legislation Cathedral has proved its effectiveness,” said Though Metropolitan Epiphany, primate Belyalov, Timur Ibragimov, Seyran Sali­ more robustly, in the way it was intend- Yehor Zhuchenko, director of BioDry of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, was yev, Server Mustafayev, Server Zekiry­ a­ ed, to hold Russian officials to account Ukraine. “It has been saving cultural heri- expected at the project’s presentation, he yev and Edem Smailov were sentenced for their human rights abuses against tage sites around the world for more than was unable to attend because of the funeral to jail for no “crime” other than their Ukrainian prisoners being detained ille- 10 years: Masino Castle in Italy, Malbork of one of Kyiv’s most respected clerics, said courageous resistance to Russia’s illegal gally in Russia, and to sanction the per- Castle in Poland, the Enzo Ferrari Museum. Yevstratiy Zorya, archbishop of Chernihiv occupation of Crimea, the ancestral petrators of religious and cultural perse- And I am very glad that, thanks to philan- and spokesperson for the Ukrainian homeland of the Crimean Tatar people cution against Crimean Tatars. thropic help, Sophia of Kyiv is among them.” Orthodox Church. and an integral part of Ukraine. “The moisture in the reserve walls “It seems that from the 21st century you 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 No. 38

OBITUARY Peter Serba, UNA branch secretary since 1954, veteran of UPA WILMINGTON, Del. – Peter Serba, a loyal At the age of 22, Mr. Serba focused on Mr. Serba spoke proudly of his service in activist of the Ukrainian National the West and reached out to an uncle, also the Ukrainian Insurgent Army in defense of Association and a branch secretary since named Peter Serba, who had immigrated to his homeland, and he would often point out 1954, passed away peacefully on the morn- the United States back in 1913. This was a that he was amazed he had been able to ing of September 12 at his home in man Mr. Serba knew only by name; the two survive as long as he had, given his serious Wilmington, Del. He was 96. had never met since the younger Peter wounds during World War II. He was born on June 10, 1924, in Serba was born in 1924. His uncle wrote Mr. Serba was especially proud when his Nakvasha/Mykyty in the Brody region of back, saying he would sponsor the younger son, Eugene, received his B.S. from Wake Ukraine. The youngest child of Josaphat and Peter Serba’s immigration to America, but Forest University and his M.B.A. from Maria Serba, he had one brother and two he needed to get to Germany. Drexel University. He was equally proud of sisters. It was not a simple matter for members his grandchildren: Dr. Diana Zetterstrom In the midst of World War II, in 1942 and of the UPA to immigrate to America. Once (with husband Paul from Cranford, N.J.), 1943, Mr. Serba completed specialized Mr. Serba made it to Regensburg, Germany, who graduated from Rutgers University training to lead young forces against the he feared repatriation to the Soviet Union. and Temple University; and Gregory Serba enemies of Ukraine. A select few people Despite many difficulties, in March 1949 (with wife Julie from Hillsborough, N.J.), a were chosen from the Brody region for Mr. Serba immigrated to the United States, graduate of Virginia Tech and the such responsibility. When the Russian front settling in Wilmington, Del. He was most University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. advanced, his forces were attached to what proud to become a U.S. citizen in 1951. He especially loved his great grandchil- became the Ukrainian Insurgent Army Mr. Serba gravitated toward St. Nicholas dren, Zoe, Luke and Grace Zetterstrom. He Michael Gold/The Corporate Image (UPA), which fought the Russian Ukrainian Catholic Church in Wilmington. revered the name “Dziadzie” (grandpa) as Communist forces in that region of Ukraine. In 1954, he married Irene née Malanchuk, Peter Serba at the Ukrainian National he was called by his grandchildren and Association’s 39th Regular Convention To avoid capture, Mr. Serba and another and they had one son, Eugene, born in great grandchildren. In recent years, many in 2018. UPA member escaped via a nearly frozen 1955. Mrs. Serba passed away in 2004. who knew Mr. Serba called him Dziadzie. river; Mr. Serba almost died during that epi- Mr. Serba was an active member of the During the 2018 convention, speaking Mr. Serba first returned to Ukraine 50 sode, but survived after a lengthy recovery. Ukrainian National Association and served with Matthew Dubas of The Ukrainian years after he had left the country, in 1992, In 1944, Mr. Serba ended up in Slovakia as secretary of UNA Branch 173 since 1954. Weekly, Peter Serba said: “I look forward to and then again in 2004 for an UPA gather- in an effort to reconnect with the UPA, in He was a delegate to every quadrennial the reforms the UNA will enact in order to ing in Kyiv and in 2007. He was extremely whose ranks he continued to fight aggres- UNA convention since 1958 and proudly attract young members and new blood into proud of his Ukrainian heritage, but just as sion on the part of both the Russian and the signed up over 400 UNA members. He the organization. … I hope to be here and proud to be an American. All who knew German forces during the second world enrolled four generations of his family into continue to work with the UNA for as long him described him as a true gentleman. war. the UNA; all are members of Branch 173. as I am able.” Funeral services were held on September As the war ended and most young peo- He was honored for his more than 64 Mr. Serba worked as a professional tailor 17 at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church ple were trying to recover, Mr. Serba wrote years of service to the UNA in 2018, at the into his retirement years and was active in in Wilmington. Burial followed at Cathedral a letter home to his mother in Ukraine. She organization’s most recent convention, a number of other Ukrainian organizations, Cemetery, also in Wilmington. urged him to not come home for fear the where he was also the oldest delegate. At including the United Ukrainian American In lieu of flowers, contributions in mem- Russians would either kill him, jail him or that convention his son Eugene Serba, pre- Relief Committee (UUARC). He especially ory of Mr. Serba may be sent to: United send him to a concentration camp in viously a UNA auditor and prior to that a enjoyed working around the house or Ukrainian American Relief Committee, Siberia. Such was the fate that awaited all UNA advisor, was elected as the UNA’s sec- spending summers in North Wildwood, N.J., 1206 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111 members of the UPA. ond vice-president. on the beach. (www.uuarc.org). No. 38 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 5

Chancellor Vienna Sebastian Kurz, pro- Ukraine and... posed Vienna as an alternative venue for (Continued from page 1) future talks between Ukraine, Russia and the OSCE. Austria, he said, was ready to cratic and resulted in the change of leaders, make its “contribution.” is both exemplary in this regard and an irri- The most recent provocation by the tant for the enemies of democracy. Lukashenka regime is its exploitation of the There is another reason that what we attempt by about 1,000 Jewish Hassidic pil- are witnessing in Belarus has important grims to circumvent the ban on foreigners historic significance. It is, after all, not just a entering Ukraine because of the coronavi- democratic uprising but simultaneously a rus pandemic by arriving via Belarus. national revolution in the making. The Ukraine has not relented and kept the bor- white-red-white national flag of indepen- der in the north and elsewhere closed to dent Belarus which Mr. Lukashenka has foreigners. On September 16, the Bela­ sought to suppress – and which is still rusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs cynically being torn down and trampled on by his accused Ukraine of religious discrimination masked uniformed and plainclothes “secu- Tut.By and violating human rights. rity” forces – has been embraced as the Tens of thousands march in Minsk on September 13 in support of the Belarusian This, then, is the current situation, with uprising’s banner, while the neo-Soviet opposition to the regime of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka. official Minsk and Kyiv suddenly plunged green and red one that the president has into a cold war as Mr. Lukashenka seeks to imposed as the state colors has been reject- Mr. Lukashenka dropped his pretense of that Belarus will overcome this difficult ingratiate himself with Mr. Putin. But, ed. The Belarusian language, thought by balancing between Moscow and the West, stage without weakening its sovereignty.” together with others, Ukrainians are watch- many to be dying out, is suddenly being and of being a defender of Belarus’s sover- On the same day, while on an official ing with astonishment and sympathy the used proudly and defiantly once again. eignty from Russia and a friend of Ukraine. visit to Austria, President Zelenskyy told unfolding Belarusian developments. In short, what is occurring in Belarus is Realizing that only Moscow could save journalists: “I unequivocally support the To be fair, the support from Ukrainian the remarkable simultaneous resurgence of him from public wrath, President Luka­ Belarusian people. People are fighting for society as a whole has not been as enthusi- democratic and national consciousness. shenka immediately slapped Ukrainian freedom and democracy, without aggres- astic for some reason as could reasonably Consequently, it represents the de facto President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the face sion and violence. No one is throwing be expected from a country that went completion of the dissolution of the former by handing back to Russia mercenaries stones, no one is setting buildings on fire. through the Euro-Maidan and the Soviet Union, with a missing piece in from the “private” Russian Wagner army Many demonstrators are being ill-treated Revolution of Dignity, and skepticism has Europe’s jigsaw being retrieved. It is, in fact, whom he had “detained” on Belarusian ter- by the state. It is important to me that there been displayed in some quarters. Questions the return of an Eastern European state that ritory. Ukraine had sought their extradition is no bloody massacre. If the state refuses have been raised about the Belarusian revo- had been prevented from integrating with because of their suspected involvement in to dialogue with the people, Belarus might lution’s leaders, or apparent lack of them, its European neighbors and kept hostage, the war in the Donbas. Before the election, get something like a Maidan.” Mr. Zelensky their methods, and Russia’s possible economically, politically and culturally by Mr. Lukashenka had encouraged Mr. was referring to the violent side of the con- behind-the-scenes manipulation. Russia and its Eurasian conglomerate. Zelenskyy to believe that he was willing to frontation between Ukrainian protesters Moreover, Ukrainians have been used to The implications for Russia, for Ukraine, hand them over. and the security forces protecting in late claiming the role of Eastern Europe’s pri- Poland and Lithuania, as for Europe and In fact, during the last weeks, relations 2013-early 2014 the then president of mary champion of democratic transforma- geopolitics generally are potentially pro- between official Kyiv and Minsk, have Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych. tion and European values, and some may found and, of course, inevitably problemat- dropped to their lowest point since In light of what is happening in Belarus now feel they are being superseded by the ic because of Moscow’s inevitable opposi- December 1991, when the dissolution of the and Mr. Lukashenka’s alignment with Mr. Belarusian national democratic revolution. tion. But this was the case with the Baltic USSR was agreed upon at the Belovezh­ Putin, the Ukrainian president was asked This is, therefore, also a test for states and more recently with Ukraine. All skaya Pushcha national park in western during his official visit to Vienna if it was Ukraine’s maturity and receptiveness to an will depend ultimately on what the Belarus by the leaders of Russia, Belarus not time to move the “peace talks” with unexpected stimulus for all democratic and Belarusian people decide and what viable and Ukraine. On the other hand, the empa- regard to the war in the Donbas from the European forces, and one that could also options are available. thy and solidarity of Ukrainians, including Belarusian capital of Minsk to another help Ukraine review where it’s at, see pri- Ukraine has aligned itself with its their officialdom, with the Belarusians has country. He refused to be drawn, saying it orities more clearly and strengthen solidar- Western partners, and most notably its probably never been as strong. was necessary to wait and see how the situ- ity with its partners. Ukraine can hardly newly affirmed allies in the Lublin triangle Official Minsk’s attitude remains hostile ation in Belarus develops. What is interest- afford to let its Belarusian neighbors down – Lithuania and Poland – and others, most and provocative. To demonstrate its displea- ing though is that his host, Austrian at this critical historical moment. notably the European Union as a whole, sure, on August 17 Kyiv withdrew its ambas- and has not recognized the results of the sador, Ihor Kyzym, “for consultations.” On his fake Belarusian presidential election. The return on September 7, his diplomatic move by the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada on immunity was violated by Belarusian border September 15 declaring that it does not guards who insisted on checking his vehi- regard Mr. Lukashenka as Belarus’s presi- cle. The Ukrainian side formally protested; dent has underscored this. Minsk denied it had occurred. “We join the European Union’s assess- A more resonant incident occurred on ments of the undemocratic nature of the September 8 when Minsk tried to implicate presidential election in Belarus and sup- Kyiv in a crudely fabricated story of three port the imposition of sanctions on those members of the opposition Coordination responsible for electoral fraud and violence Council supposedly trying to escape across against protesters,” the Ukrainian lawmak- the border into Ukraine. The leading figure, ers declared in the resolution that 228 of Maryya Kalesnikava, tore up her Belarusian them voted to adopt. passport at the last minute to prevent the The resolution also rejected recent accu- scenario engineered by Minsk and was sub- sations from official Moscow, parroting sequently arrested on the Belarusian side. statements emanating from the Kremlin, Her two colleagues, Anton Randyonkau, that Ukraine was involved with Lithuania, press secretary of the Coordination Poland and the Czech Republic in foment- Council, and Ivan Kravtsov, immediately ing disaffection and unrest in Belarus. On gave a press conference in Kyiv describing September 2, Russia’s Foreign Affairs how their involuntary arrival in Ukraine Minister Sergei Lavrov went as far as to had been stage-managed by the Belarusian claim that there were 200 Ukrainian ultra- security services. right radicals in Belarus instigating the The following day, Mr. Lukashenka men- trouble. The following day Mr. Lukashenka tioned Ukraine disparagingly several times faithfully responded to this prompt by in an interview given to Russian journalists. repeating the accusation. He told them that Russia understands that At the time, Ukraine’s Minister of “Belarus cannot be given to the United Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba countered States, as was done with Ukraine.” He this “nonsense,” as he called it, by remind- claimed he had prevented the creation of a ing both Minsk and Moscow that Russia “cordon sanitaire” of the Baltic states, had sent its propagandists to replace Belarus and Ukraine which would keep Belarusian journalists who had refused to Russia further away from Europe and “This support the Lukashenka regime and, as a is why the Americans hate me.” diversionary tactic, was trying to depict its In a resolution passed by the Verkhovna “little green men” as Ukrainian extremists. Rada, the Ukrainian national deputies After the rigging of the presidential elec- affirmed their support for the indepen- tion in Belarus on August 9, which pro- dence of Belarus, warned Russia against voked the massive countrywide protests interfering in its affairs, and stressed: against Mr. Lukashenka’s contempt for “Belarus has always been and will be a fra- democracy, relations between Minsk and ternal state for us, with which we have his- Kyiv were ruptured almost immediately. torical, cultural and spiritual links. We hope 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 No. 38

NEWS AND VIEWS The Ukrainian Weekly Foreign heroes of Ukraine The UNWLA’s soft cultural diplomacy People who have visited Ukraine know that throughout the country there are by Martha Bohachevsky-Chomiak Hewryk as the vice-president and now as many streets and plazas named after famous individuals known for their endeavors chair of cultural affairs, recommends for an in a variety of fields, whether that be politics, the arts, science, or other fields. In We Ukrainian Americans no longer have award either a literary work about Ukraine addition, there are countless buildings that bear plaques commemorating someone to lament that the world doesn’t know or a scholarly work in the humanities and of historical note, a statesman, a public figure, a writer, etc., who lived or worked much about Ukraine. Ukraine just celebrat- social sciences (published in the pertinent there. In Kyiv, there are streets named in honor of poets, war heroes, hetmans, archi- ed the 29th anniversary of the re-establish- year) that contributed significantly to mak- tects, pianists, educators, design engineers, philosophers. The list is long, and it con- ment of its independence. Now Ukraine has ing Ukraine better known in the world. tains Ukrainians and non-Ukrainians. an international reputation, and Ukrainians The literary awardees are now almost Recently, the city of Kyiv voted to honor two foreigners whose work was signifi- are responsible for its content. But we can exclusively Ukrainian writers, and they cant to Ukraine: Gareth Jones (1905-1935) and John McCain (1936-2018). These are still show our concern for our heritage by have as large a readership in Ukraine. The two men, from very different eras and from very different backgrounds, both truth- supporting those who study it. scholarly segment of the Kovaliv Program tellers and principled men who will long be remembered for their deeds. In this brief comment I’d like to call your usually recommends only one awardee Back on April 4, 2019, the Kyiv City Council voted to rename a street in the attention to one such program adminis- every two years. Those works, although Ukrainian capital to pay tribute to U.S. Sen. McCain. The Republican from Arizona tered by the Ukrainian National Women’s important, rarely become best sellers. was known for his fierce opposition to Vladimir Putin and his staunch support of League of America, which continues to The Kovalivs, who settled in Switzerland, Ukraine, including the provision of lethal defensive weapons to help Ukraine fight vouchsafe the good name of the country of made the UNWLA custodians of the Russian aggression. He will perhaps be best remembered by Ukrainians, both in our heritage. bequest because they considered that of all Ukraine and around the globe, for his dramatic appearance on the Maidan on The UNWLA parlays the work of its indi- the Ukrainian diaspora organizations, the December 13, 2013, during the Revolution of Dignity, when he assured the 200,000 vidual branches and showcases its presi- UNWLA best demonstrated transparency people gathered: “The free world is with you, America is with you, I am with you.” dent in major community undertakings. and probity. Through the decades, the pro- On July 31 of this year, the Kyiv City Council approved the naming of a street in We’re aware the organization has been gram continues to prove the accuracy of the honor of Welsh journalist Gareth Jones, who revealed to the world what was hap- supporting needy primary and secondary Kovalivs’ assessment of the UNWLA as a pening in Ukraine in the 1930s under the murderous regime of Joseph Stalin. In conscientious and wise custodian of their 1933, the young Jones stealthily traveled to Ukraine, where he saw first hand the suf- school students in Ukraine, Poland and bequest. fering of the populace, wrote down what he saw in his notebooks and then reported Brazil. We know it publishes the oldest con- The long roster of awardees shines with it in his dispatches, while being attacked by Walter Duranty, the Moscow correspon- tinually running bilingual women’s month- such well-known names as Omeljan dent of The New York Times, who famously denied there was any famine in Ukraine. ly journal Nashe Zhyttia/Our Life and that Pritsak, Lina Kostenko, Yuri Luckyj, Roman As noted by Peter Dickinson, writing on the UkraineAlert blog of the Atlantic Council Szporluk and many others. But the pro- (https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/kyiv-names-street-in-honor- Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv. Those gram does not limit its choices only to of-journalist-who-exposed-stalins-ukrainian-genocide/), “The appearance of a Kyiv areit funds just somethe Women’s of its activities. Studіеs Center at the established scholars. It also includes names street honoring Gareth Jones is arguably long overdue. In that sense, it is very much The organization also engages in quiet in keeping with the delays and denials that have marked the wider struggle for cultural diplomacy that does not readily that would become better known, among greater public awareness of the famine, both in Ukraine itself and internationally. capture our Ukrainian American public’s them George Liber, Oksana Kis, Serhii Despite a staggering death toll, the Holodomor has never achieved the kind of inter- attention. One of its smaller, but neverthe- Plokhii and Adrian Karatnycky. national infamy associated with the most notorious atrocities of the totalitarian 20th less very important, programs is the Petro Many of the Kovaliv-awardee publica- century. Instead, almost 100 years on, it is still the subject of heated political debate and Lesia Kovaliv Bequest. It was estab- tions helped non-Ukrainian scholars and and remains partially shrouded in Soviet disinformation.” lished in the 1950s by the ambassador to journalists structure their studies on vari- Mr. Dickinson went on to rightly note: “There is much more at stake here than Switzerland from the 1919 Ukrainian ous aspects of Ukrainian life. Recently, the belated justice for the victims of the famine. Indeed, the story of Gareth Jones and National Republic and his wife to mark 2017 Kovaliv prize went to Marcy Shore for the Holodomor has a contemporary resonance that extends far beyond Ukraine. At a their 50th wedding anniversary. The aim of her personal and philosophical reflections time when accusations of fake news often overshadow the news cycle and distort the fund is to support works in any lan- on the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution of our understanding of reality, it has never been more important to study the great guage that make a significant contribution Dignity. Her book “The Ukrainian Night: An deceits of the past and recognize the deadly consequences of disinformation.” in literature and/or the humanities about Intimate History of the Revolution” sold The naming of a street is so much more than simply changing a nameplate. The Ukraine. very well and continues to be widely read. significance of a street name is not merely in bestowing public recognition to a per- Thus, on alternate years, an academic jury, son deserving of that honor, it is also important in educating the public and under- headed in the last two decades by Sophia (Continued on page 10) scoring certain values and narratives that are deemed to be consequential to the citi- zenry and worthy of sharing with society at large. Therefore, Kyiv’s decision to unveil John McCain and Gareth Jones streets is a commendable move in honor of two foreign heroes of Ukraine. A MUST READ In an article headlined “I Spent Two Terrifying Days Imprisoned In Belarus,” jour- nalist Dan Peleschuk recounts his harrowing experience covering the opposition protests in Belarus following the rigged presidential election. The story appeared on BuzzFeed.News on August 20. Sept. Turning the pages back... Mr. Peleschuk writes: “For anyone on the streets of Minsk and other cities around the country, the sound Seventy-one years ago, on September 25, 1949, Dr. Friedrich of Alexander Lukashenko’s [Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s] Belarus has now become the 25 Funder of the Catholic newspaper the Register reported from roar of crowds demanding his ouster, fair elections and a freer country. Vienna about the situation in Soviet Ukraine and the functioning “But for me, and the thousands of others detained last week, it’s a combat boot 1949 of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, as it struggled to maintain its striking the side of a human torso. Or the cries of a person buckled in pain. faith in practice under Soviet rule. “Judging by the horrendous accounts of police abuse trickling out of Belarus, my A dwindling number of priests, without a single bishop, were experience was far from the worst. But two days in detention was enough to under- keeping the faith alive in Ukraine – a Church that once boasted many bishops, thousands stand what kept Belarusians cowed and submissive for years – and why that’s now of priests and millions of faithful. The Ukrainian Catholic Church was forcibly liquidated in changing.” 1946 through a sham Synod, orchestrated by the Soviets, which absorbed the Ukrainian Mr. Peleschuk, a Ukrainian American journalist based in Kyiv whose byline has Catholic Church into the Russian Orthodox Church. appeared in The Ukrainian Weekly, traveled to Minsk to report on the election. On the Refugees reported that the 20th century Church of the “catacombs” continued wor- evening of August 10, he was detained by masked and black-clad OMON forces and shiping in old barns and Carpathian mountain recesses, where the few secret priests, driven to the police station, where several dozen people were ultimately brought that dressed as farmers or laborers, continued their work undetected while administering the evening, subjected to searches, verbal abuse and beatings. “All were charged with the sacraments. administrative offense of participating in an unsanctioned rally, which carries a maxi- The Russian Orthodox archbishop of Kyiv (Ivan Sokolov) testified to the fact that these mum sentence of 15 days,” he reports. They were then taken in a troop carrier to a priests carried on their ministry in the face of constant peril, in addition to doing full-time detention facility some 40 miles outside of Minsk, where their ordeal continued. jobs as laborers to earn a living and to escape detection. Mr. Peleschuk writes: “Over the next day and a half in that musty, oxygen-deprived The last Catholic bishop in Soviet Ukraine was Bishop Theodore G. Romzha, apostolic cell – packed with students, techies, small business owners, and blue-collar workers – inmates traded stories about how their arrest sheets had been fabricated to claim administrator of the Eastern Rite Diocese of Mukachevo (Zakarpattia Oblast). Bishop they’d been shouting slogans or inciting protests. Most had been picked off the street Theodore was killed by the Soviet NKVD in 1947 (poisoned by a curare injection adminis- like me; some right front of their homes. …not a single man believed the Lukashenko tered by a nurse imposter, while he was in a hospital recovering from a brutal attack by regime had any legitimacy left.” plain-clothed Soviet military personnel) and he was beatified as a martyr by Pope John His cellmates, he says, “begged me to ‘tell the world’ about everything I’d seen.” Paul II in 2001. Thanks to calls the young journalist was able to surreptitiously make via his cell- Dr. Funder’s report noted that Catholic religious life during those trying times had phone to his parents in the U.S. and a colleague in Kyiv, Mr. Peleschuk was released on intensified and was being practiced with heroic tenacity. Both Latin and Byzantine Rites the third day of his detention when a representative of the U.S. Embassy arrived to had been officially banned by the Soviets, and Church property was turned over the pick him. up Russian Orthodox Church. However, these measures did not stop the practice of Catholicism in Ukraine. To read the full story by Mr. Peleschuk, go to: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/arti- cle/danpeleschuk/belarus-detention-centers-abuse-lukashenko-protests/. (Continued on page 11) No. 38 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 7

FROM FAR AND WIDE by Marco Levytsky Canada’s most indispensable minster Our internal deserts Part I steadily declined, reaching 1.08 percent last year. On another hot issue, scientist During meals at the Intercollegiate Michael Shellenberger recently admitted Center for Classical Studies in Rome in the that he had made exaggerated claims spring semester of 1971, I was impressed about global warming (Daily Wire, June 29, by the porcelain water pitchers inscribed 2020). with lines from St. Francis’ Canticle of All Dire predictions unfairly discredit the Created Things: “Laudato si’, mi Signore, causes they represent. Inequitable distri- per sor’aqua/la quale è multo utile et bution of food resources, for example, humile et pretiosa et casta” (“Be praised, remains a serious problem. The effects of my Lord, for sister water, who is very use- climate change on the environment are not ful and humble and precious and chaste”). seriously disputed. Global warming is con- Forty-four years later, the title of Pope sidered a contributing factor to a variety of Francis’ 2015 encyclical on the environ- environmental disasters such as the fatal ment “Laudato Si’” reminded me of those floods in Kerala, India, in the summer of ornate Italian vessels. This shows not only 2019 and in western Ukraine last spring. how an ordinary household object can The issue is rather the role of anthropo- On August 24, Chrystia Freeland posted this photo on her Facebook Page. The caption leave a lifelong impression on the under- genic factors such as “greenhouse gases.” read: “Today, my family and I are proud to join fellow Ukrainian-Canadians in cele- graduate imagination, but also how the Some scientists, and many politicians, dis- brating Ukrainian Independence Day. Canada is a steadfast partner to Ukraine and Franciscan vision inspires environmental pute the 2013 report of the United Nations’ will always stand up for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Слава Украї­ні!”. (She awareness. The pope writes of his name- International Panel on Climate Change, didn’t say which year this picture was taken, but it is unlikely to have been this year.) sake, “His response to the world around which stressed the human factor in global him was so much more than intellectual warming. They point to the absence of 100 If there is one minister in Canada’s who did he turn to? Again, Chrystia Freeland. appreciation or economic calculus, for to percent scientific certainty. But the “pre- Cabinet that stands head and shoulders She was appointed deputy prime minister him each and every creature was a sister cautionary principle” calls for prudent pre- above all others – it is our Chrystia. – a position that is filled at the discretion of united to him by bonds of affection. That is ventive action even when doubt remains. I say “our” Chrystia, because Deputy the prime minister and had been vacant why he felt called to care for all that exists.” Thus, the 2016 Paris Agreement calls for Prime Minster Chrystia Freeland is of since 2006. In addition, she was allocated (LS, no. 11) the portfolio of intergovernmental affairs action to limit the increase in the average Ukrainian origin and very proud of it. She Fresh drinking water, in fact, is our fun- so she could deal with the Conservative global temperature. has also been a very effective voice within damental resource. Drought causes famine premiers. This she did and achieved much Given its environmental problems, it is Canada’s government for both our commu- and mass population movement, such as better rapport with them than Mr. Trudeau not surprising that Ukraine exhibited eco- nity in Canada and Ukraine in general. the North African migration into Europe. ever managed. logical consciousness even before indepen- Her grandfather, Mykhailo Chomiak, Salt water, too, is essential: oceans absorb And when, on August 6, Mr. Trump dence. The Green World Association served as an editor with Lviv’s Dilo, 30 percent of the globe’s carbon pollution. decided to impose tariffs on Canadian alu- appeared in 1987, Dr. Yuri Shcherbak’s Krakivski Visti and, at the end of his career, Ocean bottoms contain rare earth ele- minum, despite the fact this would cause Green Party in 1990. But in Kyiv last preceded me as editor of Ukrainian News ments. Pollution by plastics endangers economic harm to both countries, who was November, a “Fridays for [the] Future” in Edmonton. Ms. Freeland decided to fol- marine birds and mammals as well as fish. it who spearheaded Canada’s response? demonstration drew only 40 people (The low in his footsteps and began her journal- Overfishing, acidification and biodiversity istic career freelancing from Ukraine in the Not Mr. Trudeau. Once again it was our Ukrainian Weekly, December 6, 2019). Yet loss threaten the marine environment late 1980s. This led to a variety of editorial Chrystia. the problems persist. In the Donbas, the (“The Fragile State of the World’s Ocean: A positions at the Financial Times, The Globe She announced that Canada will impose Russian invasion, like most wars, has Transatlantic Response,” Carnegie and Mail and Thomson Reuters, but early in dollar-for-dollar tariffs on U.S. metal prod- wreaked environmental havoc. Coal mines Foundation, July 14, 2020). her career she also contributed to this ucts. What’s more, the targets will include are flooded, toxic chemicals from unex- Like water, air is an existential need. paper and Ukrainian News. numerous products made in swing states ploded ordnance leach into groundwater, Hydrocarbon pollution has led to a search She was elected to the House of key to the U.S. president’s re-election. and waste water treatment facilities are for alternatives to fossil fuels. Another easi- Commons in 2013 and, following the 2015 And, most recently, when Finance damaged (Kristina Hook and Richard ly pictured and therefore popular issue is election, was appointed to the Cabinet by Minister Bill Morneau announced his sud- Marcanto­nio, “War-related environmental wildlife protection. While non-specialists newly elected Prime Minister Justin den resignation (some say he was forced disaster in Ukraine,” Bulletin of the Atomic out to serve as the scapegoat for the WE may not appreciate the importance of bio- Trudeau as minister of international trade. Scientists, October 16, 2018). Long- charity scandal), who did Mr. Trudeau turn diversity and the consequences of habitat She performed a stand-up role in that standing problems like pollution of the to? Chrystia Freeland once again. loss, anyone can understand ethical con- portfolio – especially in dealing with the Dnipro and deforestation in the While this is a historically significant cerns about whaling, the ivory trade, smug- fractious European Union. At one point, she Carpathians continue unchecked. Deep- appointment – the first time a woman has gling of exotic animals and sale of their even walked out of the negotiations when seated corruption hampers the efforts of ever been named to that particular Cabinet body parts. an impasse was reached. This proved to be the Ministry of Environmental Protection. post, it comes during the worst economic Worldwide environmental concern is the catalyst that led to successful conclu- Like investigative journalists and corrup- crisis Canada has suffered since the Great occasionally aroused by disasters or near- sion of the Comprehensive Economic and tion fighters, environmental activists face Depression. Aside from a record unemploy- disasters like Love Canal in the 1970s, Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada personal danger. Nevertheless, NGOs like ment rate of 13.7 percent – the highest Times Beach in the 1980s, Three Mile and the EU. (She also negotiated a free- Ekodiya, which seeks to promote environ- since comparable record-keeping began in Island in 1979 and Chornobyl in 1986. The trade agreement with Ukraine, but that was mental education and legislation, remain 1976 – the federal government is ready to harmful effects of pesticides were popular- nowhere near as difficult.) active. post a $343 billion deficit next year, or ized by Rachel Carson’s 1962 book “Silent So, when Donald Trump won the 2016 The effects of environmental degrada- roughly 16 percent of GDP, dwarfing any Spring,” which led to government regula- U.S. presidential election vowing to rip up tion are social and economic as well as bio- fiscal shortfalls previously seen in Canadian tion and new, environmentally friendly the North American Free Trade Agreement logical. It contributes to hunger and pover- history. technologies. (NAFTA), Mr. Trudeau realized he needed a ty. It exacerbates inequality among popula- So, Ms. Freeland has her work cut out for Alarmism, however, only feeds skepti- foreign affairs minister who had the gump- tions and countries. A true ecological her. But most observers are convinced she cism. In 1968, Paul and Anne Ehrlich wrote tion to stand up to him in the tortuous approach, writes Pope Francis, must con- will tackle that crisis successfully, just as the best-selling “Population Bomb,” which negotiations that were to come. Who did he sider the dimension of social justice, “so as she has tackled other crisis situations in the predicted that hundreds of millions of peo- turn to? Chrystia Freeland. to hear both the cry of the earth and the past. She is Prime Minister Trudeau’s – and ple would starve to death in the 1970s Then, last year, when Mr. Trudeau had Canada’s – most indispensable minister. cry of the poor” (LS no. 49). At times, how- because world population growth would his majority reduced to a minority, losing Many believe she would be a much bet- ever, dilemmas arise. Deforestation in the outstrip food supply. The Ehrlichs advocat- the popular vote and alienating western ter prime minister than Mr. Trudeau him- Amazon basin aggravates global warming, ed measures including artificial birth con- Canadians to such an extent that the self. Some even say he should step aside destroys natural habitats and stunts biodi- trol, abortion, and sterilization. As it Liberals were totally shut out in two prov- now. This is unlikely to happen soon, but it versity. But poor farmers need wood for turned out, 1968 was the peak year for inces, he realized he needed someone who does look like Mr. Trudeau is grooming her fuel and land for cultivation. If they are world population growth, at 2.09 percent. could mend fences with Alberta and to become his successor. forced to leave their farms, they gravitate After that, the annual rate of increase Saskatchewan a lot better than he could. So, One way or another Ms. Freeland’s time to urban ghettos with their attendant will come. And that will mark a most signif- socio-economic and cultural pathologies. Marco Levytsky may be contacted at icant achievement for Canada’s Ukrainian Andrew Sorokowski can be reached at [email protected]. community. [email protected]. (Continued on page 15) 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 No. 38 No. 38 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 9

Andrij Parekh gets Emmy nod in directorial debut

by Matthew Dubas series has brought Mr. Parekh more squarely into the world of television. With numerous feature films to his PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Cinematographer Andrij Parekh, credit, Mr. Parekh said his work on the HBO series was “an with 20 years of experience in that role, was nominated for amazing experience” and was a chance for continued per- an Emmy Award for “Outstanding Directing for a Drama sonal growth. Series” for directing the HBO series “Succession,” specifical- “Back in film school, I was terrified of actors. I had no ly the “Hunting” episode. vocabulary to speak to them. So I found it comfortable He also worked as director on the “Vaulter” and “Which behind the camera. Directing for me was an opportunity Side Are You On?” episodes, from the 2018 and 2019 sea- for growth, to come out of my shell, to use other muscles,” sons. Mr. Parekh also worked on the series as director of he said. photography for three episodes in 2018. He described his directorial debut as “a great experi- Mr. Parekh’s other recent work as a cinematographer ence, a comfortable transition. I knew the story, the cast has included the “Watchmen” television mini-series for one and had support from everyone doing it.” episode in 2019, “It’s Summer and We’re Running Out of Mr. Parekh’s years as director of photography also helped Ice”; a Nokia commercial, “No Time to Die” (2020); and him to settle into the director’s chair. Most importantly, he “Naked Singularity” (2020), which is in post-production. strived to “never get in the way of getting a great perfor- As a director, Mr. Parekh’s recent works have included mance. Don’t take time from the director yet never be too “Brave New World” (as executive producer) on the NBC- far away. It’s the way I had been shooting for 20 years, owned Peacock television-streaming series (2020) for two spending time with directors, watching great directors.” IMDB.com Working with cinematographer Christopher Noor for episodes, titled “Monogamy and Futility” (parts one and Andrij Parekh, a filmmaker of Ukrainian and Indian two), as well as directing the 2019 mini-series “Watchmen” the HBO series, Mr. Parekh noted how he had developed a descent, is nominated for an Emmy Award for 2020 for for the episode “If You Don’t Like My Story, Write Your Own.” trusting relationship with Mr. Norr and how, as a director, his work on HBO’s “Succession.” The HBO series “Succession,” which chronicles the life of he became more hands-off. “There’s always that urge to a modern-day dynastic family, has received 18 Emmy nom- give someone your two cents. But it’s interesting to see a 2010 he received a nomination for an Independent Spirit inations. The Emmy Awards, which recognize achievement different read and the incredible results – to see what Award for his cinematography on the film “Cold Souls” and in television broadcasting, will be held online on someone else sees as opposed to your own vision…” was invited to become a member of the American Society September 20 (which happens to be Mr. Parekh’s birthday) Mr. Parekh, who is of Ukrainian descent on his mother’s of Cinematographers. on ABC networks. side and of Indian descent on his father’s side, has been As for the future, Mr. Parekh said he is more comfortable The Emmy nod came “as quite a shock,” Mr. Parekh working in the film industry since 1998. He graduated behind the camera than as a director, “But an Emmy nomi- explained to shootonline.com, noting that he’s “a little bit from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts (MFA, nation doesn’t hurt. It helps one’s confidence, puts a little new to directing. ‘Succession’ was my first transition into 2001) and the FAMU film school in Prague (Prague, 1998). wind in the sails.” directing. I’m still shooting as a DP [director of photogra- He was included among Filmmaker Magazine’s “25 New For additional information, readers may visit Mr. phy]. I love both directing and shooting.” Faces of Indie Film” in 2004 and was named in 2006 as Parekh’s website, www.andrijparekh.com or e-mail him at Besides his opportunity to direct, the “Succession” Variety Magazine’s “Ten Cinematographers to Watch.” In [email protected].

Candidate sees herself as a warrior for New York communities

by Adrian Bryttan der, burglary and auto theft crimes. The American Legislative Council named New NEW YORK – This November marks the York the worst state in the U.S. for its eco- first time a Ukrainian American, Tamara nomic outlook, with New York City seeing Lashchyk, will be on the ballot for New York people “fleeing the city.” State Assembly in the crucial Manhattan Ms. Lashchyk is confident her skills and District 66. Ms. Lashchyk was born in the experience make her best qualified to help Big Apple and currently resides in Soho. A New York at this critical time, because she veteran of over 26 years on Wall Street, she has been part of every crisis task force, is passionate about her birthplace and peo- including 9/11 and the financial crisis. ple. Over several interviews, exclusively for Reopening small businesses and restau- The Ukrainian Weekly, Ms. Lashchyk rants to capacity is her top priority. detailed her vision and remedies for New Ms. Lashchyk believes they can flourish York, stressing the importance of this elec- again, “but not under the policies of the tion – especially for the Ukrainian American current administration and not with elect- community. ed officials who don’t understand business Always riding her rented Citi Bike, Ms. and economics. The policies of both Mayor Lashchyk is a familiar sight throughout her [Bill] de Blasio and Gov. [Andrew] Cuomo district, which extends south from 14th are killing small businesses. Either they Street to include the East and West Villages, have no understanding, or they’re inten- Tribeca and Soho. Daily, she hears the resi- Tamara Lashchyk on a rented Citi Bike in New York City. tionally trying to ruin the city. I truly ques- dents’ primary concerns: jump-starting tion their motives.” Running on the Republican ticket, Ms. diversity of thought brings about the great- small businesses and restaurants, crime Both city and state are bloated bureau- Lashchyk realizes that ultimately, we all est innovation. I do, however, want to be cracies, with a great deal of mismanage- and safety. During COVID, she continues want the same things and can find common shown respect for my views and not be told visiting hospitals to support doctors and ment, says Ms. Lashchyk, and she pledges ground – and not get hung up on labels. At that my opinion is wrong – I extend this to eliminate red tape, and fight graft and staff, thanking them for their bravery. heart, her platform is bipartisan: core eco- same courtesy to others.” corruption in Albany. In her current job as a career coach, she nomic issues and safety for the community. The world’s greatest city cannot wait is devoted to helping anyone succeed, and Problems to solve A Republican since age 18, she says those another 10 years before its issues are fixed. believes our country offers opportunities who know her well understand she is prag- New York faces grave consequences not Ms. Lashchyk asserts that the current gov- for all, saying, “We don’t teach how to matic and balanced. only from the COVID pandemic, but also ernor is showboating and together with the become successful, nor how to manage Ms. Lashchyk elaborated, “As a moderate from a looming economic disaster, the flight mayor is playing politics, instead of money. I show people how to harness their Republican, I find more in common with of residents and a spike in violent crime. addressing the issues. For example, she was ambitions and develop the right strategy to moderate Democrats than with the right According to a grim report by The “appalled to see the governor’s overreach achieve their dream career.” wing of my own party. Although I lean right, Partnership of New York City, one third of through Executive Order – banning the use This passion to help others was always my views are diverse, and on certain issues, the city’s 230,000 small business may of a highly politicized drug for COVID-19. central to her life. After a successful career particularly social ones, they lean left. I’ve never reopen again, and only 40 percent of Medical decisions should always be in financial services with major firms like J. spoken to many Democrats and liberals, Manhattan’s office workers will return by between you and your doctor.” P. Morgan, Merrill Lynch, Bank of America and if they listen with an open mind, they year’s end. With the exodus of tens of thou- As she puts it, “Their inept decisions are and Deutsche Bank, Ms. Lashchyk com- also support my views. I know the sands of affluent city dwellers, the com- neither lucid, nor coherent - and they seem posed her highly praised book “Lose the Republican Party is not perfect, and I want bined wealth in the Big Apple dropped by to be politically motivated. People are dying Gum: a Survival Guide for Women on Wall to help reform it. We should narrow the gap $336 billion in the 12 months ending June as a result. This is unconscionable. I myself Street.” The author stated, “Helping women between parties to accomplish more – and 30. know more people who’ve died of COVID- advance has always been a passion of mine avoid gridlock.” After the politically motivated disband- 19 than I knew who died in 9/11. Two of and the inspiration for my book. I was even In today’s extreme political climate, ing of the New York Police Department’s my friends’ parents died as a result of Gov. recognized by winning the Woman of Wall absence of civil discourse often introduces anti-crime unit in June, gun violence Cuomo’s nursing home debacle. It’s one Street Award. I will make advocacy for animosity, affecting even family members. exploded with a shocking 205 percent thing to hear talking points, it’s another women more of a priority for the GOP, after Ms. Lashchyk explained, “I personally don’t increase. This was the bloodiest June in 24 I am elected.” want everyone to think like me, because years, accompanied by huge leaps in mur- (Continued on page 10) 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 No. 38

tary laboratory found the anti-corruption the intellectual sphere of modern Europe NEWSBRIEFS campaigner had been poisoned with a The UNWLA’s... and not on the peripheries of Russian (Continued from page 2) Soviet-style military nerve agent from the (Continued from page 6) imperial life. Especially now, when the Novichok group. Russian authorities have study of the so-called Western civilization sit of Russian gas and fears being weakened refused to open a criminal investigation, The Kovaliv Award for 2019, on the is no longer mandatory, Prof. Procyk offers by Nord Stream 2. Austria’s OMV is one of saying that no hard evidence of poisoning other hand, went to a book of a different the knowledgeable reader an exquisite the European companies in the consortium has been found. (RFE/RL, with reporting genre, but one that also promotes a fuller view of Ukraine’s past. Her analysis of the involved in financing the $11 billion pipe- by AFP and Die Presse) understanding of Ukraine’s national striv- modern nationalist movements in Europe line. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, also speak- ings. Anna Procyk’s “Giuseppe Mazzini’s positions the Kyivan Brotherhood of Ss. ing next to Mr. Zelenskyy later in the day, Investigators summon Andriy Bohdan ‘Young Europe’ and the Birth of Modern Cyril and Methodius within the context of echoed Mr. Van der Bellen’s view that there Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigations Nationalism in the Slavic World,” published European thought and sensibility in 19th was no need to halt Nord Stream 2 because (DBR) has summoned the former chief of by the University of Toronto Press, will be century humanism. of Mr. Navalny’s poisoning. The pipeline is the presidential administration, Andriy widely used in schools and universities, These are but a few examples of the “economically a positive project,” Mr. Kurz Bohdan, for questioning after a controver- and read by a growing audience of readers recent activity of the UNWLA. As you see, said. The conservative chancellor added sial interview he gave to journalist Dmytro interested in the beginnings of modern this venerable organization continues its that the project was about energy diversifi- Gordon, in which he spoke about the sensi- nationalism in Europe. It deserves to be steady but quiet tread on our native soils, cation for Europe. Mr. Zelenskyy said he tive issue of Crimea. “On September 9, in read by the Ukrainian American audience be it marking the centenary of women’s understood Austria’s economic and busi- his interview to a media outlet, the former because it offers a badly needed corrective right to vote in the U.S.A. or celebrating ness interests, but that Nord Stream 2 is chief of the Presidential Office, Andriy to the study of the origins of modern Ukraine’s long road to self-determination. tied with Ukraine’s energy security and the Bohdan, made public information about Ukrainian nationalism. future flow of energy to Europe. He said he the alleged existence of agreements with Prof. Procyk approaches her topic from Martha Bohachevsky-Chomiak is a mem- outside Ukraine, thus placing Ukraine’s hoped the pipeline would be seen “from Russian officials about the status of [the ber of Ukrainian National Women’s League of 19th century writers where they belong: in our point of view.” Austria’s fellow EU Russia-annexed Ukrainian peninsula of] America Branch 78 and a Kovaliv awardee. members Poland and the Baltic states are Crimea, air communication with Russia, the also opposed to Nord Stream 2, and the exchange of prisoners, and a number of United States has sought to halt the project other agreements that are not supported this nomination, but was asked to run by the Manhattan GOP, who were impressed with sanctions that have infuriated by [Ukraine’s] laws and regulations, and by Candidate... with her ideas, political acumen and busi- European capitals. Germany has been one other orders of the Supreme Commander (Continued from page 9) ness qualifications. “I was chosen to run, of Nord Stream 2’s biggest proponents, but of Ukraine’s Armed Forces,” the DBR said in and I felt it was my duty to serve my com- there are growing calls within Chancellor a statement, adding that Mr. Bohdan had when you know someone who’s been per- sonally impacted.” munity,” she states. Angela Merkel’s coalition government and been summoned for questioning “due to As regards crime and safety, Ms. In 2018, only 45,000 of 132,000 District the opposition to halt the pipeline over the the social significance of the issues raised.” Lashchyk said, “It’s heartbreaking to see a 66 constituents voted. Ukrainian voters can Navalny poisoning if Moscow doesn’t coop- In the interview with Mr. Gordon, issued on return to the 1970s, when increasing crime definitely make a difference. And it would erate with a transparent investigation. Mr. September 9, Mr. Bohdan, who was relieved signaled a rapid downward spiral for New certainly be good to have someone in office Navalny suddenly fell ill on a Russian of his duties in February, said that Ukraine York. People should feel and be safe. represent their interests. Over the years, domestic flight on August 20 and was med- Current policies aren’t working. You can Ukrainian immigrants brought their strong (Continued on page 11) ically evacuated to Germany, where a mili- feel how violent crime is on the rise. In the sense of family, faith and traditions, work last months, a menacing tone has permeat- ethics, and community values. But it’s also ed our community, especially in East important to learn from our history. Village. I myself worry about the safety of Ms. Lashchyk explained that Ukrainians my older relatives.” who lived through World War II draw par- She pledges her full support for the allels from Soviet times to what they are TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 police, and will advocate for the needs of all seeing today in the U.S. They now recognize or e-mail [email protected] residents against “progressive” crime bills. media propaganda pushing a narrative that simply isn’t true – because they see differ- The future: Robotics ently with their own eyes. SERVICES PROFESSIONALS Looking ahead, Ms. Lashchyk predicts a Closing our churches during a global dramatic shift in industries. Financial cor- pandemic reminds them of how religion МАРІЯ ДРИЧ porations don’t plan to bring back their was forbidden under Communism, she Ліцензований Продавець employees until 2021. Many realize they comments. During COVID, they’ve been Страхування Життя won’t need to be in New York at all. New slipping into church through a side door, МАRІA DRICH sectors may come in, she says, if they are while closed front gates gave an appear- Licensed Life Insurance Agent incentivized them properly. Talented peo- ance of compliance. This parallel is chilling. Ukrainian National Assn., Inc. ple will transform Manhattan into a vast Summing up, Ms. Lashchyk said, technological nexus. “Freedom of speech was not permitted 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054 Her goal is to focus on one particular under the Soviets, and now we experience Tel.: 973-292-9800 ext. 3035 sector: robotics. She explained: “If we truly that too. Older Ukrainians are alarmed by e-mail: [email protected] pursue a de-coupling strategy from China the similarities and worry Communism is and bring manufacturing jobs back to the coming to America. We need to be vigilant U.S., we will need to advance in this tech- and protect our rights and freedoms, and OPPORTUNITIES nology. I want New York to become the never take them for granted.” Robotics Capital of the World by attracting Ms. Lashchyk is eager and confident in her EARN EXTRA INCOME! tech talent to the city, and manufacturing campaign to help save New York. She capabilities to upstate. This would be a declared: “I do love this country and, as a The Ukrainian Weekly is looking win-win all around.” world traveler, the best part of every overseas for advertising sales agents. trip is always when the pilot announces: For additional information contact The election ‘Welcome to the United States.’ This always Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, In the overwhelmingly Democratic fills my heart with warmth. America is my The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. District 66, Deborah Glick has been the rep- home and I will always protect and defend it.” resentative in the State Assembly for 28 “I’m a warrior destined to defend our years (and so far refuses to debate Tamara freedoms and I am 100 percent confident I Ukrainian lady looking for live- WANT IMPACT? Lashchyk). Ms. Glick is openly gay and will win this election!” in employment caring for an accentuates her Jewish identity on social For more information, readers may go elderly person. Has extensive Run your advertisement here, media; the district has a very large concen- to: tamaraforny.com; https://www.face- experiance in such work. in The Ukrainian Weekly’s tration of both groups. book.com/TamaraforNY/; https://twitter. Tel. 908-937-7219 Natalia CLASSIFIEDS section. Regarding her own political ambitions, com/TamaraforNY; and https://www.ins- Ms. Lashchyk explained that she didn’t seek tagram.com/tamaraforny/. No. 38 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 11

September 11) is seen as a cynical ploy mal, even today. Priests were unable to be Belarusian... because it follows the authorities’ denial of Turning... present at these sacraments, but they sent (Continued from page 2) re-entry to the leader of Belarusian (Continued from page 6) their blessings by blessing the wedding Catholics (see EDM, September 8). rings or blessing a handful of soil that was ably stems from the emotional perspective, However, the pope could prove to become By law, no Catholic priest was permitted to be deposited on the gravesite. Baptisms but it is worth pointing out that the an influential mediator; otherwise, all to exercise his functions as a priest, but would be conducted by the parents them- absence of a diplomatic envoy since 2008 mediation will only come from Russia. nevertheless the celebration of divine litur- selves, using holy water provided by the had arguably diminished U.S. influence in Clearly, the analytical lens cannot be gy continued. The success of this under- priest. Belarus for a decade – resulting in a short- fully subdued to emotion when it comes to ground Church was due to the secrecy of During this COVID-19 pandemic, we age of levers to pull today. crafting smart policy. their worship services. Sacred spaces were have seen religious life shift to the online Likewise, from the emotional perspec- created using a slab of rock as a makeshift realm, where services are livestreamed, tive (Facebook.com/people/Alexandr- The article above is reprinted from altar with minimal ornamentation, usually limitations were placed on funerals and Feduta, September 11), the fact that Minsk Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from a crucifix and two candles. Greater scenes baptisms, and even weddings have not has just reiterated its invitation for the its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, of devotion were witnessed at these make- been held in the same way prior to the pope to visit Belarus (Svaboda.org, www.jamestown.org. shift churches than in the grandest cathe- coronavirus outbreak. As parishes reopen, drals of the world, Dr. Funder noted. and parish community life resumes under He further explained that some people these new conditions, things may have walked 50 miles to attend services, and been difficult to adjust to during the COVID- said. Importantly, Belarus is not Crimea. It only a few people could leave any single vil- 19 outbreak, but let us not forget what A problem... has not been subjected to government lage at the same time, and never more than Ukrainians have endured in recent history (Continued from page 3) efforts to change its ethnic identity as one member of any household so that sus- and the blessings received. Russians in the now-occupied Ukrainian picions would not be aroused. separate country but be prepared to coop- peninsula were. Instead, it has grown used Marriages and funerals were very differ- Source: “Catacombs in Ukraine,” The erate with Russia on the most important to being “a separate nation and state.” ent from what would be considered nor- Ukrainian Weekly, October 3, 1949. issues (Biznes Online, September 2). While unification might have been possible Increasingly, the sociologist suggested, in the 1990s, it is not something today’s Russians understand that the two coun- Belarusians want, he argues. made by Mr. Zelenskyy since he took office tries have lived separate lives for too long Russia has not yet lost the war for “the NEWSBRIEFS last year. Mr. Bohdan wrote on Facebook on for Belarus simply to be absorbed. It has a hearts and minds of Belarusians,” Mr. (Continued from page 10) September 9 that he had left Ukraine for different social, economic and political Belanovsky noted. “The Rubicon has not Romania after receiving threats following experience than Russia, and it would not fit yet been crossed,” as far as the Belarusians had not implemented promises given to the interview. Mr. Bohdan’s appointment to easily into the matrix Mr. Putin has created are concerned. They are still fighting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the the post of the chief of the Presidential in the Russian Federation. Unfortunately, he Lukashenka rather than with Russia. “But if normalization of ties between the two Office in May 2019, after Mr. Zelenskyy won contended, there is “an aggressive group” in [Moscow] backs Lukashenka, anti-Russian countries, made allegations about individu- the presidential election, sparked contro- Moscow, led by people like State Duma slogans will arise”; and if it absorbed them, als who can influence Ukrainian President versy as he used to be a lawyer for the pow- Chairperson Vyacheslav Volodin and RT Belarusians within Russia will add their Volodymyr Zelenskyy and suggested possi- erful tycoon Ihor Kolomoisky. (RFE/RL’s Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan, who voices to the Khabarovsk protesters. Today, ble ways to fix what he called “mistakes” Ukrainian Service) want Moscow to send in troops and seize Moscow might be able to counter such a Belarus. Such a step, Mr. Belanovsky says, development. But it is an open question as would be “insanity and a catastrophe.” to for how long that would remain the case. Ділимося сумною вісткою, що в понеділок “We would obtain in place of Belarus a ввечері, 22-го червня 2020 року, в місті large and unstable region,” adding to The article above is reprinted from San Anselmo, California, упокоївся в Бозі Moscow’s problems, whereas a Belarus Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from without Mr. Lukashenka could remain an its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, на 98-му році життя наш найдорожчий ally sympathetic to Russia, the sociologist www.jamestown.org. ЧОЛОВІК, БАТЬКО і ДІДУСЬ св. п. We sadly announce that our dearest husband, father, grandfather д-р ЄВГЕН ВАРВАРІВ and great-grandfather Євген Варварів народився 15-го березня 1923 року на далекій Волинській землі, яку під час Другої світової війни залишив з роди- Peter Buniak ною назавжди. Кінець війни зустріла родина в Німеччині біля міста passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2020. Франкфурт. В молодих роках Євген грав у футбол і незабаром вклю- чився у футбольну команду «Eintracht Frankfurt», що в свою чергу He was born in the village of Saranchuky, Berezhany оплачувало його навчання на медичному факультеті Франкфуртсько- district, Ternopil region of Ukraine in 1925. During го університету Goethe. Згодом Євген Варварів переїхав у Мюнхен, де World War II he fought in the Divisia against the в Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat, 10-го лютого 1960 року він одержав enemies of Ukraine, sent to a displaced persons camp in Bayreuth, Germany, лікарський диплом. before emigrating to Australia. He eventually settled in the United States in 1957. He was a successful businessman and philanthropist for a myriad of Після закінчення університету, д-р Євген переїхав до Америки, де Ukrainian causes with strong family values and an extraordinary work ethic. його батько о. Василь Варварів заснував Українську православну па- “Never give up” was truly his mantra, for despite numerous hardships, Peter рафію св. Андрія Первозваного у Вашинґтоні, Д.К. Отець Василь був Buniak pressed on with great fortitude as a quintessential survivor and активним членом УНР у 1918 році в Міністерстві безпеки але, внаслі- incredible inspiration to all who had been privileged to have known him. док тогочасних історичних подій він знайшов інше покликання й обі- йняв сан священика на Волині. The following remained in deep sorrow: Д-р Євген зробив необхідні вимоги медичного тренування (рези- wife - Natalia, with whom he was married 66 years дентури) у Washington Hospital Center і шукав місце для практики. children - Gregory and his wife Lusia В той час, відомий провідник шахтарів в Америці, John Llewelyn - Borys and his wife Lida Lewis, заохочував лікарів оселитись в Апалачських горах, де була - Christina with her – ancé Tom Falconer розвинута вугільна промисловість і вуглекопи дуже страждали від grandchildren - Peter and his wife Christina, Oksana Ayala with вугільного пилу, який осідав на легенях і нищив здоров’я. her husband Alexis, Liana Loevet with her husband Д-р Євген з групою лікарів переїхав до Західньої Вірджинії (West Victor, William, Nicholas, Zachary, Adriana, Steven Virginia), де багато його пацієнтів були вихідцями з України і раділи, Bytz, Andrew Bytz and Roman Bytz. що лікар розуміє їхню мову і вислуховує їхні скарги. І так він працю- great-grandchildren - Gregory and Markian, Marianna and Aurian вав до похилого віку, а потім його син, д-р Василь забрав його до себе у Каліфорнію доживати старечий вік. Ayala, Tyler and Emma Bytz Незглибний смуток огортає душу, коли діти ховають своїх немічних nephew - Petro Hrynchyshyn батьків. There is no such cheerful and loving husband, dad, grandfather and Похоронні відправи відбудуться на цвинтарі св. Андрія у South great-grandfather! The All-Merciful Lord, receive his soul into the Kingdom Bound Brook, N.J. після знесення обмежень на подорожування, на- of Heaven. Eternal and bright memory! кладених у зв’язку з пандемією COVID-19. Panakhyda was held Saturday, September 12th, at St. John the Baptist У великому смутку залишилися: Ukrainian Catholic Church , 60 N Je— erson Rd, Whippany, NJ. дружина - Тамара Funeral was also held Saturday, September 12th, at St Andrews сини - д-р Василь Memorial Church, 280 Main Street, South Bound Brook, NJ. - Тарас з дружиною д-р Монікою In lieu of ˜ owers, our family asks that contributions, in memory of онук - Тарік-Олександр Peter Buniak be made to the Revived Soldiers of Ukraine (rsukraine.org) прибраний внук - Адам or St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Whippany. та широка родина Варварів Memory eternal. Вічна Йому пам’ять! 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 No. 38

THIS PAID ADVERTISEMENT DOES NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS AND POSITION OF THIS PUBLICATION. No. 38 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 13

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Ukraine’s Independence Day marked in SW Florida by Vira Bodnaruk NORTH PORT, Fla. – The Ukrainian American communi- ty of Southwest Florida, with its center in North Port, cele- brated the 29th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence on Monday, August 24, at North Port City Hall. The solemn occasion began with the raising of the American and Ukrainian flags by Ukrainian American Veterans of Post 40, while the attending community mem- bers sang the American and Ukrainian national anthems. Debbie McDowell, mayor of North Port, read the procla- mation that designated August 24, 2020, as Ukrainian Independence Day in the city. She stressed that Ukrainian people today are courageously fighting Russian aggression to protect their eastern borders, and work hard toward establishing Ukraine as a true democracy. Daria Tomashosky, president of Ukrainian American Club of SW Florida, thanked the mayor and the commis- sioners of North Port for their enduring support. She expressed hope that next year, for the 30th anniversary, the Bohdan Bodnaruk Ukrainian community can have a more joyous celebration Ukrainian American community members with commissioners of North Port during the ceremony outside the City than this year (without the coronavirus). Hall; ninth and 10th from left, respectively, are Mayor Debbie McDowell and Vice-Mayor Jill Luke (in Ukrainian embroidered shirt). Because of the coronavirus pandemic, it was not possi- ble to have a real celebration of this joyful day with a recep- Present at the posting of colors were Ihor Hron, Bodnaruk (Ukrainian Language Society), Natalie tion at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Eugene Tomashosky, Col. Roman Rondiak, George Newmerzycky (St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Center, as was done in the past. Even at the solemn raising Baranowsky, Marion Boysiuk, Mykola Kompaniec Cultural Center), Olia Babchuk (Ukrainian Village), Lieda of the flags at City Hall only leaders of Ukrainian American (Ukrainian American Veterans); Daria Tomashoska Boyko (Ukrainian American Club), Bohdan Bodnaruk organizations attended because the total number could not (Ukrainian American Club), Lesia Popel (Branch 56 of the (Ukrainian Language Society), Slava Stefanyshyn exceed 15 persons and all had to wear masks. Ukrainian National Women’s League of America), Vira (UNWLA Branch 56) and Alex Terlecky.

Plast teens find novel way to share celebration of Ukraine’s independence

by Larissa Kosmos Ukrainian flag and the tryzub. Over the next couple of days, Sofia and Kalyna dressed in Plast uniforms and, in partner- CLEVELAND – When the going gets tough, the tough ship with their mothers, delivered cookies to the mailboxes pull out their rolling pins. The specter of coronavirus may of about 50 senior registered members of the Plast scout- have extinguished this year’s Ukrainian Independence Day ing community who live in various suburbs of Cleveland. festivities in Cleveland, but it could not squelch the spirit of Yet their outreach was not complete. For about 25 two industrious Ukrainian teens, Sofia Kosmos Zunt and seniors who belong to the Cleveland Plast chapter but live Kalyna Kulchytsky, who found an innovative way to com- a significant distance away, including several out of state, memorate the holiday. the girls created and laminated blue-and-yellow book- As a project for Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization, marks, which they mailed. The two teens did not personal- the girls baked 100 cookies from scratch and decorated ly know many of the older Plast members, who are compa- each with blue and yellow frosting to resemble the rable in age to the girls’ parents and grandparents. The inspiration to extend them a small kindness arose from Plast’s encouragement of friend- ship. Considering their project fin- ished, Sofia, age 17, and Kalyna, 15, were both surprised with what happened next: A stream of messages rushed in and con- tinued for many days – via phone, e-mail, text, social media and even by postal mail from a bookmark recipient in California – with expressions of thanks for the unique remem- Larissa Kosmos brance and celebration of Sofia Kosmos Zunt (left) and Kalyna Kulchytsky (right) Ukraine’s Independence Day. at work. The appreciation for the girls’ efforts and virtual camaraderie will hopefully resonate with these two young women for was overwhelming. life, as their labors revealed something unseen but mighty, What started quite simply a steadfast truth of our diaspora: While outside forces, with butter, sugar and flour in a whether political or virus-related, may be formidable, the The Ukrainian-themed cookies created by the two Ukrainian teens from Plast. kitchen in Cleveland this August power to keep the Ukrainian spirit thriving is in our hands.

Hunter Biden, who sat on the board of a States used to propagate his claims,” it said announced now to preempt another publi- Derkach... Kyiv-based natural gas company owned by in its statement. cation of supposed material on Mr. Biden (Continued from page 1) a former official accused of corruption. Mr. Derkach’s designation “is a clear sig- scheduled for early next week. The Treasury Department said the tapes nal to Moscow and its proxies that this His previous material dump failed to financial aid to Ukraine to concrete published by Mr. Derkach were intended activity will not be tolerated,” the Treasury show any misconduct by Mr. Biden. reforms, including steps to combat corrup- “to discredit U.S. officials” and that he “lev- Department said. tion. U.S. and European officials had com- ied unsubstantiated allegations” against The sanctions freeze any assets within Copyright 2020, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted plained that Ukrainian Prosecutor-General American and foreign political figures. U.S. jurisdiction and prevent U.S. individuals with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ Viktor Shokin was failing to prosecute cases “Derkach almost certainly targeted the or entities from doing business with them. Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, and sought his removal. U.S. voting populace, prominent U.S. per- The Ukrainian lawmaker fired back later Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see However, Mr. Giuliani, with the help of sons and members of the U.S. government, in the day, accusing Mr. Biden and George https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-linked-indi- Mr. Derkach, has tried to push a widely dis- based on his reliance on U.S. platforms, Kent, deputy assistant secretary of state viduals-including-ukrainian-lawmaker- missed theory that Mr. Biden sought to sack English-language documents and videos, overseeing Ukraine, of “revenge.” blacklisted-over-u-s-election-interfer- the Ukrainian prosecutor to protect his son and pro-Russian lobbyists in the United Mr. Derkach claimed the sanctions were ence/30832138.html). 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 No. 38

SPORTS UPDATE Bilodid’s quest for Olympic gold temporarily on hold “Anaconda” thanks to her signature sub- by Ihor N. Stelmach mission hold known as sankaku-jime, or a The dress rehearsal was at the Grand triangle choke. This is a type of figure-four Slam Paris on February 9 when a victory chokehold that chokes the opponent by over Japan’s Wahana Koga won Daria encircling the opponent’s neck and one Bilodid still another gold medal. A normal arm with the legs in a configuration similar training regimen over the following five- to the shape of a triangle. Interestingly, as a plus months would have culminated this young girl Bilodid was very much afraid of summer on her sport’s ultimate competi- snakes and heights. tive stage in Tokyo, the birthplace of judo. This unique athlete’s soft eyes turn into For the last several years or even longer, a tough gaze as she transforms herself on the focus has been on winning Olympic the tatami in competition. A very young gold, the only feat the 19-year-old athlete Bilodid displayed a strong personality, has not yet accomplished. She was set to often restless and raging. At playgrounds enter her first Olympics as the clear favor- she enjoyed doing pull-ups on horizontal ite, ranked No. 1 in her weight class (48 kg) bars. The first two years her father would since 2018. Now there must be a re-focus, not attend her competitions out of fear of dedicated training for more than another watching his daughter. These days, her year and hopefully a challenging competi- entire family lives and loves judo. tion with the cancellation of the 2020 Bilodid has her own way of training. Summer Olympic Games. During her teenage years there were no Looking at Bilodid, one could readily mis- boyfriends, no first love – only judo. She take her for a gymnast with her lean and tall Facebook.com expresses no regrets because life is long ballerina-type figure, her aggressive judo Daria Bilodid (in the white ghi) slams an unidentified opponent to the mat during a and for now it is all about judo – her sport moves masked behind a beautiful façade, training session. receives maximum effort. There is a time accentuating an enigma. Since her second for everything, and judo will get her best consecutive World title victory, she has Championship titles in 2001 and 2003 in and character, a super power that trans- shot. She is described by teammates as appeared on the pages of Vogue Ukraine, the -73 kg category and was well aware of forms her into refusing to accept defeat. serious, quiet, a private person to the seemingly living a dream while never allow- the sacrifices judo would entail. Bilodid has shown the ability to snap back, extreme. She has no close friends, no time ing her rising popularity to distract from the Starting out as a 6-year-old Bilodid recover emotionally and make a quick deci- for friends when training. She feels fortu- sporting goals she yearns to achieve. immediately showed a special quality, pos- sion in the middle of a bout. nate to have her parents with her all the Svitlana Kuznetsova hoped her daughter sessing a strong inner self to make it to the Bilodid often uses ouchi gari, a special time. Her parents believe she is too hard on would pursue rhythmic gymnastics and not top, first visible in the final of her Cadet tripping technique, to win her fights. Early herself – there is a time to train, a time to follow her and her husband into the harsh World Championship. The ability to snatch on she encountered difficulty in mastering rest and it is important to protect her. world of judo. It did not come as too big a a victory because of her strong character the technique. She has a unique fighting Today there are no worthy partners in surprise since, from a young age, Daria was allowed her to own Cadet, Junior and style for her weight class, given her impres- Bilodid’s weight class to train with in exposed to the sport, doing her school World championships, the latter of which sive height advantage (5-foot-8, 106 Ukraine. She has always had an overwhelm- work while watching her mother coach a she first won just shy of her 18th birthday, pounds) against her opponents. ing desire to win, to be first in any type of children’s class at Judo Club Spartakovets. becoming the youngest world champion in In August 2019, she became the young- competition, and is the last person to leave Father Gennadiy Bilodid won the European history. Her family boasts of her strong will est judoka to win back-to-back World the gym – it is her way of life. If something is cham­pionships, successfully defending her not working, it must be changed, like a tech- title in Tokyo against local fan favorite Funa nique. She believes if she keeps her head Tonaki. cold, she can defeat anyone. Bilodid cannot Her normal training regimen consists of allow any negative thoughts or permit a lack five hours per day, two hours in the morn- of mental concentration on the task at hand, ing and another three hours in the after- which is defeating her opponent. noon, six days a week with Sundays off. Her In her own words: “Professional sports work ethic has paid off with her first major is when you almost kill yourself practicing.” title win at age 15, when she won the “You don’t let up on yourself – you do European youth judo championship. Less everything to the end, everything to win.” “I than one year later she repeated her suc- am my own worst enemy. I always keep cess among adults, becoming the second trying to be better than yesterday.” youngest judoka to win a championship. Additional information about Bilodid Bilodid’s road to success has survived was featured in a YouTube documentary several injury complications. About a month that was recently posted on August 28, before the 2018 European Games, she suf- titled “Anaconda” (https://youtu.be/sk7t- fered a broken jaw during a training session, Su7x16A), that was sponsored by Mitsu­ preventing her from defending her Euro­ bishi Motors Ukraine. pean title. A month before the 2018 World Bilodid up close and personal: She has a Championships, she broke her nose, again marketing deal promoting cars and started during practice. In spite of the injury and taking driving lessons. She finds controlling advice that she skip the tournament, Bilodid her weight a constant challenge, because competed and won the title – she was the she likes to eat and sometimes not healthy youngest ever to win a world crown. food. She must stay strong and concentrate Seven gold medals in 2018, four in 2019 on training, and judo is her way of life and it and this year’s aforementioned champion- makes her happy. She asked her mom if she ship in Paris total an amazing body of supe- could try judo training at age 6, fell in love rior achievement. This success has prompt- with the sport and cannot imagine her life ed foreign representatives to approach without judo. She began dreaming about Bilodid with financial incentives and elite- winning future medals and World Cham­ level training facilities in exchange for a pion­ships at age 7. Studying at the universi- switch in allegiance. Proposals from ty is important because life is more than Azerbaijan and Georgia were never taken judo, she says. She wants to learn other lan- seriously. Bilodid freely acknowledges her guages, like English and Italian, so she can patriotism for her native Ukraine. communicate with her friends from other Dedicated to her sport of judo and the countries. Her most beautiful medal is from travel involved with international competi- the Paris Grand Slam, while her most tions, Bilodid attends Taras Shevchenko important medal is from the 2019 Worlds in National University in Kyiv, studying jour- Tokyo. To relax after rigorous training she nalism. After retiring from judo, her career walks the family dog and has spa treat- ambition is to be a sports journalist. Before ments with sauna as a great means of recov- this ambition is realized, there remains the ery. Bilodid has special goals in her life and elusive Olympic gold she continues to work firmly believes she can accomplish anything toward. This is the ultimate accomplish- if she wants it. ment that has made all of this hard effort and sacrifice worth it. Ihor Stelmach may be reached at Bilodid is affectionately nicknamed [email protected]. No. 38 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 15

September 23 Online film screening, “The Lost Petition” by Borys Ivchenko, September 26 West Coast online fund-raiser, Ukrainian Catholic Education Online Columbia University, http://harriman.columbia.edu/ Online Foundation, www.ucef.org programs/ukrainian-studies-program September 29 Webinar with Olga Kobryn, “The Art of Ukrainian Embroidery,” September 23 Petryshyn Memorial Lecture, book talk with Larry Wolf, Online Ukrainian History and Education Center, www.ukrhec.org Online “Disunion with the Union: The Uniate Church and the Partitions of Poland,” Harvard University, October 2-3 Webinar, “Stalin’s Cover-Up of the Ukrainian Holodomor https://huri.harvard.edu or 617-495-4053 Genocide of 1932-1933,” U.S. Committee for Ukrainian Holodomor-Genocide Awareness, Texas Council of Social September 24 Webinar with Markian Dobczansky, “Soviet Ukrainian Studies www.txcss.net (registration required) Online Urbanism: Factories, Higher Education and Nationalities Policy in Kharkiv,” Columbia University, http://harriman.columbia. October 2-4 Health and Wellness Retreat, Soyuzivka Heritage Center, edu/programs/ukrainian-studies-program Kerhonkson, NY www.soyuzivka.com or 845-626-5641

September 26 Ukrainian Festival, St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events Whippany, NJ Church, Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions www.uaccnj.org or 973-585-7175 from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors (virtual concert and food take-out) and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

September 26 Pig roast, Syracuse Ukrainian National Home, Syracuse, NY 315-478-9272 or [email protected]

September 26 Bread-making masterclass, Ukrainian Educational and Jenkintown, PA Cultural Center, www.ueccphila.org (registration required)

September 26 Virtual Arts Fund-Raising Gala, Ukrainian Institute of Modern Online Art, www.uima-chicago.org or [email protected]

Ukrainian Canadian Art Foundation presents exhibit “Pause in Plight” TORONTO – “Pause in Plight,” a 17-piece 2020 season with such a critical exhibition art exhibit created by artist Kerri Parnell and to be able to welcome everyone.” said reveals Canada’s first world war-era Jurij Klufas, chair and president of the national security fears and wartime preju- UCAF/KUMF Gallery. dice, which led to the internment of more The gallery has reopened with mea- than 8,000 men, women and children, pri- sures in place to prevent the spread of marily of Ukrainian and East European COVID-19. Visitors are asked to schedule a descent, who were deemed “enemy aliens.” time to visit – 30-minute visits start at the The exhibit is on view at the Ukrainian top of the hour – and the gallery is sani- Canadian Art Foundation’s (UCAF) KUMF tized between visits. Gallery through October 11. This project has been made possible by The KUMF Gallery hosted an introduc- a grant from the Endowment Council of the tion by the artist, via video message, and Canadian First World War Internment special remarks at an outdoor commemo- Recognition Fund. ration by guest speaker Dr. Lubomyr The UCAF/KUMF Gallery also acknowl- Luciuk on Sunday, September 13. edged the support of The Shevchenko “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to Foundation, Ukrainian Canadian Research create this art exhibit and to work with and Documentation Centre, and Cholkan + amazing people towards a common goal to Stepczuk LLP. expose the truth. This initiative to com- The Ukrainian Canadian Art Foundation memorate and acknowledge those affected and KUMF Gallery are dedicated to serving by Canada’s first national internment oper- the Ukrainian Canadian community, and ations inspired me. It ignites my heart and the community at large, by exhibiting and reminds me that history is not condemned fostering an understanding of art, in addi- to repeat itself. As we learn from our past, tion to preserving and collecting quality may we collectively move forward in better works of art. The KUMF Gallery maintains light,” Ms. Parnell commented. a year-round program of art exhibitions “Pause in Plight” is laid out in five differ- showing works by emerging, mid-career ent sections: war posters, a light installa- and established visual artists. tion, “Emotional Interpretation Series,” For more information see the website “Old Eyes Series” and “To Hell with the https://kumfgallery.com/ or the Alien Enemy.” The exhibit will travel Facebook page https://www.facebook. across Canada between 2020 and 2025 to com/ukrainiancanadianartgallery/; con- help bring awareness to this historical tact Diana Melnychenko, administrator at injustice. [email protected]; or call the gallery “We’re very pleased to launch our fall at 416-766-6802.

the need for international legal regulation. Our internal... But despite successes with hazardous (Continued from page 7) waste, endangered species, the ozone layer and acid rain, international efforts to pro- Mining companies argue that their envi- tect biodiversity, limit desertification and ronmentally disruptive operations boost reduce climate change have encountered employment and benefit the economy. In obstacles. Those who call for a global envi- the United States, surface coal mining dis- ronmental authority, pointing out that figures the Appalachians, yet retraining transnational corporate entities are often jobless miners in other professions is more stronger than sovereign nations, provoke easily advocated than accomplished. fears of a dictatorial world government. The global scope of ecology points to (To be continued.) 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 No. 38