ХРИСТОС НАРОДИВСЯ! CHRIST IS BORN!

ThehePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXXIII-LXXXIV No. 52-1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 $2.00 EU-Ukraine trade agreement Ukraine’s foreign-born ministers goes into eff ect January 1 at the forefront of reforms Last-ditch talks with Russia fail to resolve impasse over trade

RFE/RL the other with Russia. Moreover, he declared that neither Ukraine nor the EU BRUSSELS – Last-ditch negotiations were prepared to agree to Russia’s demand aimed at addressing Russia’s concerns for a legally binding agreement taking into about a free-trade agreement between the account Russia’s trade interests. European Union and Ukraine ended with- Ms. Malmstroem blamed Russia for the out result on December 21. collapse of the negotiations, which had EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia gone on for 18 months, saying Moscow Malmstroem said the landmark trade agree- failed to show the “flexibility” needed to ment will go into force as planned on reach a deal despite agreement in several January 1 after three-way talks failed to “technical” areas that could have formed reach a breakthrough at a daylong meeting the foundation for a deal. in Brussels. Ms. Malmstroem said she had “been very The trade deal has been at the heart of a open to listening to concerns from Russia” battle for influence between Brussels and at her meeting with Russian Economic Moscow in Ukraine, and played a role in Development Minister Aleksei Ulyukayev triggering Kyiv’s conflict with Russian- and Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Anastasia Sirotkina/UNIAN backed separatists in the east. Pavlo Klimkin in Brussels. Moscow claims the trade accord under- Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko and Odesa Oblast State Administration Head “We were quite close in finding some of Mikheil Saakashvili are the most recognized foreign-born Ukrainian state officials mines its economic interests in Ukraine, a the practical solutions, and I think had and have been mentioned as candidates for prime minister and vice prime minister, former Soviet-era satellite, and will allow a there been a will, we would have been able respectively. flood of cheap EU products into Ukraine to do that,” she said. that could eventually make their way onto “However, today there was not enough by Zenon Zawada ing in key government posts. Some don’t the Russia market unless they are barred or flexibility from the Russian side to do that,” like their dogged pursuit of reforms, while taxed heavily. she said. “There was no agreement, so this KYIV – When Internal Affairs Arsen others don’t like their style. Some are With that in mind, Russia on December exercise is now over.” Avakov told Mikheil Saakashvili to “Get the accused of looking for a scapegoat. 21 announced a ban on food imports from Charging that some of the concerns hell out of my country!” to conclude their “We have ministers and governors Ukraine starting next year, which Ukraine brought forward by Russia were not “real,” nasty shouting match at the December 14 [oblast state administration heads] from estimated would cause about $600 million Ms. Malmstroem said the EU was “sur- meeting of the president’s National abroad that we’re going to call prime minis- in economic losses. prised” by Russian President Vladimir Reforms Council, he struck a nerve in the ter and president. Then we should recog- Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Putin’s decision last week to end his coun- country. nize that Ukrainians are inferior. I am cate- Medvedev said Ukraine cannot take part in Ukrainians have been critical of the two free-trade zones, one with Europe and (Continued on page 24) unprecedented number of foreigners serv- (Continued on page 10) Ontario ribbon-cutting launches Holodomor Mobile Classroom TORONTO – The Holodomor Mobile Classroom, a new Paul Grod, national president of the Ukrainian Canadian initiative for teaching about the Famine of 1932-1933, was Congress (UCC), addressed the gathering, noting that the focus of a commemoration at the Ontario Legislative Ukraine again faces forces determined to undermine it. Assembly at Queen’s Park on November 24. The custom- Also in attendance were Taras Bahriy, president of the ized RV, with the words “Holodomor – The Ukrainian UCC Toronto branch; Julie Dzerowicz, member of Parliament Genocide” emblazoned across 40 feet of blue sky and (Davenport); and two Canadians who lived through the wheat fields, was a striking sight against the background of Holodomor, Stefan Horlatch and Mykola Latyshko. The cer- the legislative building. emony included a blessing of the bus by Bishop Andriy of The Holodomor Mobile Classroom will tour the province the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada and Bishop of Ontario and then the country, teaching about the man- Stephen Chmilar and the Rev. Petro Dvirnik of the made famine that starved to death millions of Ukrainians. Ukrainian Catholic Church. Ontario Minister of Education Liz Sandals and Member Minister Sandals stated, “The Holodomor Mobile of the Provincial Parliament Yvan Baker, who has support- Classroom will provide students with an innovative learning ed the project since its inception, cut the ribbon to launch experience about social justice, human rights and democratic the mobile classroom, which is the centerpiece of the values in relation to the genocide by famine which killed mil- Holodomor National Awareness Tour project. lions of Ukrainians. This supports the goals of our Equity and Bohdan Onyschuk of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, Inclusive Education Strategy, which encourages students to which spearheaded the project, said, “We are excited that learn about diverse histories, perspectives, and cultures.” the Holodomor Mobile Classroom is ready to begin visiting The Province of Ontario has committed $750,000 to schools, community events and other venues, where it will Holodomor National Awareness Tour raise awareness of the Holodomor among students in pub- promote awareness of the Holodomor and the conse- The Holodomor Mobile Classroom was launched at the quences of hate, oppression and discrimination.” Ontario Legislative Assembly at Queen’s Park. (Continued on page 5) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 No. 52-1

ANALYSIS

Destruction of Donbas economy EU extends Russia sanctions that the European Union should offer visa- free short-stay travel within the Schengen BRUSSELS – European Union ambassa- zone for citizens of Ukraine, Georgia and dors have agreed to extend economic sanc- supports local Russia-backed ‘insurgency’ Kosovo – all three locked in bitter disputes tions against Russia for another six months with Russia. Speaking after an EU summit monthly salaries for Russian “volunteers” over its role in the Ukraine conflict. The by Maksym Bugriy in Brussels, Mr. Juncker said the commis- of 60,000 rubles ($1,123) (Dontimes.com. agreement on December 18 means sanc- and Tetiana Tretiak sion “took a positive position on the liberal- ua June 3), or even 100,000 rubles ($1,833) tions will stay in place until July 31, 2016, ization of visas” and proposed to “EU lead- Eurasia Daily Monitor and higher (Konan-vesti.blogspot.ru, against Russia’s financial, oil and military ers that they take rapid decisions on visa December 24, 2014). But the local mili- sectors – as well as against specific individ- Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov’s key liberalization for the three countries,” he tants’ actual allowances, even though infe- uals linked to the Ukraine conflict. The rec- energy company DTEK announced the said. If approved by EU member states and rior to Russian irregulars, seem neverthe- ommendation by EU ambassadors was for- restructuring of its $750 million and $160 the European Parliament, citizens could mally ratified on December 21. The sanc- million Eurobonds, which are set to mature less quite outstanding in the occupied terri- travel to the EU without visas as soon as tions were first imposed in July and in 2018 (Interfax-Ukraine, December 1). tories, where many people are forced to 2016. The commission said Georgia and September 2014 in response to the annexa- One of the main reasons for the company’s live on humanitarian aid. The Donbas pres- Ukraine met all the conditions for visa-free tion of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula by the continuing financial troubles has been the ents ample evidence that the Kremlin and travel, but it made visa liberalization for Kremlin and Moscow’s support for pro- war in Ukraine’s eastern region of the local authorities support the economy’s Kosovo conditional on Pristina satisfying Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. Donbas, which has caused extensive dam- dysfunction. Additionally, the militants eight specific points aimed at reigning in Without an extension, the existing sanc- age to local energy transmission infrastruc- periodically disrupt humanitarian convoys, corruption and crime. Sources in Brussels tions would expire on January 31. (RFE/RL, ture, as well as disruptions in the supply of including those sent by the United Nations say that while the European Parliament will based on reporting by RFE/RL’s Rikard coal and other business operations. (Kommersant, October 22). Mr. Akhmetov’s vote in favor of visa-free travel for the coun- Jozwiak in Brussels, with additional report- The war has also affected Mr. humanitarian convoys have also faced tries, it might prove difficult to gain approv- ing by AP and AFP) Akhmetov’s mining and metals giant entry bans (Slon.ru, June 12). al from some member states – especially Metinvest. Operations of its key coke pro- Despite such economic incentives to U.S. expands sanctions list regarding Ukraine. In Germany, there are ducing facility, the Avdiyivka Coke and join, local militants comprise only about 45 concerns that visa liberalization could Chemical Plant, suffered repeatedly from to 50 percent of the DPR and LPR (Luhansk WASHINGTON – The United States is increase migratory flows into the EU. But interruptions and even artillery shelling. People’s Republic) “forces,” according to adding nearly three dozen people and com- German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at Metinvest’s half- Konstantin panies to its sanctions list for activity direct- the EU summit in Brussels on December 18 year 2015 earnings Mashovets of the ly or indirectly connected to the conflict in The Donbas presents that the EU’s migration crisis “is not going before taxes, depre- group InfoResist eastern Ukraine and the annexation of the to affect the decision regarding Ukraine in ciation and amorti- ample evidence that (inforesist.org) in Crimean peninsula. The list, released on terms of its bid” for a visa-free regime. Ms. zation (EBITDA) the Kremlin and Kyiv (Authors’ inter- December 22 by the U.S. Treasury Merkel said “Germany takes the recommen- amounted to $620 view, December 7). Department, includes several top officials in dation and the European Commission’s million – 63 percent local authorities This share has the self-declared “people’s republics” of reports very seriously and we will proceed less, year-over-year, support the econo- decreased recently Donetsk and Luhansk, regions of eastern on the issue.” The commission’s reports compared to 2014 from the former 60 Ukraine now largely under separatist con- regarding Ukraine and Georgia were (Ekonomichna my’s dysfunction. percent. A number trol. It also includes several companies con- released on December 16 after Ukrainian Pravda, November of reasons may nected to Russian businessmen with close President Petro Poroshenko, EU Council 20). Meanwhile, the manager of the explain this trend: from Moscow beefing up ties to President Vladimir Putin’s Kremlin. President Donald Tusk and EU Commission Metinvest subsidiary Krasnodon­vuhillia, the local statelet “armies’ ” command-and- The men include oil trader Gennady President Juncker met in Brussels to iron another producer of coking coal, told the control structures and unit loyalty by Timchenko and billionaire industrialists out remaining differences. (RFE/RL, with media that the company’s monthly fixed installing larger proportions of regular Arkady and Boris Rotenberg. All were previ- additional reporting by Reuters, AP and maintenance costs were 100 million to 120 Russian military personnel, to the locals ously sanctioned under the first round AFP) million hrv ($4.2 million to $5.1 million exiting the force because of the Minsk announced by President Barack Obama in U.S.), including the payment of salaries, ceasefire in place. Yet, by relying so heavily 2014, after Russia annexed the Ukrainian Russia: Ukraine failed to repay debt while the company earned only 300 million on core Russian commanders, advisors and Black Sea peninsula of Crimea in March. MOSCOW – Russia’s Finance Ministry hrv ($12.7 million) from June 2014 to date. irregulars, the Kremlin incurs higher costs. Several top former Ukrainian officials were says Ukraine has failed to repay a $3 billion Operations were additionally challenged by Meanwhile, the DPR and LPR routinely also included, such as Vitaliy Zakharchenko. Eurobond debt owed to Russia by the embargo on the imports of fuel and use the economic crisis to manipulate pub- The Treasury Department said that as inter- December 21. “It means Ukraine has pre- wood, which are considered dual-use prod- lic attitudes toward their “governments,” nal affairs minister he gave the order for ferred a default on its debt liabilities to ucts (Slon.ru, June 12). In the chemical shifting the blame for the situation square- police to fire on protesters during the Euro- talks on an offer made by the Russian presi- industry, the Horlivka-based flagship nitro- ly on Kyiv. A notable example is the “sanc- Maidan protests in 2014. (RFE/RL) dent… in November 2015,” the ministry gen fertilizer plant Stirol, owned by another tions” announced by DPR and LPR against Brussels recommends visa-free travel said on December 21. Ukrainian Prime oligarch, Dmytro Firtash, suspended its Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk announced on operations from May 2014. Chief of Staff Boris Lozhkin, oligarch Igor BRUSSELS – European Commission head Additionally, according to numerous Kolomoisky and former President Viktor Jean-Claude Juncker said on December 18 (Continued on page 12) media sources, the occupied territories of Yanukovych’s financier, Serhiy Kurchenko, the Donbas are suffering from disruptions who until recently controlled some natural in the food industry, agriculture and servic- gas flows from Russia to the DPR. The es companies, as well as the mass depar- Russia-backed separatist authorities FOUNDED 1933 ture of the “middle class” and entrepre- accused these individuals of “financing mil- The Ukrainian Weekly neurs from Donetsk and Luhansk. Intense itary aggression and the destabilization of An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., fighting in the summer of 2014 and sabo- Donbas’s socio-economic situation” a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. tage operations led to the destruction and (Nezavisimaya Gazeta, October 25). Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. interruption of railroad, air and ground In addition, in a grand populist gesture, Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. transportation. DPR head Aleksandr Zakharchenko forgave (ISSN — 0273-9348) Such instability, however, has the side private individuals’ bank loans extended by effect of supporting the recruitment of local Ukraine’s largest bank, Privatbank, owned The Weekly: UNA: forces for the Russian war in the Donbas. by oligarch and former Dnipropetrovsk Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 The correlation between the strength of governor Mr. Kolomoisky, who is known for insurgencies and the local population’s supporting Ukrainian volunteer battalions. Postmaster, send address changes to: standard of living is a textbook concept in “Only cowards repay debts owed to The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas Kolomoisky,” Mr. Zakharchenko proclaimed insurgency theories. Indeed, compared to P.O. Box 280 the majority of residents on the occupied (Novosti.dn.ua, October 27). Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] territory who are striving to survive, mili- Russia’s economic control over and sup- tants live better. Ukrainian blogger Oleh port for the occupied Donbas regions has The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com Yarchuk, quoted a Donetsk People’s been growing over time. To that effect, the Republic (DPR) budget that included sala- Russian ruble was introduced as the The Ukrainian Weekly, December 27, 2015, No. 52, Vol. LXXXIII - ries for 18,126 militants of 35,000 rubles region’s “main currency,” and a Russian January 3, 2016, No. 1, Vol. LXXXIV (approximately $622) each for December bank registered in South Ossetia opened its Copyright © 2015 The Ukrainian Weekly 2014 (Glavred.info January 10). Other DPR branch in the LPR, later expanding to leaders also mentioned the salary range of Donetsk (Fondsk.ru, August 20). Local pen- $320 to $700 per month for local militants. sioners have also begun to receive their ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA The DPR “government” was planning to pensions in rubles. According to Slon.ru’s additionally offer militants “social benefits,” sources, Russia sends up to 4 billion rubles Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 including employment preferences upon ($73 million) in cash to the DPR and LPR e-mail: [email protected] end of service (Interfax, April 4). every month, not counting humanitarian Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 Remarkably, these sums look significant- e-mail: [email protected] ly lower than the publicly announced (Continued on page 5) No. 52-1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 3

NEWS ANALYSIS Conserved confl ict: Russia’s innovations in Ukraine’s east

by Vladimir Socor mizing the Moscow-installed authorities there through LPR-flagged Russian forces can hold Ukraine continually Eurasia Daily Monitor elections. Moreover, the terms of that restoration are nego- under the threat of military action. tiable between Kyiv and Donetsk-Luhansk (i.e., Moscow) Russia’s conflict undertaking in Ukraine’s east fits with- under the Minsk armistice. Ukraine to legitimize the Donetsk-Luhansk authorities via in patterns familiar from other post-Soviet conflicts initiat- “democratic”• Russia and elections Western to bepowers staged convergently on the occupied pressure terri- ed by Russia and conserved on Russian terms with interna- embracing the political clauses of the Minsk armistice. And tory. This is another Russian innovation that the West has tional assistance (see Eurasia Daily Monitor, December 17). they• Westernhave reinforced powers thathave logic accepted by asking this RussianUkraine logicto fulfill by embraced. In the pre-existing conserved conflicts, Russia However, Russia’s war in Ukraine’s east involves a num- the political clauses first, as a precondition to withdrawal did endorse various referendums (more so than elections) ber of major political and military innovations in terms of of “foreign” troops from Donetsk-Luhansk and a partial in secessionist territories, but had never asked those coun- conflict-conservation. These stem for the most part from the Ukrainian control at the external border there. The linkage tries’ legitimate governments to cooperate with the staging Minsk armistice and the processes of its implementation. and the sequence show that Ukraine’s sovereignty, territo- of those votes, validate the results and legitimize the seces- rial integrity and inviolability of borders are being treated sionist proto-states on that basis. For their part, Western largely political in content. Apart from the ceasefire-related as conditional and negotiable, first by Russia and then by governments and Western-influenced international orga- clauses,• The the armistice, Minsk armistice by definition imposes a military changes document, to Ukraine’s is the West. In their handling of the other conserved conflicts nizations had unanimously scorned those referendums Constitution and prescribes semi-sovereign powers for the (Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Transnistria, Karabakh and even and elections, refused to monitor them and declared them Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine’s east. Those elabo- Crimea), Western powers had invariably insisted on invalid ab initio, since the pre-conditions to holding demo- rate political clauses lay the foundations of a Donetsk- Georgia’s, Moldova’s, Azerbaijan’s and Ukraine’s territorial cratic elections did not exist. That stance, however, has Luhansk proto-state: within the state of Ukraine formally, integrity and inviolability of their internationally recog- now changed dramatically in Russia’s favor in the case of but outside Ukraine’s control de facto. For the first time in nized borders. Even in the form of lip service, that Western Ukraine’s east. the post-Soviet era, Russia caps a military intervention stance has been unconditional and non-negotiable. But the against a neighboring country by prescribing changes to West is deferring to Russia on this score in Ukraine’s east. processes and formats that handled the conserved con- that country’s constitutional arrangements. flicts• Moscow in more thantraditionally 20 years. manipulated Those processes the andnegotiation formats, Luhansk “people’s republics” (DPR, LPR) exceed the con- however ineffective, were at least stable and structured, to subsidize the Russian-controlled territory’s reconstruc- ventional• Armed armies forces of undermany Europeanthe flags countriesof the Donetsk in terms and of and Moscow could not expect Western diplomacy to tion• Furtherand its undersocial theprograms Minsk armistice, via guaranteed Ukraine budget is supposed lines heavy artillery, multiple-launcher missile systems and com- endorse Russia’s and its clients’ positions against the (entitlements) in Ukraine’s state budget. This provision is bat armor. The hardware and personnel have been trans- aggressed countries. At present, however, there is no struc- supposed to be enshrined in Ukraine’s Constitution via the ferred from Russia to the DPR-LPR and re-flagged there. tured process or legitimate international forum to deal “special status” for Donetsk-Luhansk. This economic stipula- The re-flagging is deniable, and such “local” forces are not with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The “Normandy tion, capping as it does Russia’s military intervention, looks required to withdraw from that territory under the Minsk Four” group regularly produces a consensus among Russia, like war reparations imposed on the aggressed country; or a armistice. Only “foreign” forces are so required, again condi- Germany and France operating against Ukraine’s interests. modern version of the ancient tribute. tionally, and without mentioning Russia. If and when the Germany and France lack a mandate or any authorization DPR-LPR are legitimized through elections, there are no from the European Union to negotiate with Russia. But the inviolability of its borders are no longer recognized in grounds to assume that these “local” armed forces would EU itself lacks a policy, Berlin has taken over by default and practice.• Ukraine’s Russia’s titles 2014 to sovereignty, military interventionterritorial integrity breached and relocate to Russia. If anything, the “republics,” once legiti- has towed Paris along. In the Minsk Contact Group, an iso- those titles de facto, but the Minsk armistice formalizes mized, could boldly insist on retaining their “own” forces. lated Ukraine must face Russia, the Organization for that breach at the international level. Under the armistice, These are exponentially stronger than the local paramilitar- Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE, which itself is a formal restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty and control of ies and Russian “peacekeepers” of yore in Abkhazia and influenced by Russia’s veto power), and the Donetsk and the external border in Donetsk-Luhansk is no longer a mat- South Ossetia, local and Russian troops in Transnistria, or Luhansk “republics.” The Contact Group itself is misla- ter of title, right or international law. Instead, that restora- Karabakh paramilitaries and Armenia’s forces in that terri- beled: contact groups handling major crises elsewhere tion becomes conditional on enshrining the Donetsk- tory. None of those forces posed credible threats of offensive include Western powers by definition, whereas the Minsk Luhansk proto-state in Ukraine’s Constitution and legiti- actions to Georgia, Moldova or Azerbaijan. But the DPR- Contact Group excludes the West also by definition. In Washington, the administration of President Barack Obama has encouraged Berlin to take over the process in Europe; but the United States itself negotiates bilaterally with Russia, on and off, about Ukraine, adding to the over- all incoherence of the process. In the other conserved con- Plast scouts share Bethlehem Peace Light with Poroshenko flicts, the United States and the European Union participate in the 5+2 format on Moldova (Transnistria); the U.S. and the EU also participate in the Geneva Discussions relating to Georgia (Abkhazia and South Ossetia); and the United States is a co-chair of the Minsk Group on the Armenia- Azerbaijan Conflict (Karabakh). But the EU and the U.S. are absent from any structured format to deal with Russia’s war against Ukraine.

(Continued on page 5)

Quotable notes “We should have given defensive lethal weapons to Ukraine. If we’d given them defensive weapons, many lives could have been saved. There are major human consequences here. … “Ukraine is a work in progress by Putin. He has multiple channels to attack Ukraine, economically, politically, diplomatically, militarily. He wants to get Presidential Administration of Ukraine sanctions lifted, so he’s not deepening his [overt] mili- President Petro Poroshenko accepts the Bethlehem Peace Light from members of Plast – National Scout tary activities into Ukraine. But every day there are Organization of Ukraine. shooting incidents. … “He has a big game plan and that is to break up the KYIV – Plast Ukrainian scouts on December 19 visited Crimea, Zakarpattia and Luhansk. Let it demonstrate the European Union, a weakened NATO, restore Russia’s the Presidential Administration of Ukraine to present the unity of Ukraine and bring peace to all these homes,” he defensive area [Warsaw Pact] and control Ukraine Bethlehem Peace Light to President Petro Poroshenko. said. and Belarus. He’s doing this through covert ops, sabo- Lighting the president’s icon lamp with the flame of the “You will now bring this light to a series of state institu- tage in Ukraine, military aggression, the separatist Peace Light, Andriy Luzan, a member of the national super- tions. With your permission, I will also make a contribution movements, economics, diplomacy, buying people in visory board of Plast – National Scout Organization of to the spread of this light. We all must pray for peace to Ukraine, said: “We urgently need peace and that is why we come to Ukraine next year and for Ukraine to regain its ter- the EU, and putting FSB money toward environmen- brought this symbol of peace to you, Mr. President.” ritories and come a few important steps closer to Europe,” tal groups to protest against fracking to keep Europe The Peace Light is from the birthplace of Jesus Christ, Mr. Poroshenko added. dependent on Russian oil and gas.” and is shared by scouts worldwide before Christmas. This The president also stated: “I would like to express grati- – Gen. Wesley Clark (U.S. Army, ret.), former NATO marked the first time the light was shared with the tude to Plast scouts for their steadfast Ukrainian position, Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, speaking in an Presidential Administration of Ukraine. for the fact that over 100 Plast scouts are now in the ATO interview with Diane Francis for The Atlantic Council. President Poroshenko expressed his hope that the [anti-terrorist operation] area and for their demonstration The interview was posted on www.atlanticcouncil.org Peace Light will bring hope for a better future for every- of the unity of the Ukrainian nation.” on December 16. one. “Let this light be lit in homes in Chernihiv and Source: Presidential Administration of Ukraine 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 No. 52-1

Екзекутивний комітет Українського Народного Союзу та видавництво тижневиків „Свобода“ і The Ukrainian Weekly

складають найкращі побажання первоієрархам українських церков, українським організаціям, членам УНСоюзу, управам відділів та окружних комітетів, передплатникам і читачам видань УНСоюзу та українській громаді в діяспорі й Україні

з нагоди Свят Різдва Христового та Нового Року! No. 52-1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 5

ucu.edu.ua Dr. Bohdan Hawrylyshyn, founder of the Institute of International Management in First Lady of Ukraine Maryna Poroshenko talks to Ukrainian Catholic Major Kyiv, greets Bishop Borys Gudziak, primate of Ukrainian Catholics in France, the Archbishop Emeritus Lubomyr Husar at the UCU Charity Evening and Silent Benelux and Switzerland, at the eighth annual Ukrainian Catholic University Charity Auction. Evening and Silent Auction in Kyiv. UCU charity evening in Kyiv raises more than $180,000

by Zenon Zawada ducer, is a native of a village in the Poltava Oblast and was awarded the Order of KYIV – Ukrainian Catholic University Nestor the Chronicler, first degree, in 2010 (UCU) held its eighth annual Charity by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Evening and Silent Auction in Kyiv on Moscow Patriarchate. December 5. The biggest draw of the silent auction What began as a modest get-together of was the painting “Lialka Opovyta” (The mostly diaspora and native Lviv profession- Shrouded Doll) by Mykola Malyshko, which als in Kyiv has swelled to become among was acquired by Hlib Zahorii and Kateryna the most well-attended and highly sought- Kotenko for $4,500. after charity events in the capital city – so The evening featured a performance by much so that demand exceeded available TIK, which performed its song dedicated to tickets. the volunteers in the anti-terrorist opera- The evening’s emcees were television tion (ATO), “The Smell of War.” star and Ternopil Oblast native Serhiy Among the high-profile guests attending Prytula, who passed the microphone for this year were Major Archbishop Emeritus part of the evening to UCU founder and for- Lubomyr Husar, First Lady of Ukraine mer rector, Bishop Borys Gudziak of St. Maryna Poroshenko, Vice Prime Minister Volodymyr Eparchy in Paris, who called Hennadiy Zubko, Finance Minister Natalie Bishop Borys Gudziak joins (from left) Lydia Matiaszek, Kateryna Yushchenko and upon the guests to make a pledge this holi- Maryna Antonova at the UCU benefit. Jaresko, Agriculture Minister Oleksiy day season. Pavlenko, Trade and Economic Development “Do we have the right to complain?” dignitaries raised more than 4.5 million hrv December 2016. Minister Aivaras Abromavicius, Petro Bishop Gudziak asked rhetorically. “We can (about $184,000) during the night, accord- The evening’s biggest donation was Poroshenko Bloc Parliamentary Faction walk for ourselves, see for ourselves. And ing to Vasyl Myroshnychenko, the head of made by Viktor and Iryna Ivanchyk, who Head Yuriy Lutsenko and his wife, Iryna, for- beside us are our brothers and sisters the evening’s organizational committee. As launched the Povir u Sebe (Believe in mer First Lady Kateryna Yushchenko, and injured by the war, who don’t have that a result, 40 new scholarships emerged, cov- Yourself) Fund in 2009 to help rural several national deputies, including Dr. Olha ability. We are all tired. We ask, how long ering education and residential costs. Ukrainian schoolchildren pay for higher Bohomolets, the Euro-Maidan’s chief medic are we supposed to wait? A little more. I Of that total, 2.64 million hrv (about education. They pledged $30,000 for 10 and founder of the Institute of Dermatology want to ask everyone to promise your- $108,000) was raised for academic scholar- scholarships. Afterwards, they pledged and Cosmetology in Kyiv. selves to not complain from now until ships, while the remainder will be ear- another $30,000 for 10 more scholarships Most of these guests stayed the full dura- Christmas. Don’t complain and bless others. marked for the comprehensive campaign (which was in addition to the aforemen- tion of the event, while those like Ms. Trust me that you will uncover a new wife, that was launched in 2010. Since then, $58 tioned total for the evening). Jaresko – who was in the midst of critical husband, parents, friends.” million has been raised out of a total of Mr. Ivanchyk, the chief executive officer budget talks – had to leave the event before More than 330 Kyiv professionals and $65.5 million that is targeted for the end of of Astarta-Kyiv, Ukraine’s largest sugar pro- returning again.

the political clauses of the Minsk armistice, bracketing out Conserved... the military and security clauses. Ontario ribbon-cutting... And, most recently, the West has reversed Russia’s (Continued from page 3) (Continued from page 1) “isolation,” treating the Kremlin instead as a possible On the Western side, the introduction of economic helper in the Middle East. Moscow, therefore, hopes that lic schools. Students in urban, rural and northern communities sanctions is an unprecedented and innovative response European diplomacy seeks face-saving ways to begin will benefit from the state-of-the-art audio-visual experience to Russia’s annexation of Crimea and military interven- downscaling the sanctions, that the Obama administra- featuring a 28-foot video wall. A facilitator will lead an interac- tion in Ukraine’s east. The sanctions, however, have not tion is open to a Syria-for-Ukraine tradeoff, and that tive lesson that develops critical thinking skills as students significantly influenced Russia’s policies and decisions Russia can wait out the West on the economic sanctions. practice the historian’s craft, investigating sources and analyz- regarding Ukraine. The EU is struggling, finding it increas- ing artifacts. Lessons underscore the importance of human ingly hard to maintain the sanctions in place. The article above is reprinted from Eurasia Daily rights and the rule of law, as well as the concept of genocide. Meanwhile, Western diplomacy endorses Russia’s posi- Monitor with permission from its publisher, the Jamestown More than 10,000 students per year across Canada are tions, against those of Ukraine, on the implementation of Foundation, www.jamestown.org. expected to benefit. Wheelchair accessible, the mobile class- room can accommodate up to 34 visitors at a time. The government of Canada has provided a three-year grant of Kremlin uses a combination of the threat of real and per- $1.5 million to support the project. The Province of Manitoba is Destruction... ceived economic “collapse” with a proposed “life line” to providing educational expertise and other in-kind support. The Donbas. It is also clear, however, that the costs to Russia are project is carried out by the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (project (Continued from page 2) increasing in the longer term. Thus, Moscow is trying to pin lead), the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), the Ukrainian aid and military expenditures (Slon.ru, June 12). But the blame for and burden of reconstruction of the Donbas Canadian Research and Documentation Center (UCRDC), and the other observers note that the exchange rate negatively on the cash-strapped government in Kyiv, while at the same Holodomor Research and Education Consortium (HREC) of the affects these pensions payment: “pensions in the LPR and time retaining the option of renewing, at any time, hostili- Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, University of Alberta. DPR are distributed on the basis of prewar Ukrainian ties and economic destabilization in eastern Ukraine. The Holodomor Mobile Classroom will visit universities, norms, but in a ruble equivalent based off of a rate of 1 government buildings, fairs and community events, as well as hrv to 2 rubles. The actual market exchange rate, howev- The article above is reprinted from Eurasia Daily schools. To arrange a visit of the mobile classroom, readers er, is closer to 1 to 3” (Meduza, November 13). Monitor with permission from its publisher, the Jamestown may contact the Holodomor National Awareness Tour at 416- Thus, in a classic pattern of insurgency warfare, the Foundation, www.jamestown.org. 966-9800 or via the project website, www.holodomortour.ca. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 No. 52-1

CHRISTMAS PASTORAL LETTER The Ukrainian Weekly Putin’s “military tasks” The light of Christ’s birth In his annual year-end press conference on December 17, President Vladimir Putin admitted the presence of Russian military personnel in Ukraine. In response to shines upon all of us once again a question posed by a Ukrainian journalist about two Russian military intelligence Nativity Epistle of the Permanent too at His birth, the foreigners and shep- officers captured in Ukraine and now on trial, Mr. Putin said: “We never said there Conference of Ukrainian Orthodox Bishops herds were the first witnesses of the were no people there who carried out certain tasks, including in the military Beyond the Borders of Ukraine. Incarnation to give testament to this mira- sphere.” He insisted, however, that this was not the same as regular Russian troops. cle. And they did so without reservation. Of course, Russia has repeatedly denied that its troops are in Ukraine. To the venerable clergy, monastics and Both the shepherds and the wise men Reuters reported the news as follows: “After years of denials, captured Russian faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church immediately accepted in their hearts the soldiers and indiscreet military selfies, Russian President Vladimir Putin finally ‘fessed beyond the borders of Ukraine and to our meaning of the birth of the Christ-Child. up to the presence of Russian military personnel in Ukraine on Thursday.” Similarly, brothers and sisters in Christ in Ukraine: During this Nativity season, will we be like The Guardian noted: “Vladimir Putin has for the first time admitted the presence of Christ is born! Let us glorify Him! the wise men and the shepherds, setting Russian military specialists in east Ukraine. Russia has repeatedly denied a military “Glory to God in the highest, and on aside our worldly cares and unhesitatingly presence in the conflict, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.” earth peace, goodwill toward men!” – St. following the light of the Christmas star Our readers – indeed, most of the world – know all about the evidence of Russian Luke 2:14 until it reaches its apex – the Nativity of troops and materiel in Ukraine. Remember the “little green men” who appeared in This is the proclamation of the angel to Jesus Christ our Savior? Crimea? The tourists on leave from the military who went off to fight in Ukraine’s the shepherds with the joyous news of Let us explore the meaning of these east? Remember the Nemtsov report on Russia’s involvement in the war in Ukraine? Christ’s birth. What was it like on this won- wondrous events in Bethlehem. The tradi- Released in May, it noted that Russia had spent at least $1 billion on the war in drous night in Bethlehem? We envision that tions of the Orthodox Church and our Ukraine during its first 10 months, documented the use of Russian state funds to pay it began as a quiet, clear and star-filled night. Ukrainian culture are inscribed with deep Russian citizens to fight in Ukraine and detailed how the Russian government paid On the hills surrounding the town, sheep meaning that reinforce the dramatic events off families of Russian soldiers killed in the war to ensure their silence. Later that munched silently, while their shepherds of that Bethlehem night. Our beautiful month a new presidential decree classified military losses during special operations drowsily warmed themselves around a fire. Christmas carols preserve the significance in peacetime as “state secrets.” To be sure, the Kremlin denied that this had anything Suddenly, the night sky blazed with bril- of the Nativity story in song. We hear in our liant starlight. As the star’s radiance filled Nativity worship services that God has at all to do with Ukraine. the sky and grew ever-brighter, the shep- been preparing humanity for some time The Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group was more blunt in its reporting of the herds saw the choirs of angels appear, fill- through the Old Testament prophets to Russian president’s comments at his news conference: “In fact, Putin was, as with ing the air with their sweet song – the first greet the coming of the Savior Who will Crimea, lying. Russia has persistently denied the presence of any military personnel in Christmas carols. And the angel told the free humanity from the power of the devil. Donbas. The Russian Defense Ministry has claimed that the two military intelligence shepherds, “I bring you good tidings of Christ was born to free the human race [GRU] officers Yerofeyev and Aleksandrov, captured in Donbas had left military service great joy which will be to all people. For from sin and death, and to lead humanity to last year. The two men were placed under enormous pressure and have both now there is born to you this day in the city of God’s grace and forgiveness. Through His changed their story to that given by the Defense Ministry, admittedly without any David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And teachings and by His own example, the Son credibility given the number of times they freely admitted to being from GRU.” this will be the sign to you: You will find a of God ushered in a new age based on the The Kharkiv group also underscored that Mr. Putin gave short shrift to the part of Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in power of goodness and love. This is the the question having to do with prisoner exchanges. The reporter, UNIAN correspon- a manger” (Lk. 2:10-13). meaning of this joyful feast day. dent Roman Tsymbalyuk, had asked: “Will you be exchanging them [the two Russian How did the shepherds respond to this God has done everything necessary for officers] for Nadiya Savchenko, Oleg Sentsov, Gennady Afanasyev, Oleksandr call? Like the disciples chosen by Jesus, the our salvation, but humanity has not yet ful- Kolchenko, Stanislav Klykh…” The rights group noted that the Russian president’s shepherds dropped everything and, taking filled its part. The Lord saves us through answer was quite telling: “He pointed out that Tsymbalyuk had mentioned ‘only’ two their sheep, followed the Christmas star to His grace and mercy, but only with our par- men ‘whom you offer me and then a long list of people whom you want to exchange the humble manger to honor the Newborn ticipation. The Mystery of the Incarnation them for. Firstly, an exchange must be equal.’ After that beginning – more appropri- Son of God (Lk. 2:13-20). There, the shep- can only be understood through faith. Not ate for an abductor negotiating a ransom than a president – he suggested that they herds found that a miracle took place in this all of humanity has received Christ with an would need to ‘sit down quietly and discuss this,’ and even choked out the words small cave – the Incarnation of the Word of open heart. There are many in the world ‘with the president of Ukraine.’ He then recalled the Minsk agreement, pointing out God. St. John Chrysostom in his homily on today who do not yet accept the quite correctly that it entails an all for all exchange. He claimed that it was the the Nativity describes this scene as such, Incarnation of the Son of God, or under- Ukrainian side that was violating this by bringing criminal charges against Yerofeyev “Bethlehem this day resembles heaven; stand that the meaning of the Nativity is the and Aleksandrov. He ducked the rest of the question...” hearing from the stars the singing of angelic beginning of our salvation – and not just a Interestingly, the same week as Mr. Putin’s press conference made news, The New voices; and in place of the sun, enfolds with- time for social gatherings, exchanging gifts York Times published a news story about how the USSR had used “comrade tour- in itself on every side, the Sun of justice.” or extended vacations. Our attention at this ists,” i.e. soldiers secretly sent to war zones to help Moscow’s allies, and a new cam- The Prince of Peace deigned to come time of the year is diverted by the mundane paign by a Russian veterans’ group to gain recognition for that secret military ser- down into the world as a man – doing so in cares of the world – the Christmas shop- humility, modestly and without pretention. ping, the office parties, school plays and vice. “It is an effort with clear implications for the veterans of Russia’s more recent He was born of the Most-Pure Virgin Mary holiday preparations. It becomes too easy secret deployments, to Ukraine and Syria under various guises – as so-called green in a cave-stable in the provincial town of to get caught up in these activities, distract- men in uniforms without insignia, ‘vacationers’ in eastern Ukraine or humanitarian Bethlehem. There were practically no ing us from preparing for His birth and the aid workers in Syria,” wrote Andrew Kramer of The Times. human witnesses to this heavenly wonder. meaning of the feast day. God gave humani- Meanwhile, the Russian invasion in Ukraine’s east continues. During the period of Only the shepherds and the wise men, for- ty free will, so it must come to Christ of its December 20-22, over 160 attacks were reported. Furthermore, despite a ceasefire eigners from the east, first recognized the own volition. Christ is still knocking at the that was to take effect on December 23, Russian-backed militants fired on Ukrainian call of the star to honor the newborn Christ- door to our hearts, waiting for us to open it positions over 30 times. The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Child. Their presence is explained by St. and “sup with Him” (Rev. 3:20). reported that “near Popasne (Luhansk Oblast), Russian-terrorist forces opened fire Gregory the Theologian in his homily on the Today, many people believe that they do with Grads” (truck-mounted multiple rocket launchers). Nativity, “But let us return to the present joy, not need Christ in their lives. Still others Thus, there is no doubt that Mr. Putin’s personnel continue to carry out “certain which the angels proclaim to the shepherds, worship Christ, but do not invite Him into military tasks” and that the provisions of the Minsk agreements are no closer to which the heavens declare to the Magi, their lives. Without Christ, the world will being implemented. which the spirit of prophecy announces continue to know unrest, war, violence and through many and sundry utterances, so destruction. This is the world we see today that the Magi become heralds of Grace.” – turmoil, wars, division, persecution of Just as the myrrh-bearing women and Christians, rampant secularism and apathy guards were first to witness the newly Jan. Turning the pages back... risen Christ at His Glorious Resurrection, so (Continued on page 7)

Last year, on January 5, 2014, more than 10,000 people gath- 5 ered on Kyiv’s Independence Square in the first major opposition protest rally for the year, part of the Euro-Maidan movement. 2014 Opposition leaders urged supporters to continue the protests after Christmas according to the Julian calendar. The number of protesters had declined following a gas deal between Presidents Viktor Yanukovych and Vladimir Putin on December 17, 2013, that reduced the price Ukraine was paying for Russian gas imports by one-third. Many of the protesters had camped out since late November 2013 on Independence Square, where they had erected makeshift baracades. The Yanukovych administration threatened the protesters with prosecution for blocking administrative buildings and automobile traffic, and causing damage to property. Meanwhile, government-hired thugs were accused of attacking investigative journalist Tetiana Chornovol on the morning of December 25, 2013, that sparked protesters to “Angel Heralding the Birth of Christ,” woodcut by Zenowij Onyshkewych (1968), as (Continued on page 25) reproduced on a Christmas card from The Ukrainian Museum. No. 52-1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 7

WINDOW ON EURASIA The things we do ... Putin says West supports Ukraine by Orysia Paszczak Tracz to block supposed restoration of USSR

by Paul Goble republics, he should not be surprised that many do not believe his protestations on In an interview for a documentary film this point. The military koliady on Moscow’s Russia I channel, Vladimir But that undoubtedly is not the most My father began singing about young Kryvorivnia, Myrhorod, Hlukhiv, Kozelets, Putin said that Western support for important aspect of this latest Putin decla- Vasylko getting on his beautiful horse, taking Poltava, Lubny, Nedobir, Mutyn and others. Ukraine “is connected not with the defense ration. That is his argument that the West is off his hat and bowing low to say good-bye, When Volodymyrko “conquers” of the interests of Ukraine but with efforts supporting Ukraine not because it is inter- riding off into battle with his spear and Tsarhorod, its residents wonder what trib- to interfere with the restoration of the ested in supporting Ukraine for its own sword, and meeting a beautiful “kniazivna” ute he desires. He takes the horse offered, Soviet Union, and no one wants to believe sake but only as a derivative of its desire (princess). It was after supper on “Sviat but does not thank them, and does not us that we do not have a goal of restoring not to see any steps toward the restoration Vechir” – Ukrainian Christmas Eve, and I was remove his hat or bow to them; the same the Soviet Union.” of the Soviet Union. around 7 or 8 years old. My father said that happens with the bowl of gold. Then they Moreover, the Kremlin leader comment- From Mr. Putin’s point of view, such an this was one of the “koliadky” he sang as a present him with a maiden, and he accepts ed, “no one in the international arena argument plays to two audiences he is young man back home in Strilbychi, Staryi her, thanks them and only then does he wants to speak as equal with international invariably concerned about. On the one Sambir, in western Ukraine. I remember remove his hat and bow. groupings promoted by the Kremlin.” For hand, it is directed at the Russian people thinking, “What in the world does this have Ethnologist Stepan Kylymnyk explains some reason, Mr. Putin continues, the West and represents yet another aspect of his to do with the birth of ‘Isusyk’ (Baby Jesus)?” that the conquest of Constantinople was thinks that “it is possible to create a current suggestions that Russia is sur- not the subjugation of the city. The Kyiv European Union but not a Eurasian one” rounded by enemies and that national When I wrote this as the beginning of kings – the kniazi – fought for trade trea- (nr2.com.ua/News/Ukraine_and_Europe/ unity is therefore obligatory. the preface for my book “First Star I See ties. They wanted tribute and proper treat- Putin-Zapad-meshaet-vossozdat-SSSR- And on the other, his words are directed Tonight: Ukrainian Christmas Traditions,” I ment of their traders and merchants. They 113701.html). at Western governments, many of whom did not have a specific koliada (carol) text – took rich tribute and departed back to Kyiv. Given Mr. Putin’s track record of saying have problems with Kyiv, and is intended to this was just what I remembered from long Often the Byzantine emperors asked the one thing and doing another, his declara- get them to focus more and more critically ago. Since then, I have found a few koliady kniazi, as allies, for military aid for either tion that the demise of the USSR was “the on what Ukraine is doing or not doing than that come close to what may have been my internal or external issues. Then there greatest geopolitical tragedy” of the 20th on what Russia has been doing and contin- Tato’s song. I’m sure the one he sang is out were the romantic connections at the high- century and his treatment of former Soviet ues to do in Ukraine. there in some collection. In the koliady, est level, with royal marriages the norm – everything is glorified, over-the-top lush Volodymyr married Anna, the daughter of and rich (beautiful, gold, silver, silk), the Byzantine emperor, and Yaroslav and whether an item or a person. Well, wishing his daughters married European royalty. makes it so, doesn’t it? Later military-themed koliady sing The shrinking Russian world The somewhat military koliady combine about battling the horde (orda), which in romantic, familial and war themes. You the songs is combined to include also the can’t get away from the romantic. The Pechenihy, the Polovtsi, as well as the in the post-Soviet space young man, the “lytsar” (knight), the “knia- Turks. Some royal fraternal conflicts are zenko” (prince), or just a guy with a partic- also mentioned. A number of koliady have by Paul Goble percent of the population. In 2001, the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry estimates ular name, usually in the diminutive – been linked by scholars to specific histori- Even as Vladimir Putin continues to talk there to be 180,000 Russians who formed Ivanko, Vasylko, Petrunyo – is the main cal figures and events. about the Russian world and the importance 3.6 percent of the total. character of the koliada. He is saddling his Vasylko rode through the woods on a of reuniting it after the demise of the Soviet horse, bidding farewell to his parents and golden horse. His father asks where he is off Union, the number and share of ethnic million ethnic Russians who formed 8.3 per- is off to either conquer Tsarhorod to. “I am going to my sweetheart,” he replies. Russians in all former Soviet republics and cent• Uzbekistanof the population. – In 1989, As of 2013,there thosewere fig1.6- (Constantinople), Lviv or another city, or to His mother asks the same question. Then he occupied Baltic countries have declined, in ures had fallen to 809,000 and 2.8 percent. collect an army. He rides to particular arrives, and his girl comes out to greet him. many cases precipitously, and with no sign countries – to the Lithuanian Kingdom, to “Be well, kind Vasylko, be well with your South Caucasus that those trends are going to change. Hungary, Germany, Wallachia (Rumania), father, your mother, your girl. Kind Vasylko, On the Svobodnaya Pressa portal, Hungary, Turkey – to get horses, weapons, on your golden basking horse.” Moscow journalist Sergey Ryazanov pro- ethnic Russians who formed 2 percent of riches, and a young maiden. The Ukrainian vides a quick survey of this decline and the• population.Armenia – In 1989,2001, there were 51,60014,600 cities and towns mentioned in the Kyivan Orysia Tracz may be contacted at some explanations for why it has been hap- who formed 0.5 percent. era koliady are Kyiv, of course, Lviv, Nizhyn, [email protected]. pening and why in many places Russian ethnic identity is now a much less impor- 392,000 ethnic Russians who formed 5.6 pleases God so that we may indeed bring tant category than that of “Russian speak- percent• Azerbaijan of the population. – In 1989, In there2009, there were The light... peace on earth and share in God’s loving ers” (svpressa.ru/politic/article/138693/). were 119,000 who formed 1.2 percent. goodwill toward us. (Continued from page 6) Central Asia During this Nativity season we make a ethnic Russians who formed 6.3 percent of towards spiritual life. The Incarnation of special appeal to our faithful to pray for the• population;Georgia – In In 1989, 2015, there there were were 341,200 30,000 the Son of God brings peace as a pastoral protection, salvation and the well-being of million ethnic Russians who formed 37.4 who formed 0.8 percent. response to these contemporary sins and our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, who percent• Kazakhstan of the population. – In 1989, Now, there there were are 6 Former Soviet west human sufferings. Yet peace can only come are suffering through a difficult period of 3.6 million ethnic Russians who form 21 if we embrace it as offered, living our lives history, as well as for our fellow Christians percent of the total. - as Christ teaches, and glorifying God in our in the Middle East, who are experiencing lion ethnic Russians who formed 13.2 per- hearts. Then we can say that we have wor- brutal persecution and are forced to flee 916,600 ethnic Russians who formed 21.5 cent• Belarusof the population. – In 1989, thereIn 2009, were there 1.34 were mil thily met the Nativity of the Savior. If good, historic Christian lands. percent• Kyrgyzstan of the population. – In 1989, As of there2009, those were 785,000 who formed 8.26 percent. and not evil, triumphs in the world and we May you have a loving and holy Nativity figures had fallen to 419,000 and 6.4 per- show our love and compassion towards and a blessed New Year 2016 living togeth- cent. ethnic Russians who formed 13 percent of others, then we will grow to understand er with our Lord! the• total.Moldova In 2015, – In 1989, there therewere were300,000 562,100 who that love is precisely that precious treasure Christ is born! Let us glorify Him! 388,500 ethnic Russians who formed 7.6 formed 8.5 percent of the total. that we will take with us into eternity. With prayers and hierarchical blessings, percent.• Tajikistan As of 2010, – Inthere 1989, were there 35,000 were who - Christ the Savior leads us on a different formed 0.3 percent of the population. lion ethnic Russians in Ukraine who formed path – towards the transformation of † Yurij, Metropolitan of the Ukrainian 22.07• Ukraine percent – In of 1989, the population. there were 11.3In 2001, mil humanity. This is why Christ was born. Orthodox Church of Canada 333,900 ethnic Russians who formed 9.5 excluding Crimea, there were 7.1 million The light of Christ’s birth shines upon all † Antony, Metropolitan of the Ukrainian • Turkmenistan – In 1989, there were who formed 14.7 percent of the total. of us once again. The Star beckons us to fol- Orthodox Church of the U.S.A., Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the Baltic countries low through the 40 days of fasting and prep- Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on aration of our bodies and souls. Let us glori- Diaspora ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia fy Him not just by words, but with our † Ioan, Archbishop of the Ukrainian who has served in various capacities in the ethnic Russians who formed 30.3 percent of whole lives. As we gather with our families Orthodox Church in the Diaspora U.S. State Department, the Central the• population. Estonia – In In 1989, 2011, therethere werewere 474,800321,000 for the Nativity feast day, we pray that we † Jeremiah, Archbishop of the Intelligence Agency and the International who formed 24.8 percent of the total. will see the Light of the World, like the shep- Ukrainian Orthodox Eparchy of Brazil and Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the Voice herds and Magi on that Bethlehem night South America of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio ethnic Russians who formed 34 percent of and become “heralds of grace.” This is the † Ilarion, Bishop of the Ukrainian Liberty and the Carnegie Endowment for the• total.Latvia In –2014, In 1989, there there were were 512,000 905,500 who Light of God’s Truth and Love. The angels Orthodox Church of Canada International Peace. Mr. Goble writes a blog formed 25.8 percent of the population. proclaim: “Glory to God in the highest, and † Andriy, Bishop of the Ukrainian called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windo- on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Lk. Orthodox Church of Canada woneurasia2.blogspot.com/). The article 2:14). As we enter into this New Year 2016, † Daniel, Bishop of the Ukrainian above is reprinted with permission. • Lithuania(Continued – In on 1989, page there24) were let us begin to live this year in a way that Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 No. 52-1 No. 52-1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 9

COMMENTARY: The Kremlin’s dangerous new threat in Ukraine

by Ihor Kozak tegic goals, the Kremlin’s leadership is enforcement bodies and Ukrainian authori- tary escalation on the frontlines, the emphasizing alternative aspects of hybrid ties are not able to protect their citizens.” Kremlin’s continued political and economic Fighting continues to gradually intensify warfare. According to Wesley Clark, retired The Ukrainian authorities, to their cred- coercion, painfully slow reforms by the gov- in eastern Ukraine. The Kremlin-backed U.S. Army general and former NATO it, have been discovering these plots, ernment of Ukraine and declining living militants are now using heavy weapons, supreme allied commander, who visited arresting Russian agents, and confiscating standards for a majority of the population, including tanks, artillery and ferocious Ukraine seven times in 2015, “Ukraine is a caches of weapons and explosives through- Ukraine could, potentially, become a failed Grad rocket systems, sporadically. work in progress by Putin. He has multiple out Ukraine (as opposed to mainly in the state in time – which is exactly what Moscow’s rationale behind this latest esca- channels to attack Ukraine, economically, frontline areas as used to be the case). Moscow wants. lation is to achieve a frozen conflict by politically, diplomatically, militarily.” On December 10, the SBU neutralized a To a significant extent, Ukraine’s survival gradually sabotaging the execution of the Recent developments on the security terrorist group in Kyiv and Kharkiv consist- depends on successfully confronting the Minsk II ceasefire agreement. front within Ukraine’s borders are disturb- ing of eight members with clear links to the terrorist tactics of the Kremlin. The free Russian President Vladimir Putin likely ing. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Russian security services, three of whom world, in turn, cannot afford a failed state in realizes that his offensive in the Donbas has and other law enforcement agencies report were Russian citizens. They possessed the heart of Europe. It is paramount that essentially stalled and that for now he can- a significant increase in acts of sabotage and automatic weapons, state-of-the-art equip- Ukraine and the West acknowledge this not take more Ukrainian territory, not with- terrorism. According to SBU official ment, and large quantities of ammunition new and increasing asymmetric threat and out sustaining heavy casualties among his Oleksandr Tkachuk, “Russian special servic- and explosives. The SBU believes they were deal with it rapidly and decisively. regular military forces and triggering addi- es are intensifying their activities in peace- planning to carry out acts of sabotage and Ukraine needs to utilize every tool it has tional Western sanctions. And so it seems ful cities, trying to destabilize the situation terrorism in Kyiv and other urban centers to detect, contain and remove the threat. that, in order to achieve its long-term stra- and trying to show that Ukrainian law of Ukraine. During this operation, the ter- The West should place more substantial rorists put up fierce resistance, which pressure on Moscow to force Mr. Putin to resulted in the death of an SBU officer and a stop sponsoring terrorism in Ukraine. INTERVIEW EXCERPT militant, while two others were wounded. This, unfortunately, is only one of many Ihor Kozak is an independent defense and similar recent occurrences. security expert who advises legislative bod- The rise of plots like these is a serious and ies, governments, think tanks and the media Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt speaks dangerous development. Combating these in Canada, the United States and Ukraine on type of threats is more difficult than repel- the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and other geo- ling the attacks on the eastern frontlines. If political issues. He is a retired Canadian mili- with Myroslava Gongadze of VOA this issue is not dealt with in short order, it tary officer. The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine on So four months, and… could bring about a major setback to the sig- The original version of the article was December 12 released a transcript of I think that’s what was the spark for the nificant progress made to date toward the published by the Atlantic Council, a Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt’s interview with Maidan. Everybody in this country, 46 mil- stabilization of Ukraine and Europe. Washington-based think tank on December Myroslava Gongadze of Voice of America. lion people, thought, “we’re going to Furthermore, if combined with the mili- 21. Its reprint here has been authorized. The interview took place on November 13 in Europe,” and then all of a sudden, in late Kyiv and it aired on the program “Prime November, he announces, “Change of plans Time.” Following are excerpts of their discus- – we’re actually going to the Eurasian sion about the beginning of the Euro- Customs Union. I’ve changed my mind, I’ve Traditional Ukrainian Maidan. The interview also discusses had a conversation with Vladimir Putin.” Russia’s war in Ukraine, the Obama adminis- But ultimately, what was going on in his Christmas Eve Supper tration’s response to Russian aggression, the mind, I think only Viktor Yanukovych will state of affairs in Ukraine today and what know. Традиційна Свята Вечеря lies ahead. (A video of the full interview is available at: https://www.youtube.com/ So what did you tell Washington back watch?v=NNH0ZRZeGGw.) then, when the first people came on at Soyuzivka Maidan, when you realized that this is …when you came [to Ukraine], you were probably not expecting big tur- serious? Wednesday, January 6, 2016 moil. But you came, and it did [happen]. Well it was very clear it was big. And I What was your feeling when you came remember people around the government $35 per person, $15 for children 5-10 to the country? telling me, “this is bigger than the Orange Begins at 6 pm Revolution – it’s much deeper.” And I Well, I don’t think anybody could have Please call for room and / or meal reservations imagined the changes and the drama that remember walking around Kyiv those first days. I was out walking on St. Michael’s – Ukraine has been through over the past Soyuzivka • 216 Foordmore Road • Kerhonkson NY 12446 two years. The 21st of November will be on Mykhailivska – on the morning of, I the second-year anniversary of the begin- guess it would have been November 30, 845-626-5641 • www.Soyuzivka.com ning of all of this. I think there were periods December 1, right after this all started. This of enormous sadness, but also inspiring was a popular demonstration. I remember courage. Ultimately it’s about the Ukrainian – it was so striking to me – the number of people. I think back on the Maidan. I will strollers that you saw, and people with remember the first time I heard, before it young children, and people with their was public, that [Viktor] Yanukovych was grandmothers. And these were people who not going to sign the Association were demanding a say in their country’s Agreement. And I remember a conversa- future. tion at that point with Sergei Lyovochkin. The Maidan itself then went through And I asked Sergei, I said, how are you this extraordinary 11 weeks. There were going to explain this to the people of the events in the first week of December. Ukraine? What’s the diplomacy plan? He Remember, that was during the OSCE said, “I don’t know.” And I think ultimately, Ministerial. All of Europe was here, all of that’s the story of the Maidan. It was about these foreign ministers. But it was also the Yanukovych trying to deny the choice that time when Yanukovych and Bankova chose the Ukrainian people had made to move first to send the Berkut against the demon- toward European institutions and strators to try to clear Maidan, and all the European values. violence there. And yet people came back. I remember that evening, I was woken up by Was it exactly Yanukovych, or maybe a phone call. I won’t say who it was from, it was a bigger push from Russia? but let’s just say it is somebody who is now I don’t know. You have to ask Viktor very prominent in the government. Yanukovych that question. He’s the only The Ukrainian government? one who knows. I know there were a lot of people around the Presidential In the Ukrainian government, who Administration in those days who were just called me up to say, “Ambassador, they’ve as surprised as we were by the decision sent the Berkut in. They’re trying to clear that Yanukovych made. I will tell you, in my the Maidan.” And what I remember, from initial conversations with President my house in Podil, I could hear the church Yanukovych after I arrived in August, he bells ringing. You could hear the bells of St. was all talking about the intention to take Sophia and St. Michael’s were being rung. Ukraine towards Europe, toward European values. (Continued on page 11) 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 No. 52-1

al reform for the Ukrainian economy, par- times already, to approve the legislation to Sakvarelidze would be responsible for Ukraine’s... ticularly if some of the stakes are priva- enable the privatization process, as lament- monitoring the launch and activity of the (Continued from page 1) tized. ed by Mr. Abromavicius. “The illegal divvy- Inspector General of Domestic Ms. Jaresko is now grappling with her ing up of assets continues!” he tweeted this Investigations and Security. gorically against this. No one besides us next big challenge, which is the 2016 cen- month. First Deputy Internal Affairs Minister will restore order in our home,” Oleh tral budget. To her credit, her budget has Health Minister Alexander Kvitashvili Ekaterina Zguladze – a native of Tbilisi, Lyashko, the populist showboating politi- the IMF’s endorsement as it met all the – a native of Tbilisi, Georgia, he earned a Georgia, she studied at a high school in cian who leads the Radical Party, said on organization’s requirements. Yet she has master’s degree in public administration Oklahoma under a Freedom Support Act December 21. drawn criticism from populist politicians from New York University in 2003. That scholarship and completed a journalism And while Mr. Lyashko’s comments for planning spending cuts that involve year, he worked in the financial and admin- degree from Javakhishvili State University reflect the view of many Ukrainians, lead- massive layoffs. Her defenders say she had istrative departments at Grady Memorial in Tbilisi. She became Georgian deputy ing publications such as Novoye Vremia little room for maneuvering in light of IMF Hospital in Atlanta. He served as the Labor, internal affairs minister in 2005 at the age have praised the foreign officials as among requirements. Health and Social Security Minister in of 27 and was promoted to first deputy, the most effective, partly because they’re Odesa Oblast State Administration Georgia before becoming rector of serving until 2012. new to the political system and aren’t Head Mikheil Saakashvili – a native of Javakhishvili State University in Tbilisi. Appointed in December, Ms. Zguladze, indebted to anyone. Tbilisi, Georgia, he graduated in 1992 with Mr. Kvitashvili, 45, is widely character- 37, immediately outlined her goals of Indeed, Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko a degree in international law from Taras ized as one of the failures among the for- changing the methods of recruiting candi- has been named by top media outlets as a Shevchenko National University in Kyiv, eign-born ministers, yet he inherited one of dates to the newly created National Police possible candidate for prime minister to where he befriended President Petro Ukraine’s most corrupt government bodies. of Ukraine and their training. The results replace Arseniy Yatsenyuk, who is expected Poroshenko as a student; he graduated In a June address to Parliament, he estimat- were apparent a year later, when 80 per- to be removed within months, after the from Columbia Law School in New York in ed that two-thirds of the payments in cent of police commanders could not pass next IMF loan tranche arrives. 1994 with an L.L.M. degree. He served as Ukraine’s hospitals are in the form of bribes the new testing procedures. Mr. Saakashvili, the head of the Odesa Georgia’s president between 2004 and and proposed granting hospitals more In all, more than 37 percent of the Kyiv Oblast State Administration, has been 2013, after which criminal charges were financial autonomy to manage their affairs. police force, or 3,386 officers, failed the named by political expert Viktor filed in 2014 and his Georgian citizenship Attempts to dismiss him for alleged cor- first two of three tests to requalify for the Nebozhenko as a possible vice prime min- revoked this year. ruption began within months of his police. The so called “militsiya,” as the ister, which he said was the aim of his Since his appointment in May by Mr. appointment in December 2014. He said police were referred to, was officially liqui- December 14 presentation to the reforms Poroshenko, Mr. Saakashvili, 48, has been these attempts were in response to his own dated on November 7 and merged into the council in which he accused Messrs. the most visible, and most controversial, efforts to combat corruption. national police. Yatsenyuk and Avakov of corruption. foreign-born state official, as was expected He was accused of incompetence in Once dispatched to monitor, or in many “Saakashvili knows perfectly that he can given his notoriously hot temperament and August for failing to arrange for medical cases abuse, angry protesters, at least 400 never become prime minister. But his goal intense approach to reforms, which his transports abroad of terminally ill children police swarmed the Internal Affairs is to become vice prime minister of law critics described as reckless during his and injured soldiers, costing six lives. In Ministry on December 13 to protest the enforcement ministries in the reformed presidency. response, he said such commission find- requalification procedures, drawing Cabinet and oversee the work of the In his career in Ukraine, he launched a ings were politically motivated. Facebook comments from Mr. Avakov that Internal Affairs Ministry, Procurator bold campaign to expose allegedly corrupt Mr. Kvitashvili submitted his resignation “I’m even glad this happened” and “we will General’s Office, Security Service of Ukraine state officials, starting with the head of the in July and was considered for dismissal by act more decisively and quickly,” asserting and the Anti-Corruption Bureau,” said Mr. State Aviation Service, Denys Antoniuk, Parliament four times, most recently in that the protesters were corrupt cops. Nebozhenko. accusing him of blocking low-cost competi- September, but to no avail. Among his Ms. Zguladze also played a key role in “His conflict with Avakov was the first tors from entering the Ukrainian market. accomplishments is organizing a 2016 pro- leading the transformation of the notori- step on that road. Even if Saakashvili The verbal attack in June, leaked onto gram to introduce computerized medical ously corrupt State Traffic Inspection, doesn’t achieve his goals in the Cabinet, the Internet, served as the media platform cards and patient registers, to be financed whose Kyiv division was liquidated on July then he is trying to play the role – in public in his campaign to break up an alleged by the World Bank. 10 and merged into the national police. opinion and the mass media – of the over- monopoly of International Airlines of Odesa Oblast Prosecutor David It was replaced the same week by the seer of law enforcement bodies in the fight Ukraine and its owner, Igor Kolomoisky. It Sakvarelidze – a native of Tbilisi, Georgia, newly created police patrols, which made a against elite corruption in Ukraine,” he resulted in Mr. Antoniuk’s dismissal and he completed his law degree in 2004 at positive impression on Ukrainians with added. house arrest. Javakhishvili State University in Tbilisi. He their new cars and more citizen-friendly And while Ukrainians might not like the The campaign intensified at the studied at St. Bonaventure University near officers. Nationally, the traffic police was idea of foreigners telling them what to do, December 6 meeting of the Odesa Anti- Buffalo, N.Y., in 2001-2002. officially liquidated on November 18. The the evidence indicates they’ve played criti- Corruption Initiative, at which he accused Appointed as deputy procurator general police patrols were among the few reforms cal roles in the government’s biggest Mr. Kolomoisky, Prime Minister Yatsenyuk in February, his claim to fame was his visible to average Ukrainians following the accomplishments in reforms so far. and his closest advisers of costing the gov- investigations of the “diamond prosecu- Euro-Maidan. “These expert foreigners have some ernment $5 billion as a result of their cor- tors” – two local prosecutors arrested for Ms. Zguladze was named among the Top kind of ambition,” Oleksandr Palii, a Kyiv rupt schemes. (All these politicians are taking large bribes, including 65 diamonds 100 Global Thinkers of 2015 by Foreign political expert and author, told Radio Free rivals of Mr. Poroshenko; Mr. Saakashvili found in one of the men’s possession. Policy magazine – one of only two Europe/Radio Liberty in an interview pub- has yet to target anyone from Mr. Attempts were allegedly made by two dep- Ukrainians selected. The police’s new lished on December 22. “It’s this that they Poroshenko’s team in his campaign.) uty procurators general to undermine their norms and standards would be implement- come for, to a country that’s in a war and in Needless to say, Mr. Saakashvili’s arrest and prosecution. ed this year, she said in April, but it will a difficult condition. Their motivation is approach has earned him many enemies in Those investigations, conducted with take another five to 10 years to reform it tied to their self-fulfillment and their build- a very short period of time. Messrs. Vitaliy Kasko, earned the praise and sup- entirely. ing their name in Ukraine.” Yatsenyuk and Avakov showered him with port of U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine National Police Chief Khatia Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko – a insults such as “traveling showman” during Geoffrey Pyatt. The scandal created a Dekanoidze – a native of Tbilisi, Georgia, native of Chicago, she graduated from the December 14 debacle, while Mr. vicious conflict within the Procurator she earned a degree in international rela- Harvard University’s School of Public Kolomoisky vowed, in an interview pub- General’s Office, prompting Mr. tions from Javakhishvili State University in Policy before settling in Ukraine in 1992 lished on December 21 on the politico.eu Sakvarelidze, 34, to announce in mid-Sep- Tbilisi. She studied in the U.S. before being and launching two top Ukrainian business news site, “to beat him like a dog” after he tember that he had accepted a job as Odesa appointed, at age 31, as head of Georgia’s investment funds, the Western NIS leaves government. Oblast prosecutor general, working along- newly created police academy, which she Enterprise Fund and later Horizon Capital. Economic and Trade Development side Mr. Saakashvili. led between 2007 and 2012. She was The most lauded among Ukraine’s for- Minister Aivaras Abromavicius – a native Nonetheless, he retained the position of appointed head of the National Police of eign-born ministers, Ms. Jaresko, 50, was of Vilnius, Lithuania, he earned a bachelor’s deputy procurator general and vowed that Ukraine on November 4. hailed as the “hero minister” (Agence degree in international business from the criminal charges against the diamond Prior to her appointment, Ms. France-Presse) and “Putin’s American foe” Concordia International University Estonia prosecutors would be fully prosecuted, tell- Dekanoidze, 38, served as an advisor to Mr. (Bloomberg News) after spending six before becoming fund manager in 2003 of ing the liga.net news site on December 13 Avakov and was involved with many of the months working on a complicated $15 bil- East Capital asset management group, that the evidence has been collected and is reforms that were implemented. At her lion debt restructuring for Ukraine’s gov- among Eastern Europe’s leading invest- ready to be presented. first press briefing on November 4, she said ernment and corporate debt, which was ment banks. He moved to Ukraine in 2008 In Odesa, Mr. Sakvarelidze led an investi- her priorities would be to launch the completed in September. to lead its Kyiv office. gation into the Odesa Portside Plant, a top Emergency Action Corps (KORD), complete Ms. Jaresko has also pulled off what had Leading a ministry that doesn’t have producer of ammonium nitrate in Ukraine, the testing process for police and launch been thought to be impossible, which was many vital responsibilities, Mr. and reportedly told thetimes.co.uk news police patrols in 29 more Ukrainian cities. to balance the budget of the state natural Abromavicius, 39, is most credited with site that top Cabinet leaders, including Mr. By December 11, she joined Mr. Pyatt in gas production and transit monopoly cutting its staff by 30 percent in February Yatsenyuk, were involved in a $90 million unveiling the National Police Recruitment Naftohaz Ukrainy by eliminating the multi- and another 20 percent in the fall. He even per year corruption scheme. Center. She assured the public that the billion dollar deficits with which it was sad- left open the possibility that the ministry Mr. Yatsenyuk denied the claims, while recruitment and requalification is being dled for a decade in what was widely would be liquidated altogether. Mr. Sakvarelidze denied naming Mr. conducted by independent commissions, viewed as corruption. Mr. Abromavicius has been a leading Yatsenyuk, though he acknowledged he who base their decisions on various objec- Its budget was balanced in order to pre- advocate of creating a state holding compa- had referred to “the country’s higher offi- tive tests that candidates have to perform. pare for its split into three separate compa- ny for strategic enterprises and privatizing cials.” By March 1, she aims to have at least one nies – for gas production, transit and stor- state enterprises that are plagued by cor- In late November, Procurator General recruitment center established in each age – in what’s viewed as a major structur- ruption. Yet the Verkhovna Rada failed, 10 Viktor Shokin announced that Mr. oblast of Ukraine. No. 52-1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 11

entrance to Mariyinsky Park. We weren’t at That was a profoundly inspiring period. I will always remember those first few days Ambassador... the Rada yet. And I was thinking, “well, Prime Minister [Arseniy] Yatsenyuk was after the “little green men” showed up. why are we stopping now?” And the whole named a few days later. He tells the story People were trying to figure out, “What’s (Continued from page 9) street was full – and again, it was full of now, he arrived in office and he discovered going on here?” Because it was so incon- And as we watched this over the evening – grandmothers, families, people with stroll- that Ukraine had a few thousand dollars ceivable that Putin would blow up interna- this bizarre experience of watching it on ers, coming with flowers, coming with can- left in the treasury, the cupboard was bare. tional norms so dramatically, that he would the livestream, watching it on TV… dles. And I realized they were reclaiming As he used to say – an army that couldn’t violate the principle of territorial integrity And being there, basically… their democracy. They were coming to the fight, an air force the wouldn’t fly, a navy that had been so important to preserving Rada. And there was this sense of: “now that didn’t float. So Ukraine was at its peace since the second world war. It’s the And sort of hearing what was going on. we’re going to hold these people responsi- weakest from a military standpoint. That’s most sacred principle of the Euro-Atlantic We were observers. But what was striking ble, now we have to build a new country.” when [Vladimir] Putin moved into Crimea. security community. to me was the crowd was getting bigger. People were coming out. And I think that’s the essence of the courage that was dem- onstrated throughout the Maidan, and frankly, the courage that Ukrainians have demonstrated over this extraordinary 20 months. Vladimir Putin underestimated the Ukrainian people. Still, back in Washington, did Washington understand what was really going on? Did Europe understand really what was going on? We certainly understood how strong the demand was among the Ukrainian people to stay on the path to Europe. You remem- ber, there was a very strong statement that Secretary of State [John] Kerry issued that night in the first week of December when the Berkut were first sent onto the Maidan. He expressed – I think he used the word “disgust” – disgusted by what was happen- ing, which is a strong word for a statement by the secretary of state. But throughout this period, we were also very strong – I was coordinating very closely with terpart; Ambassador [Christof] Weil, my GermanAmbassador counterpart [Jan] Tombiński, – all of my whom EU coun- are close friends and are still here – but we were all saying the same thing: non-vio- lence, work through Ukrainian constitu- tional structures, support democracy, sup- port the values that you say you stand for. Then, again, war. It started and Russia would not give up, and it’s clearly not giving up even now. What was your expectation, and how was Ukrainian government ready to actually fight the war? Did you have a clear picture about Ukrainian readiness to really fight the war? Gosh, that’s a hard question. First, I will say what will stick with me was that first Sunday after Yanukovych fled. And one of my Ukrainian friends who’s now in the Rada, she said to me, “you know, that was our one weekend of happiness.” Before the war? Before the war, after Yanukovych had left. So it would have been the 22nd, 23rd. The morning of Sunday the 23rd. Remember, the Rada was in session, because they had voted with overwhelm- ing support, including from Party of Regions representatives, to declare Yanukovych failing – that he had failed to discharge his responsibilities as resident. But what I will remember is, and this was totally unexpected for me, I went that Sunday morning to the Rada to go see [Oleksandr] Turchynov, who at that point was speaker. And we were coming up Hrushevskoho – actually the back way, because the road was still not open from my house – and I was head-down, reading my Blackberry in the back of the car, and all of a sudden we stopped. And I looked out. And we were just by the hotel there, by the

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two oil rigs, worth about $357 million, from news agency quoted Mr. Putin as saying on hood of downtown Donetsk. There were no NEWSBRIEFS a location in international waters about December 22. The previous week, Mr. Putin immediate reports of any casualties. Police 150 kilometers off the coast from Odesa. It ordered his government to suspend the officers were at the site of the explosion, (Continued from page 2) said the move was due to “the complicated country’s free trade zone with Ukraine TASS reported. Russian-backed separatists December 18 a “moratorium” on any debt international situation and risk of losing from January 1, 2016. He cited “extraordi- control most of Donetsk and the neighbor- repayments to Russia. He did not indicate vital assets.” Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs nary circumstances affecting the interests ing Luhansk regions, where fighting has when Ukraine would be ready to repay the Ministry on December 16 described the and economic security” of Russia. The taken place between Ukrainian govern- debt. That effectively means that Ukraine is move as “large-scale looting” by Russia. It decree was signed as Ukraine and the EU ment forces and separatists. Fighting inten- defaulting on the debt. Moscow has previ- expressed “deep indignation in connection agreed to begin the implementation of their sified last month after weeks of relative ously said it will take Ukraine to court if it with the actions of Russia that violate inter- bilateral trade agreement on January 1. In a calm. More than 9,000 people have been failed to pay on time. The Eurobond national law, once again aimed at violating related development, Russian First Deputy killed in fighting in eastern Ukraine since matured on December 20, but Ukraine has the sovereign rights of Ukraine.” Ukraine’s Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov said on April 2014. (RFE/RL, based on reporting a 10-day grace period before it will be con- state-run energy firm Naftohaz Ukrainy, December 22 that Russia was ready “to by TASS and Interfax) sidered officially to be in default. Mr. which owned 100 percent of Chornomor­ take part in talks and search for compro- Ukraine to try self-appointed ‘president’ Yatsenyuk also said Ukraine would cancel naftogaz before it was seized, says it will mise” on the Ukraine-EU trade agreement. payments on $507 million of Ukrainian seek compensation from Russia in interna- Last-ditch talks to address Russian con- KYIV – Ukrainian officials say that a man commercial debt held by Russian banks. tional courts for its annexed Crimean oil cerns over the EU-Ukraine free trade agree- who has proclaimed himself to be “presi- (RFE/RL, based on reporting by TASS, and gas assets – worth a total of $15.7 bil- ment ended with no breakthrough in dent of Southeastern Ukraine” will be tried Reuters and AP) lion. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by Brussels on December 21. (RFE/RL, based in absentia in Ukraine’s eastern city of Russia, AP, TASS and Interfax) on reporting by Reuters and Interfax) Kharkiv. The Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Kyiv: Russia loots Black Sea oil rigs office said on December 14 that charges of Putin on normalizing relations Blast hits Donetsk bus stop KYIV – Ukraine has accused Russia of separatism and terrorism against Anatoliy looting two of its oil rigs after the Crimea- MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir MOSCOW – Russian news agencies have Vizyr, the former chairman of Ukraine’s based oil and gas firm Chornomornaftogaz Putin has said Moscow “will continue mak- reported that a powerful explosive device Luhansk Regional Appeals Court, have moved the Black Sea rigs into Russian terri- ing efforts” to resolve trade disputes with went off late on December 21 in the city of been sent to the court for trial. Mr. Vizyr, torial waters. Russia seized Chornomor­ the European Union and Ukraine. “I think Donetsk, in conflict-torn eastern Ukraine. who is believed to be in a part of eastern naftogaz, formerly a state-owned Ukrainian we will return to these issues more than The agencies cited authorities in the self- Ukraine controlled by Russian-backed sep- company, when it illegally annexed the once. We want to normalize relations [in declared separatist region as saying the aratists, proclaimed himself in April 2014 Crimean Peninsula in 2014. On December trade] with our partners – with Ukraine blast occurred at a bus stop around 7:20 to be president of a hypothetical state 14, Chornomornaftogaz said it moved the and with the European Union,” Interfax p.m. local time in a residential neighbor- made up of Luhansk and four other regions of Ukraine: Donetsk, Kharkiv, Mykolayiv and Kherson. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by UNIAN and Interfax) Rights violations in Russian-held Crimea WASHINGTON – Ukrainian activists say human rights violations are rampant in Crimea, the Russian-annexed peninsula of Ukraine. The violations include people being forced to acquire Russian citizenship and the intimidation of nationalists. Activists spoke December 11 at a meeting of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, a U.S. govern- ment agency that monitors international adherence to the 1975 Helsinki Accords on human rights. “The practice of human rights in occupied Crimea is dire and continues to deteriorate,” said Ivanna Bilych, a Ukrainian lawyer and one of several authors of a report documenting problems on the Black Sea peninsula. Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014, several weeks after long-run- ning protests in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv turned violent and forced President Viktor Yanukovych to flee. Bohdan Yaremenko, a former diplomat, called on the international community to keep in place the economic sanctions imposed by the United States and

Andriy Klymenko, a former economist and Еuropeeditor-in-chief on Russia of website after theBlack annexation. Sea News, said authorities have been quick to tamp down any signs of Ukrainian nationalism. (RFE/RL) Ukraine invites Dutch to aid search KYIV – Ukraine’s police chief invited the Netherlands to help find a trove of 17th cen- tury paintings that was stolen from a Dutch museum. Khatia Denakoidze told reporters December 10 that her office is waiting for an official request from Dutch prosecutors and that Ukraine welcomes Dutch investiga- tors to join the police hunt. The Westfries Museum in the northern town of Hoorn said that 24 Dutch Golden Age paintings snatched in a burglary in January 2005 had been found in a villa in a Ukrainian- controlled part of Donbas and are being offered for sale. The museum said men from a nationalist battalion fighting Russian- backed separatists showed the Dutch Embassy a picture of one of the stolen works and demanded 50 million euros ($55 million) for the painting’s return – a sum that they later reduced to 5 million euros. The group, identified as the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists, denied holding the artworks and Ukraine’s chief prosecutor launched an investigation. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by AP and AFP)

(Continued on page 13) No. 52-1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 13

Savchenko have nothing in common with a will seek political asylum. Vladimir Ionov, of whoever would want to do it.” he said. NEWSBRIEFS court of law. Russia’s Justice Ministry has 76, was set to deliver his final statement to “This is about Europe’s energy balance, twice stated that Savchenko’s ‘extradition’ a Moscow court on charges of attending safeguarding security of supplies, these are (Continued from page 12) can be discussed if Ukraine recognizes the more than two unauthorized public events most important questions.” The Nord Savchenko goes on hunger strike verdict passed by a Russian court and guar- during a six-month period, which under Stream-2 project, which involves German antees that she would serve her sentence in legislation enacted last year can result in a and Dutch companies as well as Russia’s MOSCOW – Ukrainian military pilot Ukraine,” the KHRPG reported. Ukraine’s potential 1 million-ruble fine ($14,000) or Gazprom, fell into question the previous Nadiya Savchenko, who is in detention in Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko responded up to five years in prison. Rights activists week after Italy raised it as an issue during Russia after being accused of involvement by pointing out that a statement like this call the new law a menacing tool to crack debate over extending Russian economic in the death of two Russian journalists, has before a verdict has been handed down down on dissent. Mr. Ionov’s protests have sanctions. Italian Prime Minister Matteo gone on a hunger strike. One of her law- “demonstrates one thing alone, that the spanned a wide range of topics but have Renzi said Berlin’s plans to turn Germany yers, Nikolai Polozov, said in a tweet that verdict has already been written, and that it included strident criticism of Russian into a hub for the distribution of Russian gas the detainee announced the hunger strike will definitely be a conviction.” Ms. President Vladimir Putin and support for through the project, which was intended to in a Donetsk city court in Russia’s Rostov Savchenko was serving with a volunteer opposition leader and anti-corruption cru- bypass Ukraine, “left a dubious taste,” espe- region on December 17. “Nadiya Savchenko battalion in eastern Ukraine when she was sader Aleksei Navalny. Prosecutors last cially after a similar South Stream project has gone on a hunger strike until the end of abducted by Kremlin-backed terrorists in month asked Moscow’s Preobrazhenksy that would have benefited Italy was blocked the trial,” Mr. Polozov said, adding that she June 2014 and taken to Russia, where she Court to hand Mr. Ionov a three-year sus- by sanctions last year. (RFE/RL, based on will begin a “dry” hunger strike when she is has been illegally detained and imprisoned pended sentence, but he reportedly did not reporting by Reuters, Interfax and TASS) sentenced, meaning that she will refuse since that time. Russia has ignored repeat- want to take any chances. Instead, he has Kyiv bans Limp Bizkit lead singer both food and water. “She demands to be ed calls from the international community crossed the border into Ukraine, where he released,” he said. Mr. Polozov said the for her immediate release. (Ukrainian was staying in the eastern city of Kharkiv KYIV – Ukrainian news media reported court also agreed with a prosecutor’s Canadian Congress) with his girlfriend, Russian media reported December 21 that the country’s national request to extend her detention until April on December 21. The news portal Rosbalt. security service has banned the leader of 16. Russian officials say Ms. Savchenko Court releases pro-Ukraine stunt performer ru quoted an unidentified source as saying the U.S. rock band Limp Bizkit from entering helped relay information to artillery units MOSCOW – A Moscow court on that Mr. Ionov will seek political asylum in the country for five years. The Security that fired near a location in eastern Ukraine December 17 released a Russian man who Ukraine. He told Grani.ru that he believes Service of Ukraine (SBU) told Interfax and where two Russian journalists were killed was jailed after taking part in a stunt in the he will ultimately return to Russia. “Russia the online publication Apostrof on by artillery fire. Ms. Savchenko – who is Russian capital as part of a pro-Ukraine is my homeland, and I think that soon there December 21 that it had banned Fred Durst, also being charged with illegally crossing demonstration. The Moscow City Court will be serious changes [there],” he was the founder of the group and its lead singer, the Russian border – says she was captured reduced Vladimir Podrezov’s 27-month jail quoted as saying. “God willing, these chang- from entering Ukraine for five years starting by pro-Russian separatists in July 2014 and sentence to 34 months of “freedom limita- es will happen without any blood whatso- in November, “in the interests of guarantee- forcibly taken to Russia. If found guilty, she tion,” which is similar to a suspended sen- ever.” (RFE/RL, with reporting by RFE/RL’s ing the security of our state.” Mr. Durst in faces up to 25 years in prison. The 34-year- tence with parole limitations. Mr. Podrezov Russian Service) October had told TASS and Interfax that he old has spent over a year in custody in would be happy to have a Russian passport and four other Russians, including two Russia on cancelling Nord Stream Russia, during which time she has already women, went on trial in August after taking and a “pretty little house” in Crimea, the protested her detention by going on an part in a stunt in which a Soviet red star MOSCOW – Russia warned December 21 Black Sea region annexed by Russia in 2014. extended hunger strike. (RFE/RL, based on atop a Stalin-era skyscraper was painted that any move by the European Union to His wife, Kseniya Beryazina, was born in reporting by TASS and Interfax) blue and yellow – the colors of the cancel the Nord Stream gas pipeline from Crimea. He also expressed an interest in Russia’s Baltic coast to Germany would only performing in Donetsk, a city held by Savchenko to receive ‘harsh sentence’ Ukrainian flag. Four defendants were accused of drawing attention to the painted hurt Europe. “The sides have reached con- Russian-backed separatists in eastern OTTAWA – Vladimir Markin, official rep- star and a Ukrainian flag hoisted from it by siderable progress in terms of legal, techni- Ukraine. Ukraine has previously banned resentative of Russia’s Investigative parachuting from the 176-meter-high cal, economic, and financial aspects of this French actor Gerard Depardieu and Committee, stated that something tells him building. They were acquitted in August. A agreement,” Russian Economy Minister American actor Steven Seagal for expressing that the sentence of Nadiya Savchenko will sixth suspect sought in the case, Ukrainian Aleksei Ulyukayev said December 21 in support for the Russian government and its be “harsh,” the Kharkiv Human Rights stuntman Pavlo Ushyvets, escaped to Brussels. “Failing to implement it now policies in Ukraine. (RFE/RL, based on Protection Group (KHRPG) reported. This Ukraine. (RFE/RL’s Russian Service) would be a shot in one’s foot from the side reporting by AP, TASS, Interfax and Apostof) “obviously allowed him to flagrantly ignore fundamental principles of a fair trial and Activist facing charges flees to Ukraine pre-empt the court in declaring Savchenko MOSCOW – A Russian opposition activist У першу болючу річницю відходу у Божу вічність guilty. [...]Markin’s remarks are not the first who became the first person charged нашої найдорожчої незабутньої Мами, Баби і Прабаби time that Russian officials have demon- under a strict new protest law has report- Сясі, просимо про молитви в пам’ять Покійної, strated that the proceedings against edly fled to neighboring Ukraine, where he св. п. Ярослави (Сясі) Фаріон

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Ukraine: a strategic gateway Scholarly papers from conference between East and West on Ukrainian Famine studies “The Gates of Europe: A History of “Contextualizing the Holodomor: The Ukraine,” by Serhii Plokhy. New York: Basic Impact of Thirty Years of Ukrainian Books, 2015. 432 pp. ISBN: 978-0- Famine Studies,” edited by Andrij Makuch 46505091-8. $29.99. and Frank E. Sysyn. Edmonton-Toronto: Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies Harvard University’s Serhii Plokhy, who Press, 2015. 126 pp. ISBN: 978-1-894865- is director of the Ukrainian Research 33-2. $22.95 Institute, has released yet another note- worthy book on Ukraine’s history. His lat- In 2013, the Holodomor Research and est, “The Gates of Europe: A History of Education Consortium (HREC) of the Ukraine,” is based on the premise that we Canadian Institute of Ukrainian need to take a look at Ukraine’s past in Studies(CIUS) partnered with several insti- order to understand its present and foresee tutions to organize a conference to examine its future. what 30 years of scholarly work on the This work examines Ukraine as a gate- Holodomor, the Famine-Genocide of 1932- way between East and West, situated as it 1933, has added to the understanding of is between Central Europe, Russia and the Ukrainian history, Soviet history, commu- Middle East. nism and genocide studies. It takes readers from, as the first chapter The papers presented at that confer- is called, “The Edge of the World,” in which ence, held on September 27-28, 2013, at Prof. Plokhy notes that “the first historian the University of Toronto, have been col- of Ukraine was Herodotus, the father of his- lected in “Contextualizing the Holodomor: tory himself,” to the advent of the Slavs and The Impact of Thirty Years of Ukrainian the arrival of the Vikings on the Dnipro [Vladimir] Putin’s current policies as Famine Studies.” landmark book and notes that it engen- River. It then moves on to the princely era, aggression against the wishes of the This important collection includes, as dered academic discussion of the Ukrainian the Hetmanate, the Polish-Lithuanian Ukrainian people, as well as the order background to its contents, Frank Sysyn’s Famine. Commonwealth, the Ukrainian revolution established at the end of the Cold War.” article “Thirty Years of Research on the Included in the newly released book are: of 1917-1921, the period of Soviet domina- Dr. Plokhy, the Mykhailo Hrushevsky Holodomor: A Balance Sheet.” Dr. Sysyn “Towards a Decentered History: The Study tion, World War II and the renewal of Professor of Ukrainian History, was hon- (University of Alberta) notes the signifi- of the Holodomor and Ukrainian Ukraine’s independence in 1991. Of course, ored on November 14 with the Omelan and cance and impact of Robert Conquest’s Historiography” by Olga Andriewsky (Trent the book also takes readers through the Tatiana Antonovych Foundation award for book “The Harvest of Sorrow: Soviet University); “The Impact of Holodomor Orange Revolution and the Revolution of his work as a historian and author of histo- Collectivization and the Terror-Famine,” Studies on the Understanding of the USSR” Dignity, which began as the Euro-Maidan. ry books that insightfully analyze Ukraine’s which appeared in 1986, noting that it by Andrea Graziosi (University of Naples The author’s epilogue brings readers to past and present and shed light on what “posed a major challenge to the Soviets and Federico II); “Reflections of Stalin and the the present day, with Russia’s annexation of may be in store for its future. their supporters in the West.” He goes on to Crimea, its aggression in the Donbas region Prof. Plokhy’s previous works include describe the reactions to Dr. Conquest’s (Continued on page 24) and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “The Last Empire: The Final Days of the attempts to create a Novorossiya on Soviet Union” (2014), which won the pres- Ukrainian territory, all the while insisting tigious Lionel Gelber Prize in 2015 for the A novel about Ukraine that Ukrainians and Russians are one and world’s best non-fiction book in English on the same. global issues. under Stalin’s dictatorship As noted by former U.S. Ambassador to “The Gates of Europe” is available from Ukraine John Herbst, “The Gates of Europe” basicbooks.com and amazon.com, as well “Snow Goose Chronicles,” by Olya offers “a short yet comprehensive history as at bookstores. An e-book version is also Samilenko. New York: Liberty Publishing of Ukraine that contextualizes Mr. available. House, 2015. 404 pp. ISBN: 978-1-62804- 061-6. $29.95.

Olya Samilenko, a writer and professor “Black Earth” examines history at Goucher College whose specialty is short prose and satire, has penned a novel and warnings of the Holocaust depicting the fate of Ukrainian farmers dur- ing the Soviet era. She tells the story of “Black Earth: The Holocaust as History 20th century Ukraine by focusing on the and Warning,” by Timothy Snyder, New experiences of two Ukrainians and two York: Tim Duggan Books, 2015. 462 pp. Jews during the times of Joseph Stalin. ISBN: 978-1-101-90345-2. $30 (hardcover) Part of the story in this work of histori- $16.99 (paperback). cal fiction, told from the point of view of a Prof. Timothy Snyder, the Housum Ukrainian peasant woman, is the Soviet Professor of History at Yale University, this gulag, the forced collectivization of Ukraine year released his ninth book – “Black Earth: and the genocidal Holodomor that killed The Holocaust as History and Warning.” millions in Ukraine. Based on new archival sources from As the author explains in the introduc- Eastern Europe, Prof. Snyder examines the tion: Holocaust in vast detail, describing Hitler’s “Although ‘Snow Goose Chronicles’ is a worldview of the Jews and their planned work of fiction, it is based on a real-life extermination by the Nazis that began in event that happened to my family many former monastery, was known as Solovky. the territories of the Soviet Union. years before I was born. Interestingly, Ms. Samilenko (Dr. Olga Attention to Ukraine is paid by Prof. “In early January of 1929 my father, his Samilenko-Tsvetkov) is the author of a Snyder in examining how Hitler attacked two brothers and their parents were chapter in the report of the U.S. Commission the USSR, and how German police and sol- arrested at their farm in eastern Ukraine, on the Ukraine Famine. She was a staff diers, with the cooperation of the local peo- which by then had become a Soviet repub- assistant of the commission, working under ple, conducted mass killings of Jews. lic, and deported to a labor camp in the Far its staff director, the late James E. Mace. The first half of the book explains how North. My grandfather, Mathew Samijlenko, Ulana Mazurkevich, a public member of the Jews were killed, while the second half have misunderstood the Holocaust and the had been a prosperous farmer who operat- the U.S. Commission on the Ukraine Famine, describes how Jews survived, including essential lessons it should have taught us. If ed a large gristmill, which had required the said of “Snow Goose Chronicles”: rescuers, whom Prof. Snyder calls the “righ- the Holocaust was indeed, as Prof. Snyder’s use of hired help. According to Soviet dicta- “Immaculately researched and beautifully teous few.” The author suggests that, as carefully constructed argument demon- tor Stalin that fact alone was enough to written, this book provides an important states were destroyed, Jews could be mur- strates, a result of ecological panic and make him a kulak…” historical record of one of the darkest dered there, because Hitler created an state destruction, then our misunderstand- Thus, Ms. Samilenko writes, the family was made-made tragedies of the 20th century environment where no structure support- ing of it has endangered our own future. subjected to “dekulakization”: they were by personalizing its victims’ struggles and ed virtue. The world of the early 21st century resem- “packed off to a destination labor camp that bringing the period vividly to life.” The publisher notes: “ ‘Black Earth’ con- had conveniently opened that year in the mid- The book is available from the publisher cludes with the chilling prospect that we (Continued on page 25) dle of the White Sea.” This “place of death,” a at libertypublishinghouse.com. No. 52-1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 15 Sheptytsky Institute Choir receives standing ovation at debut concert The choral sections were interspersed with speeches by Father Andriy Chirovsky, founder of the Sheptytsky Institute, and Yuri Broda, treasurer of the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute Foundation. Father Chirovsky noted how important it was to honor Metropolitan Andrey by con- tinuing his commitment to theological edu- cation. Mr. Broda, a chartered public accountant from Edmonton, stressed that the institute is the only educational institu- tion in the Western world working under Ukrainian Catholic auspices that offers accredited university-level programs in religious studies. Mr. Broda was accompa- nied by long-time foundation members Donna Korban of Winnipeg and Motria Koropecky of Victoria, British Columbia. The third ensemble to sing was the award-winning Vesnivka Choir of Toronto. Andriy Hudymyak The women’s choir is celebrating its 50th Renowned conductor, Uwe Lieflander, explains one of the numbers sung by the new Sheptytsky Institute Choir during its debut in anniversary this year. As always, Kvitka a suburb of Toronto. Kondracki, Vesnivka’s founding artistic director, conducted with flare and virtuosi- our theology students from Ukraine to Lieflander, sang 10 pieces in two sets. Many by Lorraine Manley ty. A high point was when she conducted all study at the Sheptytsky Institute in of the songs were in Ukrainian or Church three choirs together in the concluding OAKVILLE, Ontario – A capacity crowd Canada.” Slavonic – a marvel, considering that more prayer for Ukraine, “Bozhe Velykyi, thanked the Sheptytsky Institute Choir of Father Peter Galadza, acting director of than half of the choir’s members are not of Yedynyi.” Ukrainian descent and the choir’s first Ottawa with a standing ovation at its debut the institute and founder of the institute’s In his concluding remarks, Father concert on November 7. Nearly 400 people choir, opened the concert by noting that rehearsal was only in January of this year. Galadza acknowledged the genius of filled St. Joseph’s Church in Oakville, both the Synod of the Ukrainian Greek- Maestro Lieflander first gained renown Roman Hurko. “Seven of the pieces sung Ontario, to delight in sacred music and sup- Catholic Church and the government of as the conductor of a 500-voice ensemble this evening by the choirs were by one port the Institute’s scholarship fund. The Ukraine declared this year “The Year of at World Youth Day in Toronto in 2002. composer – our own Toronto-born Roman fund will help students from Ukraine study Sheptytsky.” It marks the 150th anniversary Father Galadza noted: “We are so blessed to Hurko.” at the Sheptytsky Institute. of the archbishop’s birth. He noted that the have a conductor of this caliber. And he is He also noted the generosity of several Patriarch Sviatoslav, a former student of concert was first proposed by Bishop very professional, while also fun.” patrons. Platinum sponsors were the the Sheptytsky Institute, spoke via video Stephen Chmilar of Toronto as an eparchial The next group to perform was the St. Ihnatowycz Family Foundation and the link. He delivered an endorsement of both event. Father Galadza thanked him and Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church Choir Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras the institute and the scholarship fund. “In Father Bohdan Bilinsky, episcopal vicar, for of Toronto under the direction of the ener- Shevchenko. Ian (Ihor) and Marta Ukraine, we have the Ukrainian Catholic their consistent support. Faith Goldy, a getic Zhanna Zinchenko. The well-known Ihnatowycz of Toronto have supported the University; in Canada, we have the noted Toronto TV personality, served as ensemble, first established as a youth choir arts for decades. Among the silver sponsors Sheptytsky Institute. But students from MC. in 1985, performed five pieces including were Fred and Irene Shlapak of Oakville. Ukraine will not be able to come to Canada The newly formed Sheptytsky Institute the debut of an “Otche Nash” (Our Father) The concert can be viewed at www. without your support.” He added, “I want Choir, under the direction of Uwe by Tatiana Yashvili of Kyiv. sheptytskyinstitute.ca.

Wesleyan University experiences Ukrainian “koliada” by Katja Kolcio MIDDLETOWN, Conn. – The historic Memorial Chapel at Wesleyan University was filled on December 2 with the sounds of the trembita, “koliady” (carols) and Ukrainian choral singing. The concert was a collaboration between the Yara Arts Group, directed by Virlana Tkacz; the Hartford-based Yevshan Ukrainian Vocal Ensemble, con- ducted by Alexander Kuzma; bandurist Julian Kytasty; and Slavei, Wesleyan’s student a cappella singers. The striking visual design by Volodymyr Klyuzko created an other- worldly atmosphere in the Chapel. The main attraction – the Koliadnyky – arrived from Kryvorivnia, a village in the Carpathian Mountains of Ukraine just the night before. It was a rare and treasured visit by artists who preserve and prolong the koliada win- ter ritual in its traditional style, travelling from home to home during the holidays. Koliadnyky Ivan Zelenchuk (ber- eza or lead singer), Mykola Zelenchuk (trembity and sing- er), Mykola Ilyuk (master fiddler) and Vasyl Tymchuk (tsymbaly) joined Wesleyan students in the Alpha Delta fraternity house for a pre-concert workshop in traditional music. The concert began in the darkened chapel with the wail of trembity sounding from the choir loft. The Koliadnyky Andriy Hudymyak welcomed and greeted the hosts, the guests, the master Koliadnyky play the trembita at Wesleyan University. and lady of the house with their songs and dances. Wesleyan’s Slavei choir reciprocated the Koliadnyky’s nated with an enchanting rendition of “Shchedryk” (a tra- the situation in Crimea with keynote speaker Arsen greetings with its own winter songs. They were soon ditional Ukrainian New Year’s song known to American Zhumadilov from Ukraine; a panel discussion by local joined by the Yevshan singers, who processed down the audiences as the “Carol of the Bells”). It was a visual and Ukraine experts Alexander Kuzma, Myron Stachiw and aisles of the sanctuary singing “Dobryi Vechir Tobi” (Good auditory feast. Wesleyan student and Maidan participant Mykhailo Evening). This concert was hosted by Wesleyan University’s Iakovenko; screenings of the films “Music of Survival” and Among other selections, the Yevshan ensemble sang the Center for the Arts with the support of the Ukrainian “Winter of Fire”; and a lecture-demonstration on the art of rarely performed setting of “Pavochka Khodyt” (The Selfreliance New England Federal Credit Union, It is the bandura by local artists Stephan Zaets and Alina Kuzma. Peacock Struts) by Anatoly Avdievsky, with soloists Olya fifth public event hosted by Wesleyan University in the past The events have drawn large and diverse attendances, Fryz, Oksana Kit and Terenia Kuzma. The song was dedi- year intended to foster more informed dialogue and to affording an opportunity for non-Ukrainians to meet and cated to Nadiya Savchenko and other Ukrainian women direct attention to the situation in Ukraine. engage with the large and active Ukrainian community in affected by war and human trafficking. The evening culmi- Previous events included a panel and performance on Connecticut. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 No. 52-1

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Kids helping kids project teaches the joy of giving by Petrusia Sawchak Philadelphia Regional Council, traveled to Ukraine to identify the children who would JENKINTOWN, Pa. – The Philadelphia benefit most from this program. She visited Regional Council of the Ukrainian National 41 children, ages 5 months to 19 years, Women’s League of America (UNWLA) and from different parts of Ukraine, mostly the Ukrainian Heritage School, both located from Volyn, affected by the events of the here at in the Ukrainian Educational and Maidan. She talked with them and their Cultural Center (UECC), jointly initiated a mothers, and took photos. humanitarian project to aid children of the She told the moving story of one little fallen soldiers killed during the ongoing boy, Matviyko, who was born on the day his battle against Russian invaders in eastern father was buried. His mother, Luba, is now Ukraine. a devastated widow with five children. Ms. “We wanted to do something during Yudina also spoke about Mykhailyk, whose Christmastime that would bring a little father perished during battle and mother sunshine and happiness into the lives of died of throat cancer a month later. He is these children, many who are now orphans now being cared for by his grandparents. as a result of the fighting in Ukraine,” said “Every child has his or her own heart- Halyna Keller, member of the UNWLA rending story. I felt I had to go home to Philadelphia Regional Council. She added, organize a way to help these poor victims – “We wanted every child to get a Christmas a way to make them feel loved and not for- gift.” gotten,” said Ms. Yudina. Vera Pryszlak Danna Yudina, social welfare chair of the Ms. Keller and Ms. Yudina contacted Olha The fifth grade class with teacher Halyna Pupin (center) and her assistant Chrystyna Kobylynec (right). Kostiv, principal of the Ukrainian Heritage Wheels, as well as toiletries, school sup- School, and Vera Pryszlak, PTA president, to plies, candy, etc. When news of this was present the project. Both were overwhelm- posted on the Ukrainian Heritage School ingly in favor of it and quickly prepared a website, an anonymous benefactor donated way to implement it. It was decided that $1,000 for mailing costs. each classroom, K-12, (a total of 17) would Ms. Keller said, “The response to the adopt a boy and girl (of ages comparable to project has been overwhelming. I knew we the class). In addition, Svitlychka (pre- would get a generous participation from school) took two infants and two toddlers. our community, but I never anticipated the UNWLA Branch 91 “adopted” one boy, and amount of thoughtfulness and the incredi- the Regional Council took the last two. ble generosity of our students and commu- The children from the Ukrainian nity. I hope this will make this Christmas Heritage School were excited to help their season a bit easier and a little nicer for “brothers and sisters” in Ukraine. these children who have been through so Collections began on October 28 through much.” November 21. The UNWLA Regional The project should enable the children Council room at the UECC was inundated to receive their Christmas gifts on time. Not with packages of goods for the children. only will the children in Ukraine benefit The first grade class with Halyna Keller (sitting) and (from left) Danna Yudina, teach- The items collected included warm cloth- from this act of kindness, but the children er Olha Mykhaylyuk and assistant Olya Pytak. ing, toys such as dolls, Legos and Hot in America will feel the joy of giving. Manitoba Ukrainian groups receive international award UCC-MPC Shevchenko: 200 Years Celebration Art Project.” The project saw the creation of six WINNIPEG, Manitoba – At a special cere- art panels that expressed the significance of mony of the Ukrainian World Congress held Shevchenko for young Canadians enrolled in conjunction with the UWC’s 2015 annual in the English-Ukrainian bilingual pro- general meeting in Madrid, the UWC’s grams in Manitoba. Over 600 students from World Commission on Commemorating the kindergarten to Grade 9 were involved in 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Taras creating this project. Shevchenko awarded the Shevchenko 200 The children’s art work and collective Committee of the Ukrainian Canadian artistic efforts were combined into fabric- Congress – Manitoba Provincial Council based art panels forming a traveling exhibit (UCC-MPC) and the Manitoba Parents for which has been displayed at many Ukrainian Education (MPUE) the UWC’s Manitoba venues throughout 2014 and Commemorative Award-Medal “200 years 2015. The art exhibit has been enjoyed by since the Birth of Taras Shevchenko” for thousands of people of many cultural back- their significant contribution to populariz- grounds, and provides the public with an ing the creative heritage of Shevchenko and introduction to Shevchenko and his legacy. honoring him outside of Ukraine. Reproductions of the panels were printed UCC-MPC was honored for a year’s as greeting cards. worth of projects celebrating and promot- MPUE is an association of parent volun- ing the life and legacy of Taras Shevchenko. UCC-MPC teers dedicated to promoting, enhancing The committee, chaired by Myroslava The award presented by the Ukrainian World Congress to the Ukrainian Canadian and expanding the English-Ukrainian Pidhirnyj, celebrated receiving the award in Congress – Manitoba Provincial Council. Bilingual Program in Manitoba. MPUE is late October. the umbrella organization that provides The most important of the projects under- committee was honored included the Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg desig- support for the parent organizations asso- taken was a travelling Shevchenko exhibition. renaming of a portion of Aberdeen Avenue nated March 2014 as Taras Shevchenko ciated with each of the 12 provincial This consisted of 11 illustrated panels show- in Winnipeg to Taras Shevchenko Way. A Month. Working with the Ukrainian schools providing the program. ing the life of Shevchenko, with particular ref- total of 10,000 copies of a Shevchenko bro- Students’ Association at the University of The Ukrainian Canadian Congress – erence to his presence in Manitoba and chure were distributed to the general pub- Manitoba, a film festival showing movies Manitoba Provincial Council comprises Canada. The exhibition was launched at the lic. Book exhibits of Shevchenko’s works based on Shevchenko’s works and themes more than 20 member organizations and is Provincial Legislative Building and was dis- and those about him were shown at the was held at venues across Winnipeg. A gala an inclusive, self-sustaining, vibrant organi- played at various locations in Winnipeg, main Public Library in Winnipeg, at St. Shevchenko concert was presented to a zation that serves the Manitoban Ukrainian Dauphin, Brandon, Vita, Rosa, Gimli, Sandy Andrew’s College, Holy Family Home and sold-out house at the Jubilee Auditorium on community in order to maintain, develop Lake, Gardenton and Gilbert Plains. the University of Manitoba Library. At the March 8, 2015 and share the Ukrainian Canadian identity, Other important activities for which the suggestion of the UCC-MPC, the Province of MPUE was honored for its “Taras culture and community aspirations. No. 52-1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 17

Українська Скавтська ПЛАСТ Організація в США

З радісним празником Різдва Христового Крайова Пластова Старшина в Америці вітає Начального Пластуна, проводи Головної Пластової Ради Нехай зоря, що над Вертепом сяє і Головної Пластової Булави, Крайову Пластову Старшину в Україні Ваші серця любов’ю зігріває! та в усіх країнах, де діє Пласт. Рівнож вітаємо усіх пластунів, розкинених по світі, Добра і миру Вам і світу всьому! та весь український народ на рідних землях і в діяспорі. ХРИСТОС РОДИВСЯ! СЛАВІМО ЙОГО! КРАЙОВА ПЛАСТОВА СТАРШИНА США 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 No. 52-1 No. 52-1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 19

Table tennis sprint at the IBU Junior Cup in Obertilliach, defeated Turkey. In the medals standings, qualifying tool for the 2016 Olympic Games Austria, on December 12-13. Ukraine finished in second place with eight in Rio de Janeiro. Harlan finished in second medalists (four gold, three silver and one place in the individual competition. Bilenko, Margarita Pesotska and Hanna en’s 7.5-kilometer sprint with a time of bronze) and two fifth-place finishes – Yuliya Haponova• Ukraine’s – won women’s bronze in team the team – Tetiana com- 22:03.9• Iryna seconds Varvynets and won third gold place in the in wom- Halinksa (48 kg) and Liudmyla Lohatska Gymnastics petition at the European Table Tennis en’s 10-kilometer pursuit (32:43.2 sec- (52 kg). Twenty countries participated in Championships on September 25 through onds) at the IBU Cup at Ridnaun-Val the event. won gold at the championship in Padua, October 4 in Yekateringburg, Russia. Ridanna, Italy, on December 10-13. Italy,• Rhythmic on December gymnast 5. She Anna competed Rizatdinova with Ukraine was in Group D with Sweden, the Ukraine’s mixed relay team (Anastasiya Judo Grand Prix in Qingdao, Japan, on her club, San Giorgio Dezio. Netherlands and Portugal. Merkushyna, Varvynets, Vitaliy Kilchytskyy November• Ukraine won22. two Medalists bronze medals included at the and Dmytro Rusinov) won bronze Oleksandr Gordiienko (+100 kg) after his first place in the combined team event at Aliiance Kyiv lost 0-3 against Istres Tennis (2x6-kilometer and 2x7.5-kilometer). win against Aituar Abdulov of Kazakhstan; the• artisticAngelina gymnastics Kysla and Swiss Oleg VernaievCup in Zurich won de •Table Ukraine of France table on November tennis club 27 during Trade Ukraine’s team finished with a time of and Svitlana Iaromka (+78 kg), who defeat- on November 8. The duo finished with the fourth stage of the European Table 1:16.56 seconds, +2:09.6 seconds behind ed Belkis Zehra Kaya of Turkey. Artem 85.675 points. In the first round, Kysla Tennis Union tournament. the lead won by Russia. Bloshenko (-100 kg) finished in fifth place. scored 13.35 in the floor exercise, while Tennis Verniaiev scored 15.5 on the horse; and in women’s 15-kilometer race (42:54.8 sec- bronze at the World Junior Championships the second round, Kysla scored 13.775 in onds,• Olena +37.8 Pidhrushna seconds) andwon bronzebronze in the on •October Yelizaveta 23-27 Kalinina in Abu (+78Dhabi, kg) United won the vault and Verniaiev scored 15.650 in Svitolina will represent Ukraine in the Gold women’s 7.5-kilometer sprint (20:24.6 sec- Arab Emirates. Viktor Makukha (81 kg) and the parallel bars; and in the semifinal, Kysla Group• Alexandr at the 28th Dolgopolov Hopman Cup and 2016 Elina at onds, +38.4 seconds) at the BMW Anton Savytskiy (100 kg) won bronze med- scored 12.3 points in the uneven bars and Perth Arena in Perth, Australia, on January International Biathlon Union World Cup in als, while Sergei Zvieriev (+100 kg) and Verniaiev scored 15.1 points in the rings. In 3-9, 2016. Also in Group B are Australia Oestersund, Sweden, on November 28 Anastasiya Turchyn (78 kg) finished in fifth the final, the duo scored 29.925 points, (Gold), the United States and the Czech through December 6. Pidhrushna also fin- place. Ukraine finished in 17th place in the with 13.875 in the vault for Kysla and 16.05 Republic. The tournament features singles ished in 10th place in the women’s 10-kilo- medals standings. for Verniaiev in the parallel bars. and mixed doubles competitions. The play- meter pursuit. Sergey Semenov finished in ers representing Ukraine were announced 10th place in the men’s 20-kilometer indi- the Judo Grand Prix in Paris on October tournament in Morges, Switzerland, on on October 7. Ukraine’s first match will be vidual race with a time of 52:35.1 seconds 17-18.• Georgii Iryna Zantaraia Kindzerska (66 kg (+78 ) won kg) silver won at November• At the 4,32nd Oleh Arthur Verniaiev Gander won firstMemorial place against the U.S.A on January 4. (+2:20.6 seconds). Dmytro Pidruchnyi fin- bronze. Maryna Cherniak (48 kg) and Iakiv in the men’s all-around (43.5 points) after ished in eighth place in the men’s 10-kilo- Khammo (+100 kg) finished in fifth place. four events – horse, rings, vault and parallel meter sprint (25:18.5 seconds) and in ninth the Round of 16 against Igor Sijsling of the Cycling bars. Angelina Kysla finished in 10th place Netherlands• Sergiy Stakhovsky at the Trofeo lost Citta 6-7 (5),Di Brescia 2-6 in place in the men’s 12.5-kilometer pursuit. in the women’s all-around, with a total of in Brescia, Italy, on November 16-21. Illya Olga Abramova finished in seventh place in 37.850 points after three events – floor, Marchenko lost 3-6, 2-6 in the quarterfinals the women’s 7.5-km sprint. men’s elite scratch race at the UCI Track uneven bars and vault. Cycling• Roman World Gladysh Cup won in Cambridge, third place in New the against Dustin Brown of Germany. In dou- Chess bles, Stakhovsky and Lukas Dlouhy of the Zealand, on December 4-6. Tetyana allel bars at the 2015 World Gymnastics Czech Republic lost 6-4, 3-6, 9-11 in the Klichenko finished in ninth place in the Championship• Oleh Verniaiev in wonGlasgow, silver Scotland,in men’s par- on quarterfinals against Wesley Koolhof and European Chess Junior Championship in women’s scratch race. October 23-November 1. Ukraine, with a Matwe Middelkoop of the Netherlands. Porec,• Veronika Croatia, on Veremyuk, September 20-October 8, won the 1. lone silver medal, finished in ninth place in Veremyuk scored 8 out of 8 points prior to in the women’s keirin (six-person, eight-lap the medal standings. the final match to win the gold medal in her race)• Lyubov finals at Basova the Union finished of European in fourth Cycling place ing the quarterfinal match against Lucas Paralympics Pouille• Sergiy of France Stakhovsky 1-6, 4-6 was at eliminated the Challenger dur- age category. In the final, Veremyuk played (UEC) Track Elite European Championships de Vendee international tennis tournament against Russian Alexandra Shvedova of 2015 in Grenchen, Switzerland, on October in Mouilleron Le Captif, France on Russia. Mariya Muzychuk, 22, won in her 15-18. Basova’s time was just 0.145 seconds medals standings with 26 medals – four November 9-15. age category as well. behind the lead time. gold,• Ukraine eight silver finished and in14 12th bronze place – atin the Swimming Triathlon International Paralympic Committee the semifinal against Lukas Lacko of Championship in Doha, Qatar, on October Slovakia• Illya Marchenkoat the Peugeot lost 4-6, Slovak 6-3, 6-7(7)Open in 21-31. Roman Danyliuk won gold in the in the men’s 1,500-meter freestyle race elite women’s division at the 2015 Alanya Bratislava on November 9-11. men’s shot put (F12), Oleksandr (15:07.06• Mykhailo seconds) Romanchuk at the won 2015 first World place ITU• YuliaTriathlon Yelistratova World Cup won on first October place in17 the in Doroshenko won gold in men’s shot put Swimming Championships in Doha, Qatar, Alanya, Turkey. Yelistratova finished in against Karolina Pliskova of the Czech (F38), Mariia Pomazan won gold in the on November 2-3. Daryna Zevina won 1:59.32 seconds. • Elina Svitolina lost in the semifinal women’s shot put (F35) and Oksana Republic 3-6, 1-6 at the WTA tennis tourna- bronze in women’s 200-meter backstroke ment in Zhuhai, China on November 3. Fencing Zubkovksa won gold in the women’s long (2:11.05 seconds). jump (T12). Oxana Boturchuk won silver in of 32 against David Ferrer of Spain 2-8, 2-6 the women’s 400-meter (T12) race and the women’s three-meter springboard event gold at the World Cup team challenge in women’s 200-meter race (T12), Roman at the• Alexandr PNB Paribas Dolgopolov Masters lost tournament in the Round in (316.85• Anastasiia points) Nedobiga at the FINA won Diving silver Grandin the Bratislava,• Ukraine’s Slovakia, junior men’son November epee team 28. won In Paris on November 2-8. Mesyk won silver in the men’s javelin throw Prix in Singapore on October 16-18. the final, Ukraine won 45-43 against (F11), Dorosehnko won silver in the men’s Viktoriya Kesar and Nedobiga won silver Hungary. Along the way, Ukraine won javelin throw (F38) and Natalia Iezlovetska Svetlana Kunetsova of Russia in the semifi- (282.60 points) in the women’s three-meter 45-38 in the semifinal against Poland and, nal• of Lesia the Kremlin Tsurenko Cup lost on October4-6, 2-6 19-24 against in won silver in the women’s 40-meter race synchronized dive, and Gaana Krasndhlyk in the quarterfinal, Ukraine won 45-33 (T20). Roman Pavlyk won silver in the Moscow. In doubles, Lyudmyla Kichenok and Vlada Tatsenko won bronze (264.54 against the Czech Republic. and Olga Savchuk lost in the first round to men’s 200-meter race (T36) and Pavlyk points) in the women’s 10-meter synchro- won bronze in the men’s 400-meter and Darja Jurak (Croatia) and Nicole Melichar nized dive. In mixed competition, Nedobiga team finished in fourth place at the World (Czech Republic), 6-3, 1-6, 8-10. 100-meter races (T36) and silver in the and Oleg Kolodiy won silver (279.90 Cup• Ukraine’stournament junior in Tallinn,men’s epee Estonia, fencing on men’s long jump (T36), Anastasiia Mysnyk points) in the mixed three-meter spring- November 15. Ukraine lost 10-8 against won bronze in women’s shot put (F20), of Slovakia lost against Frantisek Cermak of board. Italy in the third-place match. Dmytro Prudnikov won bronze in the the• CzechIllya Marchenko Republic and and Andreas Norbert Siljestrom Gombos men’s long jump (T20), Dmytro Ibragimov of Sweden in doubles 5-7, 6-4, 5-10 in the Judo ished in fourth place at the team World Cup won bronze in the men’s discus throw and Round of 16 at the Ethias Trophy in Mons, tournament• Ukraine’s juniorin Plovdiv, men’s saberBulgaria, team fin-on bronze in the men’s shot put (F46), Belgium on October 5-11. kg) and Iryna Kindzerska (+78 kg) won November 15. In the semifinal, Ukraine Lyudmyla Danylina won bronze in the bronze• Ukraine’s medals Stanislav at the Judo Bondarenko Grand Slam (+100 in lost 45-18 against Italy. women’s 1,500-meter race (T20), Olena nal against Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany Tokyo on December 4-6. In the semifinal, Rozdobudko won bronze in the women’s 4-6,• Sergiy2-6 during Stakhovsky the Openlost in d’Orleansthe quarterfi- in Bondarenko lost to Ryu Shichinohe of in ninth place at the World Cup in Nanjing, long jump (T20), Ruslan Katyshev won Orelans, France, on September 28-October 4. Japan, and Kindzerska lost in the semifinal China,• Ukraine’s on November women’s 15. saber In the team ninth-place finished bronze in the men’s long jump (T11), Inna Biathlon against Nami Inamori of Japan. match, Ukraine defeated France 40-39. Stryzhak won bronze in the women’s long jump (T38), Boturchuk won bronze in the Nikolaychyk (52 kg), Inna Cherniak (57 kg) (with Olga Nikitina of Russia) in the women’s 200-meter race (T12), Iurii (Yuliia Dzhima, Olga Abramova, Valj and• IrynaOleksandr Husieva Kosinov (63 kg) (81 won kg), gold Nataliya at the Women’s• Mariya Saber Tsymbota Junior tied World for third Cup place in Tsaruk won bronze in the men’s 200-meter Semerenko• Ukraine’s and women’sOlena Pidhrushna) biathlon teamwon International Blind Sports Association Plovdiv, Bulgaria, on November 14. race (T35) and Orysia Ilchyna won bronze bronze in the women’s 4x6-kilometer relay (IBSA) Judo European Championships on Tsymbota lost 15-4 against Tania Arrayales in the women’s discus throw (F12). at the BMW International Biathlon Union November 27-28 in Odivelas, Portugal. of Mexico in the semifinal. World Cup in Hochfilzen, Austria, on Davyd Khorava (66 kg), Dmytro Solovey Wheelchair dance December 10-13 with a time of 1:05:45.7 (73 kg) and Oleksandr Nazarenko (90 kg) – Olha Harlan, Olena Voronina, Olena seconds (+13.1 seconds behind the lead). won silver; Serhii Kotenko (73 kg) tied with Kravatska• Ukraine’s and women’s Halyna Pundyksaber fencing – won team the first place in duo Latin Class 2 at the IPC Italy won first place, followed by Germany. Nikolai Kornhass of Germany for bronze. In World Cup of Fencing in Orleans, France, on Wheelchair• Ukraine’s IvanDance and NadiiaSport Sivak World won the men’s team competition, Ukraine tied November 1. In the final, Ukraine defeated onds) in the junior men’s 10-kilometer with Spain for third place after Ukraine Russia 45-33. The tournament is used as a (Continued on page 22) • Maksym Ivko won bronze (26:24.7 sec- 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 No. 52-1

Радісних Свят Різдва Христового і Wishing all Щасливого Нового Року a Merry Christmas родині, приятелям, знайомим, and a Happy New Year Головному Урядові УНСоюзу, працівникам та всім секретарям Відділів Slavko Tysiak Chairman UNA Audit Committee щиро бажають and the Principal at E³ FISCAL SOLUTIONS СТЕФАН і СВЯТОСЛАВА Troy, NY • (518) 852-4058 КАЧАРАЇ з родиною

З Різдвом Христовим і Новим Роком пересилаю сердечні поздоровлення усім моїм друзям, приятелям та знайомим, усьому дорогому українському народові вітають родину, приятелів і знайомих в Україні та у всьому світі. ЗЕНОН, ДОЗЯ і ВІКА КРІСЛАТІ Бажаю кріпкого здоров’я, щастя, сили та та засилають Божого благословення у праці на добро і процвітання рідної України. найщиріші святочні побажання всій родині на рідній Батьківщині та всім ближчим і дальшим друзям. ХРИСТОС РОЖДАЄТЬСЯ! СЛАВІТЕ ЙОГО! МИРОСЛАВА МИРОШНИЧЕНКО Клівленд, Огайо Cleveland, Ohio

Christmas time is family time. May the miracle of Christmas As part of the UNA family, „ ll your hearts we wish you all the peace, joy with joy, laughter and wisdom. and love this Season oƒ ers! Merry Christmas! Христос Раждається! Julian Pishko and family, Minneapolis, MN Luba Poniatyszyn Keske - UNA Advisor, Pres. Branch 257 Zoryana Keske - Branch Secretary Walter Keske - Member

Нехай мир наповнить Ваш дім, Світлого Празника нехай радість наповнить Ваші серця Різдва Христового а Божа любов нехай виповнить Ваше життя та Щасливого Нового Року в цей Різдвяний час. друзям і знайомим May peace „ ll your home, бажає may joy „ ll your heart, Мая Лев and my God’s love „ ll your life this Christmas. Check out the websites of the UNA, Wishing you a Merry Christmas its newspapers and Soyuzivka! and a Healthy and Happy New Year.  www.ukrainiannationalassociation.org   www.svoboda-news.com  www.ukrweekly.com  John and Olya Czerkas  www.soyuzivka.com  No. 52-1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 21

СТАНИЧНА СТАРШИНА УКРАЇНСЬКА СПОРТОВА ЦЕНТРАЛЯ ПЛАСТОВОЇ СТАНИЦІ АМЕРИКИ І КАНАДИ В НЬЮ-ЙОРКУ б а ж а є

бажає членам і ланковим Управи УСЦАК та їхнім родинам, проводам спортових і молодечих організаацій, нашим УКРАЇНСЬКІЙ ГРОМАДІ, ПЛАСТОВІЙ ФУНДАЦІЇ, друзям-спортовцям в Україні, всім щирим прихильникам СВОЇМ ЖЕРТВОДАВЦЯМ ТА УСІМ ПЛАСТУНАМ І українського організованого спорту в діяспорі ПРИЯТЕЛЯМ ПЛАСТУ ВЕСЕЛИХ СВЯТ ТА ЩАСЛИВОГО І ЗДОРОВОГО НОВОГО РОКУ ВЕСЕЛИХ СВЯТ ХРИСТОС РОЖДАЄТЬСЯ! ТА ЩАСЛИВОГО НОВОГО РОКУ УПРАВА УСЦАК

KРАЙОВА УПРАВА СПІЛКИ УКРАЇНСЬКОЇ МОЛОДІ В АМЕРИЦІ бажає Ієрархам Українських Церков, Президентові України Петрові Порошенкові, Світовій Управі СУМ, всім Управам Осередків та Булавам Відділів Юнацтва СУМ, членам і прихильникам та Українському Народові в Україні і в діяспорі мирних і радісних свят РІЗДВА ХРИСТОВОГО та ЩАСЛИВОГО НОВОГО РОКУ ХРИСТОС РОЖДАЄТЬСЯ! СЛАВІМ ЙОГО!

За Крайову Управу СУМ, Юрій Микитин - голова

Головна Управа „Самопоміч“ Об’єднання Українців в Америці вітає Xристос Родився! Славіте Його!Warmest Wishes Відділи і все членство Xристос Родився! Славіте Його! з наступаючими Святами Щирі Побажання, for a Радісних Різдвяних СвятJoyous Christmas and a і бажає Щирі Побажання, Радісних Різдвяних Свят Веселих Свят Та Щасливого Нового РокуHappy & Healthy New Year Різдва Xристового Bсім Членам з Родинами та Прихильникамto allТа Щасливого Нового Року our Members, their Families та and our Friends щасливого і повного успіхів Нового Року Bсім Членам з Родинами та Прихильникамнадсилає Дирекціяfrom the Board of Directors of the ХРИСТОС РОЖДАЄТЬСЯ! Українського Інституту АмерикиUkrainian Institute of America 2 East 79th Street, New York, NY 100752 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 надсилає Дирекція За дирекцію ОУА, 212‐288‐8660 212-288-8660∙ [email protected] ∙ [email protected] www.ukrainianinstitute.org Олег Лопатинський, голова Українського Інституту Америки 2 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 212‐288‐8660 ∙ [email protected]

22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 No. 52-1

Natalia Lupu won gold in the women’s 800- Sportsline meter race (1:59.99 seconds); Natalia Pohrebniak won silver in the women’s 100- (Continued from page 19) meter race; Anna Ryzhkova won silver in Championship on November 7-8 in Rome. the women’s 400-meter hurdles; Natalia In the same dance category, Olena Chynka Pyhyda won bronze in the women’s and Oleksandr Onishchenko finished in 400-meters; Ukraine’s women’s relay team fifth place. The Sivak team also won bronze (Lupu, Ryzhkova, Olha Zemlak and Natalia in the duo standard Class 2 standard cate- Pyhyda) won silver in the women’s 4x100- gory (that included waltz, tango, Viennese meter relay race; and Iryna Gerashchenko waltz, slow foxtrot and quickstep) and the won silver in the women’s high jump (1.84 Chynka-Onishchenko pair finished in fifth meters); Sergii Smelyk won silver in the CHRIST IS BORN! place. Illona Slugovyna won gold in the men’s 200-meters; and Yevhen Vynohradov women’s single Class 1 standard and Latin won silver in the men’s hammer throw. In category (that included waltz, tango, Judo, Svitalana Yaromka (78 kg) won silver. Greetings from KLK samba, rumba and jive) and Snejana In wrestling, Zhan Beleniuk (85 kg) won Kernichna finished in eighth place; Chynka gold in the men’s Greco-Roman; Oleksandr to all our members, family and friends! won silver in the women’s single Class 2 Chernetskyy (130 kg) won silver in men’s standard and Latin category. Valeriy Greco-Roman; Pavlo Oliinyk (97 kg) won May you have Bevzyuk and Slugovyna won second place bronze in freestyle; Denys Demyankov (66 in the duo standard Class 1 standard cate- kg) won bronze in men’s Greco-Roman; the spirit of Christmas gory and Vladimir and Snejana Kernichny Mykola Savchenko (71 kg) won bronze in which is Peace, finished in fifth place. Veronika Pedchenko Greco-Roman; Dmytro Pyshkov (75 kg) the gladness of Christmas and Valeriy Bevzyuk finished in sixth place won bronze in the men’s Greco-Roman; in the Combi Latin Class 1 category (that Oleksandr Shyshman (80 kg) won bronze which is Hope, included samba, cha-cha, rumba, paso in the men’s Greco-Roman. In sailing, Borys and the Heart of Christmas doble and jive); and Olena Dankevych and Svets and Pavlo Matsuyev won gold in the which is Love. Ivan Zamiga finished in sixth place in the 2,000-meter open two-person dinghy com- combi Latin Class 2 category. petition. In swimming, Mariia Liver won gold in the women’s 50-meter breaststroke Weightlifting Merry Christmas and silver in the women’s 100-meter breaststroke; Bohdgan Plavin won bronze and a Happy, Healthy New Year! sent Ukraine at the Summer Olympic in the men’s 50-meter freestyle race; Games• Four in menRio deand Janeiro three women 2016. The will namesrepre- Dmytro Oseledets won bronze in the men’s are to be announced by the Ukrainian 200-meter breaststroke; Oleksii Ivanov Youth and Sports Ministry. won bronze in the men’s 100-meter butter- fly; and Valerii Dymo won bronze in the medal standings (four medals – one gold, men’s 100-meter breaststroke. In fencing, one• silverUkraine and finished two bronze) in fourth at the place 2015 in IPCthe Ukraine’s men’s epee team (Maksym Powerlifting European Championships in Khvorost, Bohdan Nikishyn and Ihor Eger, Hungary, on November 28. Lidia Reizlin) won gold after winning 45-34 Soloviova (50 kg) won gold, Anton Kriukov against Poland in the final. Ukraine’s wom- KLK Ski Races - February 27, 2016, Hunter Mountain, NY (97 kg) won silver, Mariana Shevchuk (55 en’s modern pentathlon team (Valeriya kg) and Lyubov Semenyuk (79 kg) won Permykina, Anastasiia Spas and Viktoriya bronze. Tereshchuk) won bronze. Ukraine’s men’s shooting team (Oleksandr Petriv, Oleg Junior and U-23 European Weightlifting Tkachov and Viktor Bankin) won bronze in Championships• Ihor Konotop in (85 Klaipeda, kg) won Lithuania, silver in theon the men’s 25-meter rapid fire pistol event. October 1-11. Konotop lifted 155 kg in the snatch (second best) and 181 kg (third Checkers best) in the clean and jerk. Anton Pliesnoi 21 SILAS DEANE HIGHWAY, WETHERSFIELD, CT 06109-1238 PHONES 860-296-4714 • 800-405-4714 FAX 860-296 3499 (94 kg) finished in fourth place after lifting (checkers) Championship in Ismir, Turkey, 155 kg in the snatch (third best) and 185 on •October Olha Baltazha 8-10 in won the women’sthe World rapid Draughts divi- kg in the clean and jerk (fourth best). sion. Nineteen teams competed, 12 men’s and nine women’s teams. Baltazha, who is Marathon trained by her husband Kostiantyn, won in the final against Matrena Nogovitsyna of Vitaliy Shafar (2:14.44 seconds) won the Russia. Macao• Olena Galaxy Shurkhno Entertainment (2:33.24 seconds)International and Ukrainian Selfreliance Marathon in Macao, China, on December 6. Billiards

World Military Games Championships – Free Pyramid in Tomsk, New England Federal Credit Union Russia,• Mariya on PudovkinaDecember won 1-5. the Pudkovina IPC World medal standings (26 medals – five gold, defeated Olga Milovanova of Russia in the wishes you nine• Ukrainesilver and finished 12 bronze) in 10th at the place 6th in CISM the final of the Free Pyramid discipline. The (International Military Sports Council) competition attracted 93 athletes from 17 World Games in Mungyeong, South Korea, countries. Pudovkina won the champion- a Merry Christmas on October 2-11. In track and field events; ship in 2009.

and a New Year ’ lled ФЕДЕРАЛЬНА КРЕДИТОВА КООПЕРАТИВА „САМОПОМІЧ“ with peace and happiness! у Клівленді, Огайо CSFCU з радістю вітає Український народ у вільній Україні, Ієрархію і Духовенство Українських Церков, Проводи українських організацій в Україні та в діяспорі, Українську світову Кооперативну Раду та Централю Українських Кооператив Америки, всіх своїх членів, їхні родини та все українське громадянство З РІЗДВОМ ХРИСТОВИМ І НОВИМ РОКОМ ХРИСТОС РОЖДАЄТЬСЯ!

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Ryazanov suggests, means that outmigra- The shrinking... tion will continue or even accelerate as eth- nic Russians feel themselves less “at home” (Continued from page 7) than before. 344,000 ethnic Russians who formed 9.4 At the same time, he says, the category percent of the population. In 2011, there of “ethnic Russians” is now being used less were 200,000 of them who formed 6.5 per- widely in many of these countries than that cent. of “Russian speakers” – one that includes In all cases, there has been outmigration non-Russians from within the Russian and demographic losses through natural Federation or from other former Soviet deaths. In others, especially in Ukraine and republics or occupied Baltic countries who Belarus, there has also been ethnic re-iden- speak Russian. tification with many who had called them- That substitution – or sleight of hand – selves Russians in the past now calling allows Moscow to understate the impact of themselves Belarusians or Ukrainians. the outflow of ethnic Russians from these And, also in all cases, the decline in the countries and thus to downplay the clear share of the Russian population is leading evidence of the rapid shrinking of what Mr. ВЕСЕЛИХ СВЯТ to a decline in Russian-language institu- Putin calls “the Russian world” on the terri- та tions, including schools. That, in turn, Mr. tory of what was once the Soviet Union. the impact will be limited since trade ЩАСЛИВОГО НОВОГО РОКУ EU-Ukraine... between Ukraine and Russia has already fallen dramatically. бажають (Continued from page 1) Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko try’s free-trade zone with Ukraine, arguing said during a visit to Brussels last week that it went against the spirit of the Minsk that his country is ready to pay the price of ДАНИЛО БУЗЕТА – директор peace deal forged earlier this year between Russian trade retaliation “for our freedom Russia and Ukraine over the conflict in the and for our European choice.” та Родина ДМИТРИК east. With reporting by the Associates Press, Ms. Malmstroem said that while Russia’s Agence France-Presse, TASS, and Deutsche sanctions against Ukraine will be “painful,” Presse-Agentur. PETER JAREMA “Contextualizing the Holodomor: The Scholarly papers... Impact of Thirty Years of Ukrainian Famine Studies,” was launched on October 22 at Funeral Home (Continued from page 14) the international symposium on Holodomor: by Francoise Thom (Paris- “Starvation as a Political Tool from the 129 EAST 7th STREET – NEW YORK, NY Sorbonne University); “The Holodomor of 19th to the 21st Century.” (Between 1st & Ave. “A“) 1932-1933: How and Why?” by Stanislav The book is available from the Canadian 212 674-2568 Kulchytsky (Ukrainian National Academy of Institute of Ukrainian Studies Press, www. Sciences); and “How the Holodomor Can Be ciuspress.com. Its printing was made pos- МОДЕРНI Й ОХОЛОДЖУВАНІ КАПЛИЦІ Integrated into Our Understanding of sible by Ian Ihnatowycz and Marta Witer Genocide” by Norman Naimark (Stanford through the Ihnatowycz Family University). Foundation. No. 52-1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 25

Anne Applebaum commented: “In this “Black Earth”... unusual and innovative book, Timothy Snyder takes a fresh look at the intellectual (Continued from page 14) origins of the Holocaust, placing Hitler’s bles the world of the early 20th more than genocide firmly in the politics and diploma- we realize – and some of our own sensibili- cy of 1930s Europe. ‘Black Earth’ is ties are closer to those of Europeans of the required reading for anyone who cares 1930s than we might like to think. As Prof. about this difficult period of history.” Snyder explains, we cannot afford to con- Prof. Snyder is a member of the Committee fine the Holocaust to museums and memo- on Conscience of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial ry. If we do not understand the lessons of Museum. Other books to his credit include the Holocaust, an unprecedented crime the award-winning “Bloodlands: Europe could become a precedent for the future.” Between Hitler and Stalin.” The book received praise from Zbigniew Readers can obtain copies of the book Brzezinski, who wrote, “Timothy Snyder’s from the publisher, Tim Duggan Books, ‘Black Earth’ is not only a powerful expo- www.crownpublishing,com or from online sure of the horrors of the Holocaust but booksellers such as amazon.com, as well as also a compelling dissection of the local retailers. It is available as an e-book Holocaust’s continuing threat.” for $14.99.

mer Georigian President Mikheil Turning... Saakashvili – but also several Westerners, to be barred from entering Ukraine. The (Continued from page 6) list appeared later in December in a gov- demand the resignation of Internal Affairs ernment-sponsored newspaper, Minister Vitaliy Zakharchenko. Condemnation Kommersant Ukraine, and included U.S. cit- of the attack came from the Organization izens, NGO members and scholars who for Security and Cooperation in Europe were suspected of “consulting with the (OSCE) as well as the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. opposition to destabilize the situation in In response to the destabilized situation the country.” for the government authorities, Party of Regions National Deputy Oleg Tsariov, a Source: “Thousands at opposition rally,” Ukrainophobe, introduced a list of 36 for- RFE/RL, The Ukrainian Weekly, January 12, eigners, mostly Georgians – including for- 2014.

Want to keep up to date on developments in Ukraine? The Ukrainian Weekly on Facebook LIKE to read the latest! 26 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 No. 52-1 No. 52-1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 27

December 31 New Year’s Eve Spectacular, Ukrainian Institute of January 16 Concert, “Caroling for Christ,” Ukrainian Cultural Center, New York America, www.ukrainianinstitute.org Somerset, NJ 732-356-0090

December 31 New Year’s Eve party, with music by Fata Morgana, January 16 Presentation of debutantes, Newark Plast Ukrainian Whippany, NJ Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, Whippany, NJ Scouting Organization, Hanover Marriott Hotel, www.uaccnj.org 973-809-7580 or [email protected]

December 31 New Year’s Eve party, Ukrainian Homestead of ODWU, January 16 Malanka dinner and dance, with music by Svitanok, Lehighton, PA 215-657-1758 or 215-235-3709 Albany, NY to benefit the Zorepad Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, The Desmond Hotel and Conference Center, December 31 New Year’s Eve party, with music by Klooch, Passaic 518-496-4071 or 518-495-1084 Passaic, NJ Ukrainian Center, 973-473-3379 or [email protected] January 16 Malanka celebration, with music by Fata Morgana, St. Scranton, PA Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church, 570-489-1256 December 31 Winter Carneval, with music by Zolota Bulava, Kerhonkson, NY Soyuzivka Heritage Center, www.soyuzivka.com January 16 Malanka celebration, Ukrainian Youth Association in Montreal Canada and the Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization, December 31 New Year’s Eve party, with music by Anna Maria, Ukrainian Youth Center, 514-774-8428 or 514-240-6293 Perth Amboy, NJ Assumption of the Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, www.assumptioncatholicchurch.net January 22 Malanka Pub Nite, featuring music by EMCK, Ukrainian Philadelphia American Citizens’ Association, 215-284-0185 January 8-31 Art exhibit, “Bohdan Soroka (1940-2015) Retrospective Chicago Art Exhibit Lviv, Ukraine,” Ukrainian National Museum, January 23 Malanka celebration, Ukrainian American Youth www.ukrainiannationalmuseum.org or 312-421-8020 Jenkintown, PA Association, Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center, 267-415-6589 or [email protected] January 9 Malanka celebration, Ukrainian Youth Association of Mississauga, ON Canada, featuring music by Klooch and Hloptsi Z Mista, January 23 Engineers’ Ball, with presentation of debutantes, Mississauga Convention Center, 416-554-6779 or Philadelphia Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of America, Hilton www.cymmalanka.com Philadelphia Hotel at Penn’s Landing, 267-879-5502 January 9 Ukrainian Christmas Eve dinner, Ukrainians of Austin January 23 Ukrainian Winter Debutante Ball, with music by Hrim, Austin, TX Texas, Blackhawk Amenity Center, Washington The Washington Group and the Taras Shevchenko www.facebook.com/events/910762112344677 School of Ukrainian Studies, Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, www.ukrainianschooldc.org or [email protected] January 9 Malanka dinner and dance, Ukrainian American Society Garland, TX of Texas, Hyatt Place, [email protected] Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events January 9 Film screening, “I am a Ukrainian: Personal Stories of a advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions Jenkintown, PA Revolution,” Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center, from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors [email protected] or 860-989-5184 and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. 28 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 No. 52-1

a yeAr’S SubScription PREVIEW OF EVENTS to our print eDition Thursday, January 7, 2016 be celebrated at 7:30 p.m. on Christmas * for only $70 PARMA, Ohio: St. Vladimir Ukrainian Eve, Wednesday, January 6.) Orthodox Cathedral will sponsor its 28th Saturday, January 23 Add $5 And receive both print And online subscriptions annual Christmas radio program for its sick and elderly shut-in parishioners and the JENKINTOWN, Pa.: Come celebrate the entire Ukrainian community of Greater New Year with family and friends at the subscribe TO Cleveland. The Christmas divine liturgy annual Philadelphia Malanka. This year, will be broadcast live at 9-11 a.m. over the popular Canadian zabava band Zvook radio station WJMO, 1300 AM. It can also will provide entertainment; a complimen- Or svObOda be heard online across the United States at tary champagne toast, hot buffet dinner The ukrainian Weekly PraiseCleveland.com http://praisecleve- and cash bar will also be offered. The land.com. Go to the radio station website event begins 9 p.m. at the Ukrainian for Praise 1300 AM, click on “listen live” on Educational and Cultural Center, 700 the right hand side or go to the parish web- Cedar Road, Jenkintown, PA 19046. site at http://www.st.vladimirs.org at the Discounted advance tickets are available aforementioned time. The liturgy will be until January 16 for adults at $45 ($50 at celebrated by the cathedral clergy, with door), seniors at $40 and students at $25 responses sung by the cathedral’s ($30 at door). For ticket and hotel infor- Ukrainian and English choirs. (Also at St. mation contact 267-415-6580 or Vladimir’s, Great Compline and matins will [email protected].

PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES Preview of Events is a listing of community events open to the public. It is a service provided at minimal cost ($20 per listing) by The Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian community. To have an event listed in Preview of Events please send information, in English, writ- ten in Preview format, i.e., in a brief paragraph that includes the date, place, type of event, sponsor, admission, full names of persons and/or organizations involved, and a phone number and/or e-mail address to be published for readers who may require additional information. Items must be no more than 100 words long. Preview items must be received no later than one week before the desired date of publication (i.e., they must be received by 9 a.m. Monday). Please include payment for each time the item is to appear and indicate date(s) of issue(s) in which the item is his limiTed Time offer is valid for new subscripTions only * T - to be published. Also, senders are asked to include the phone number of a person who Through January 13, 2016. may be contacted by The Weekly during daytime hours, as well as their complete mailing address. Act now by cAlling Information should be sent to [email protected]. When e-mailing, please do our SubScription DepArtment: not send items as attachments – simply type the text into the body of the e-mail mes- CHRISTMAS sage. Preview items and payments may be mailed to: Preview of Events, The 973-292-9800 x 3040 SPECIAL! Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Life Insurance* is the ultimate selfl ess gift your family truly needs

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