Inside: l Calls grow louder for sanctions on Ukraine – page 3 l Youngstown parish celebrates centennial – page 5 l “Ukrainian Kilims: Journey of a Heritage” – page 11

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXX No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 $1/$2 in Ukraine U.S. assistant secretary of state Want to buy a national deputy? visits Kyiv to continue dialogue It’ll cost you about $500,000 Promotion of democracy on meetings’ agenda by Zenon Zawada Special to The Ukrainian Weekly KYIV – U.S. Assistant Secretary for KYIV – How much money can an opposi- European and Eurasian Affairs Philip H. tion parliamentary deputy make in exchange Gordon was in Kyiv on February 6 to meet for selling out to the ruling Party of Regions with senior Ukrainian officials, representa- of Ukraine? About half a million dollars, tives of civil society and opposition leaders, discovered Roman Zabzaliuk, a national and continue the United States’ strategic deputy of the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc. dialogue on issues of mutual concern. The career soldier and Afghan War vet- Among those issues are: Ukraine’s inte- eran conducted his latest sting operation in gration into Euro-Atlantic institutions, cooperation on non-proliferation, energy Ukraine’s Parliament. In a virtual imitation security, economic reform, and advance- of Luca Brasi from the classic movie “The ment of democracy and human rights. The Godfather,” Mr. Zabzaliuk played the role of assistant secretary also met with civil soci- a deputy eager for cash and ready to sell ety leaders, and he addressed employees of out his partners. the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. Unlike Brasi, Mr. Zabzaliuk succeeded; he “The basic message,” Assistant Secretary claims he got the information he needed. Gordon told the press, “was that we want to His weapon was a hidden recorder that recorded his negotiations with Ihor see increasingly strong U.S.-Ukraine rela- UNIAN/Aleksandr Sinitsa tions. We think Ukraine has enormous Rybakov, a deputy who abandoned the potential and we want to see it continue U.S. Embassy Kyiv Tymoshenko Bloc to form the parliamenta- Roman Zabzaliuk Assistant Secretary of State Philip ry faction called Reforms for the Future’s down the course towards Euro-Atlantic inte- Regions,” Mr. Rybakov allegedly says. “They Gordon speaks in Kyiv. Sake, which collected opposition refugees. gration, stability, prosperity and democracy.” pay money and you work, Roma [a nickname Paid refugees, as it turns out. During a press roundtable, Mr. Gordon And we expressed concerns about the per- for Roman]. And I am responsible for you.” The secret recordings hit the Ukrayinska noted that he had met with the head of the ception of selective prosecutions, most In addition to the $500,000 down pay- Pravda website on February 8, igniting the Presidential Administration, Serhiy notably in the case of former Prime ment, deputies under Mr. Rybakov’s guid- biggest such scandal since the Melnychenko Lyovochkin, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov Minister [Yulia] Tymoshenko,” Mr. Gordon ance purportedly earn $20,000 a month. tapes of 2000 that marked the beginning of and Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Pavlo stated. “What Secretary Clinton said to the Given that Mr. Rybakov has had about 19 the end for the presidency of Leonid Klimkin. He explained that he was in president is that this perception interferes deputies for about a year under his tutelage, Kuchma. The biggest revelation was that Mr. Ukraine “to follow up on the meeting that with the full development of the relation- expenses would have added up to more than Rybakov’s bribes allegedly got the stamp of Secretary [of State Hillary Rodham] Clinton ship we would like to have with Ukraine.” $14 million. The funds are somehow gained approval from President Viktor Yanukovych. had with President [Viktor] Yanukovych the He continued: “It’s not for us on the out- from state budgets, Mr. Zabzaliuk alleged. “The president personally requested other day at the Munich Security side to prescribe how Ukraine’s judicial “One way or another, the chain leads to from me at a meeting, ‘Give me more, the Conference,” and he provided an overview of system works, but the perception of selec- the pockets of simple citizens and taxpayers,” maximum’,” Mr. Rybakov is allegedly heard the discussions, which he said were aimed at tive prosecution is an unfortunate one and Mr. Zabzaliuk said at the February 8 press to say on the recording, referring to more “strengthen[ing] our partnership with it stands in the way of full development of conference at which he revealed the record- deputies joining his faction of opposition Ukraine in a number of areas, from the econ- our relations, as between the Ukraine and ings. “Our oligarchs are thrifty. They don’t refugees. The recordings also confirm the omy to energy to security to democracy.” the European Union.” simply give away what they ‘honestly stole.’ ” “We stressed the importance of free and Party of Regions’ role. fair and transparent elections next October. (Continued on page 9) “It’s their request, from the Party of (Continued on page 18) Tymoshenko’s daughter meets with Ukrainian community representatives

Ukrainian National Information Service uation in Ukraine. The nearly one-hour meeting organized WASHINGTON – Eugenia Tymoshenko, by the Ukrainian Congress Committee of the daughter of imprisoned former Prime America (UCCA) with Ms. Tymoshenko was Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, was in held on Friday morning, February 3. The Washington in early February to testify community representatives present includ- before a subcommittee of the Senate ed: Michael Sawkiw Jr., director of the Foreign Relations Committee about the sta- Ukrainian National Information Service tus of her mother’s imprisonment. (UNIS), the UCCA’s public affairs bureau in While in the nation’s capital, the ex- Washington; Andrew Bihun, president of prime minister’s daughter also participated The Washington Group; the Rev. Vasyl in the National Prayer Breakfast (attended Kharuk, pastor of the Ukrainian Catholic by President Barack Obama) and met with National Shrine of the Holy Family; and various congressional and administration Oksana Yakovenko from the U.S.-Ukraine officials. Foundation. UNIS Representatives of Ukrainian communi- Ms. Tymoshenko briefed the community Meeting in Washington (from left) are: Serhii Vlasenko, Yulia Tymoshenko’s attor- ney; Michael Sawkiw Jr., director, Ukrainian National Information Service; Eugenia ty organizations in Washington had an representatives about the status of her Tymoshenko; Peter Borisow; former Rep. Jim Slattery; the Rev. Vasyl Kharuk, pas- opportunity to meet with Ms. Tymoshenko tor, Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family; and Hryhoriy Nemyria, and her advisors to discuss the current sit- (Continued on page 4) Yulia Tymoshenko’s foreign policy adviser. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 No. 8

ANALYSIS

Ukraine struggles to find Afghan veterans snub Yanukovych tence him to four and a half years in prison with confiscation of property, ban him from KYIV – Ukrainian veterans of the 10-year holding political office for three years and alternatives to Russian gas Soviet Afghan war, angry about proposed deprive him of the rank of a state employ- cuts to payouts, snubbed President Viktor on January 30 that Azerbaijan decided to ee. This was announced on February 14 by by Pavel Korduban Yanukovych on February 15, turning their punish Ukraine for selling arms to Procurator Dmytro Loban during consider- Eurasia Daily Monitor backs on him at a ceremony to mark the Armenia. According to the newspaper’s ation of the criminal case against the for- 23rd anniversary of the Soviet withdrawal After Moscow’s refusal to cut gas prices source in Ukraine, last summer and fall mer head of the Internal Affairs Ministry, from Afghanistan. Veterans of the 1979- for this year, Kyiv has threatened to cut its Baku warned Kyiv against continuing to which is continuing at the Pecherskyi dis- 1989 Soviet military campaign are furious imports from Russia between 27 billion sell arms to Armenia, but these warnings trict court of Kyiv. Mr. Loban said that the about plans to cut pensions and subsidies as cubic meters (bcm) of gas and 33 bcm from were ignored. guilt of the defendants, Mr. Lutsenko and part of austerity measures aimed at reduc- the 40 bcm imported by the national oil Ukraine still has untapped resources in his former driver, Leonid Prystupliuk, has ing Ukraine’s public deficit to secure further and gas company Naftohaz Ukrainy last the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov basin. been proven by pre-trial and trial inquiries. International Monetary Fund financing. year (Interfax, January 11; Kommersant- Naftohaz’s subsidiary, Chornomornaftohaz, The prosecution considers as extenuating When Mr. Yanukovych arrived at a Kyiv Ukraine, January 24). has been working in the Black Sea since the circumstances the positive characteristics memorial site to lay a wreath to the war Last fall, Ukraine’s energy minister, Yurii early 1980s, but the government preferred and public services of the former minister, dead, a group of veterans, waiting in line, Boiko, threatened to cut Russian gas to buy relatively cheap Russian gas rather as well as the fact that he has an under-age imports to as little as between 7 bcm and than invest in deep-sea drilling. Last year, turned their backs to him on the parade son. Prosecutors propose sentencing Mr. 12 bcm per annum within five years. Naftohaz finally bought two deep-drilling command “About face!” They turned back Prystupliuk to three years’ imprisonment Kyiv has been seeking alternatives to rigs for Chornomornaftohaz. The first one again to face the monument after Mr. with probation and a fine of 693,000 hrv. Russian gas. Such alternatives as shale gas should allow Ukraine to extract an addi- Yanukovych and members of the govern- Mr. Lutsenko is charged with misappropri- extraction, in connection with which the tional 1 bcm of gas this year, Mr. Boiko esti- ment had left. “The president was the first to ation of state property in especially large government has invited foreign investors mated (Inter TV, January 20). turn his back on us. We, in reply, turned our amounts and abuse of power, which led to to two fields in western and eastern However, the Energy Ministry has had to backsides on him,” said one unnamed veter- serious consequences. He is charged with Ukraine, will take many years to launch. refute “the accusations of the alleged non- an, as quoted by the New District news the embezzlement in 2008-2009 of about Others, such as replacing gas with coal in transparency of the tender purchase of agency. Ukraine’s Afghan veterans are 600,000 hrv, which was spent to lease the thermal power plants, have technological [allegedly] overpriced drilling rigs,” saying among the most active of interest groups Ukraina Palace of Culture in Kyiv for the and environmental constraints. The import that the U.S. company Halliburton audited protesting against austerity plans and pro- celebration of Police Day. In addition, Mr. of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the the deal on the first rig and found no viola- posed cuts to benefits. Last September, Lutsenko is accused of violations in recruit- development of conventional gas fields at tions (Interfax-Ukraine, January 23). scores of them clashed with police when ment to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and home look plausible as alternatives to Zerkalo Nedeli reported last spring that they tried to storm the Ukrainian assigning ranks to his former driver. Pre- Russian gas. However, Ukraine is increas- Chornomornaftohaz would pay $400 mil- Parliament and they have taken part in sev- trial investigations found that the damages ingly facing problems in these two direc- lion for an oil rig from a British-based eral public demonstrations since. (Reuters) caused to the state total 360,000 hrv. Mr. tions. intermediary founded by two Latvians, Bohatyriova named vice-prime minister Lutsenko was detained on December 26, One of President Viktor Yanukovych’s which had acquired it from the 2010, and has been held in detention ever main goals at this year’s World Economic Singaporean manufacturer Keppel for just KYIV – President Viktor Yanukovych on since. (Ukrinform) Forum in Davos was to speed up Ukraine’s $248.5 million. Moreover, it emerged early February 14 dismissed Andriy Kliuyev as LNG import project. The government this year that the intermediary went into Ukraine’s first vice prime minister and Rada committee defends journalists minister of economic development and planned to launch the first stage of a new liquidation (Ukrainska Pravda, January 20). KYIV – Members of the Parliamentary LNG terminal in 2014, to process LNG to be Such allegations of non-transparency trade and appointed him as secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Committee on Freedom of Speech and imported by tankers from Azerbaijan and will do little to attract Western investors to Information on February 13 demanded possibly also Qatar. Ukraine’s Black Sea projects. However, (NSDC). Raisa Bohatyriova was dismissed as NSDC secretary and appointed as vice that the Ukrainian authorities stop exerting However, not only has construction Russia’s Gazprom apparently has not been pressure on journalists. They demanded work not yet started, but no exact site for discouraged. prime minister and health minister. Ms. Bohatyriova has headed the National that the Procurator General’s Office take the terminal has been selected. This may Gazprom, whose share of the local mar- measures to investigate the legality of have turned off investors, and the business ket the Ukrainian government wants to Security and Defense Council since 2007. (Ukrinform) actions by the Internal Affairs Ministry as daily Kommersant-Ukraine reported on diminish with the help of offshore projects, part of an investigation into the so-called January 30, quoting national projects head recently confirmed its intention to join Prosecutors demand 4.5 years for Lutsenko “Yanukovych billboards case.” According to Vladislav Kaskiv, that Mr. Yanukovych failed them. Gazprom announced on January 24, the press service of the Batkivschyna Party, KYIV – The prosecution in the case of in Davos to promote interest in the termi- that it was about to set up a joint venture the issue concerns the decision to call in for nal project. with Naftohaz to explore the Pallas field in former Internal Affairs Minister Yurii Moreover, Ukraine also failed to sign a the Black Sea. Gazprom revealed that an Lutsenko has proposed that the court sen- (Continued on page 12) planned agreement on LNG deliveries with agreement on this was reached with Azerbaijan. The government hoped that Naftohaz during talks in Moscow on Azerbaijan would agree to deliver up to 15 January 18. Gazprom stated that Pallas was bcm of gas per annum. Mr. Yanukovych the most promising area in the Black Sea, he krainian eekly FOUNDED 1933 only said that “another round of talks” was containing up to 121 bcm of recoverable T U W held with Azerbaijan, that two memoranda gas, according to calculations by Naftohaz. An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., would be signed shortly, and that trilateral Gazprom’s experts are scheduled to go to a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. talks on energy matters were under way Ukraine in February to discuss details (RIA Yearly subscription rate: $65; for UNA members — $55. between Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Turkey Novosti, January 24). Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. (Interfax-Ukraine, January 26). However, Ukrainian experts quoted by (ISSN — 0273-9348) Ukrainian newspapers have speculated the daily Kommersant-Ukraine on January that Baku delayed the agreement because 25 were skeptical about Gazprom’s plans, The Weekly: UNA: its close ally Turkey also wants to import suggesting that Gazprom’s real goal might Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 more gas from the country and, conse- be to delay Ukraine’s Black Sea exploration quently, Azerbaijan may not have enough projects. Meanwhile, Naftohaz has started Postmaster, send address changes to: The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz gas (Zerkalo Nedeli, January 27; Segodnya, 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas January 30). Nezavisimaya Gazeta claimed (Continued on page 3) P.O. Box 280 Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] 9,000 orphans from Ukraine The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com The Ukrainian Weekly, February 19, 2012, No. 8, Vol. LXXX adopted by U.S. families since 1997 Copyright © 2012 The Ukrainian Weekly KYIV – According to a February 14 post special needs children, including those on the U.S. Embassy Kyiv Blog, since 1997, who are HIV positive or with other serious over 9,000 Ukrainian orphans have found health or developmental issues. In 2010, ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA new homes in the United States. American families adopted 451 children Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041 The blog reported: “Due to rising num- from Ukraine; in 2011 that number rose to e-mail: [email protected] ber of Ukrainian families adopting chil- 641.” Walter Honcharyk, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 dren in Ukraine and changes in Ukrainian More information about how the U.S. fax: (973) 644-9510 e-mail: [email protected] law, over the past few years the over- Embassy supports adoptions can be found whelming majority of inter-country adopt- on the Embassy website at: http://ukraine. Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042 e-mail: [email protected] ees have been older children, teenagers, or usembassy.gov/adoption.html. No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 3

NEWS ANALYSIS Calls for visa blacklist, sanctions on Ukraine grow louder

by Taras Kuzio Verkhovna Rada Chairman Volodymyr win a second term in January 2015. If Mr. Pravda, February 8). Former Vice-Minister Eurasia Daily Monitor Lytvyn said that the issue of possible sanc- Yanukovych lost the 2015 elections, crimi- of Foreign Affairs Valeriy Chaly described tions against Ukraine is more likely in the nal charges would inevitably be drawn up the “crisis of trust” between the Ukrainian On the second anniversary of Viktor aftermath of the Parliamentary Assembly against him and his entourage. Ms. leadership and the EU and the U.S. as Yanukovych’s election as Ukraine’s fourth of the Council of Europe (PACE) resolution Tymoshenko is unlike Viktor Yushchenko, resulting from Mr. Yanukovych failing to president, threats of visa blacklists, sanc- of January 26. He called for Parliament to who failed to fulfill his 2004 election pledg- fulfill his promise to decriminalize articles tions and international sanctions by the implement PACE’s recommendations, but es to put “bandits in jail.” in the Criminal Code and to release Ms. European Union and the United States are to do that would undermine the Yanukovych 2. The authorities’ policies have driven Tymoshenko (Ukrayinsky Tyzhden, growing (see Eurasia Daily Monitor, regime. them into a dead end. The opposition has February 9). January 6). Without a halt to its undemo- The PACE resolution called for the refused to join the Constitutional Assembly A second vote on February 8, to decrimi- cratic policies, Ukraine will rank alongside release of political prisoners in Ukraine, to draft a new Constitution until the nalize these articles, failed after Party of Belarus as an international pariah by the including former Prime Minister and oppo- authorities fulfill the demands laid out in Regions deputies did not support the vote: end of this year. sition leader Yulia Tymoshenko. PACE the PACE resolution, including freeing 159 opposition deputies voted for the Segodnya ran the story “Europe and the threatened, “the possible consideration of political prisoners. Mr. Yanukovych’s reforms. The first attempt to reform these United States have received a ‘blacklist’ of sanctions if the assembly’s demands are speech to Parliament on this question was articles in the Criminal Code failed back in Ukrainian officials” in its February 8 edi- not met” (http://assembly.coe.int/ASP/ drowned out by calls of “Yulia – freedom!” November 2011, when the Party of Regions tion. The newspaper is owned by Donetsk Doc/ATListingDetails_E.asp?ATID=11406). (see the video at http://www.pravda.com. also refused to support decriminalization. oligarch Rinat Akhmetov. The blacklist Mr. Lytvyn warned against Ukraine ua/news/2012/02/7/6956375/). Party of Regions faction leader allegedly includes President Viktor becoming internationally isolated Mr. Yanukovych already changed the Oleksander Yefremov said that his faction Yanukovych, Prime Minister Nikolai Azarov, (Ukrayinska Pravda, February 7). However, Constitution in September 2010 in an would not change its stance on this ques- Chief of Staff Serhiy Lyovochkin, gas oli- the trend towards isolation is increasingly unconstitutional manner by stuffing the tion “because it is logical” (Ukrayinska garch Dmytro Firtash, Minister for Energy visible. Segodnya (February 8) claimed that Constitutional Court with judges who Pravda, February 8). Mr. Yefremov said and Coal Industry Yurii Boiko and former the EU and the U.S. were discussing the visa would vote to annul constitutional changes there was no need to fulfill PACE recom- Security Service Chairman and now blacklist and that U.S. Secretary of State adopted in December 2004 that trans- mendations as Soviet-era articles in the Finance Minister Valeriy Khoroshkovsky. Hillary Clinton had warned President formed Ukraine into a parliamentary Criminal Code are similar to articles in Also on the list are Mr. Yanukovch’s son and Yanukovych about the possible legalization republic. Following the vote, Ukraine some European states. This is not the view Party of Regions National Deputy of such a list during the World Economic returned to the 1996 presidential of the EU or U.S. Oleksander Yanukovych, the grey cardinal Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Constitution. Without opposition support, 4. International organizations such as for “the family” business (see EDM, Ukrayinska Pravda (January 28) investi- the changes adopted by the Constitutional PACE and the Organization for Security and December 2, 2011), Foreign Affairs Minister gative reporter Serhiy Leshchenko pointed Assembly will be viewed as illegitimate, Cooperation in Europe, as well as European Kostyantyn Gryshchenko, Procurator out that, “Leonid Kuchma took only eight both domestically and internationally. and U.S. governments, cannot recognize General Viktor Pshonka, and the Chief years to become an unwanted guest in Constitutional changes will also be difficult this year’s elections as having been held in Serious Crime investigator Oleksander Europe, while Yanukovych managed this in to engineer as they require 300 or more accordance with democratic standards Nechvohlod (http://www.segodnya.ua/ only two.” Mr. Leshchenko witnessed how votes (out of 450), which Mr. Yanukovych is while opposition leaders remain in jail. news/14336668.html). Mr. Yanukovych can now only attend inter- unlikely to possess after this year’s parlia- Thus, Ukraine would automatically resem- Interestingly, Mr. Akhmetov, who has national conferences and summits as he is mentary elections. He most certainly would ble more authoritarian Belarus, where been associated with Mr. Yanukovych since no longer given official invitations by not have 300 or more deputies if he fulfills there also are political prisoners in jail. he was the Donetsk governor in 1997- European or North American governments. the PACE resolution and releases Ms. Former Internal Affair Minister Yurii 2002, was not on the list or had not been Mr. Yanukovych recently attended the Tymoshenko, since the Party of Regions Lutsenko is also about to be sentenced on included in Segodnya’s published version. Davos World Economic Summit and would lose the elections. trumped-up flimsy charges. Most of those listed belong to the so-called Munich Security Conference, but on both 3. EU leaders have a deep crisis of confi- Mr. Chaly said he sees Ukraine moving “gas lobby” (see EDM, March 18, 2010). occasions European and American leaders dence in President Yanukovych, who has towards “gradual isolation” and believes A leaked report claimed that Ukrainian ignored him. lied to them. Mr. Yanukovych promised to “unfortunately these processes are taking President Yanukovych is already blacklist- Four factors will make Ukraine’s inter- Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt and place quite quickly.” He remained pessimis- ed and that EU leaders are discussing the national isolation increasingly likely by the Member of the European Parliament Elmar tic about a shift in policy “because I do not possibility of sanctions (http://www.prav- end of this year: Brok that he would support Parliament’s see a desire to change the situation on the da.com.ua/news/2012/01/23/6927585/). 1. The impossibility of fulfilling the reform of the Criminal Code by removing part of this regime” (Ukrayinskyi Tyzhden, The head of the European Union demands in the PACE resolution regarding Soviet-era articles used to prosecute Ms. February 9). Commission in Kyiv, Jose Manuel Pinto the release of political prisoners. If Ms. Tymoshenko (Ukrayinska Pravda, January Teixeira, has confirmed that EU leaders and Tymoshenko were to be released, the Party 28). Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski The article above is reprinted from members are blackballing Mr. Yanukovych of Regions would heavily lose the October revealed that there is growing distrust in Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from (http://politics.comments.ua/2012/02/ parliamentary elections and Mr. Europe towards Ukrainian leaders because its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, 07/320169/teysheyra-podtverdil.html). Yanukovych could forget about seeking to of the Tymoshenko case (Ukrayinska www.jamestown.org.

Ukraine struggles... (Continued from page 2) Druzhba-78 coach found dead in prison cell talks with Brazil’s Petrobras on joint explo- PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Druzhba-78 Hockey locker room. A host parent contacted his easy way out.” ration in the Black Sea, according to coach Ivan Pravilov, 49, was found unre- police. Mr. Pravilov was arrested by Other graduates of Mr. Pravilov’s train- Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister sponsive in his cell at 3 a.m. on Friday, Homeland Security agents. ing system include Dainius Zubrus of the Kostyantyn Gryshchenko. He said after vis- February 10, while being held in custody If convicted, Mr. Pravilov could have New Jersey Devils and Andrei Zyuzin, a for- iting Brazil that the two companies were on child-molestation charges in a served between six to eight years in prison mer National Hockey League player who studying where exactly in the Black Sea Philadelphia Federal Detention Center. for taking a minor across state lines for sex- currently plays for Atlant Moscow Oblast in joint exploration could start. Hryshchenko A preliminary FBI investigation suggest- ual purposes. He pleaded not guilty to the Russia’s KHL. said it would be too early to speak about ed the death was a suicide, said spokesman charges. The case was being handled by the In an official statement on the N.J. Devils terms and conditions at the moment (RIA Dennis Howard of the Federal Detention U.S. Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia and website (http://devils.nhl.com/club/news- Novosti, January 24). Center in Philadelphia. An autopsy is pend- Mr. Pravilov was being represented by pub- print.html?id=616397), Mr. Zubrus said: ing. lic defender Mark Wilson. “Obviously, this is a very difficult time. Ivan The article above is reprinted from Mr. Pravilov headed the Druzhba-78 Mr. Pravilov was in the U.S. on a work Pravilov played an important role in my Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from elite hockey school in Ukraine in the 1980s visa, despite a 2007 Interpol warrant for an life. Unfortunately, I have come to learn that its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, until about 2007, when he came to the assault charge in Ukraine. in actuality, he may have been very differ- www.jamestown.org. United States to run camps for standout A December 2011 book by former play- ent than the person I thought he was. Since players from the U.S. and abroad. Players er Maxim Starchenko, “Behind the Iron learning of the terrible accusations against from Ukraine and elsewhere typically Curtain: Tears in the Perfect Hockey my former coach, all my thoughts and con- The Ukrainian Weekly enrolled for about a month, and stayed Gulag,” described the coach as physically, cerns have been for the children. I have in print and online: with host families. mentally and sexually abusive. Mr. reached out to the children and assured Twice as nice On January 3 Mr. Pravilov allegedly Starchenko played for Druzhba-78 from them that I am, and will continue to be, brought two 14-year-old Ukrainian boys to 1986 through 1996 before playing hockey there for them.” for one low price! his Philadelphia apartment from a host at Wayne State University. Commenting on Mr. Howard said that Mr. Pravilov was $70 family home in Wilmington, Del., and fon- Mr. Pravilov’s death, he told the Detroit not on a suicide watch at the prison. ($60 for members of the UNA) dled one of them during the night. The Free Press, “To tell you the truth, I don’t Ukrainian Consulate officials in New York other boy was allegedly threatened in a know how to react on that. I think it was have not commented on the incident. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 No. 8

OBITUARY Samuel Jaskilka, 92, retired U.S. Marine Corps general ARLINGTON, Va. – Gen. Samuel Jaskilka, 1st Marine Division and later was In 1979 the Connecticut state legisla- a 36-year military veteran who rose to deployed with the division to Korea, ture voted to name the Valley section of the rank of four-star-general and assistant serving as commanding officer of Route 8 between Shelton and Naugatuck commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines. in honor of the retired general. died on January 15 in Arlington, Va. During the invasion of Inchon in Gen. Jaskilka was predeceased by his The son of Ukrainian immigrants, he September 1950, he led the first wave of wife, Norma (née Blick), whom he mar- was born in Ansonia, Conn., in 1919 and Marines onto Red Beach. For heroism in ried in December 1942. Surviving are was baptized at Ss. Peter and Paul combat Jaskilka earned two Silver Stars their children, Michael of Eugene, Ore., Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ansonia. and a Bronze Star with Combat “V.” Diane of Arlington, and Mark of Colorado Mr. Jaskilka grew up during the Great In February 1969 Brig. Gen. Jaskilka Springs, Colo. Their daughter Anne died Depression and, soon after completing a was deployed to Vietnam, where he in 2008. Also surviving are eight grand- B.S. in business administration from the served as assistant division commander children and nine great-grandchildren. University of Connecticut, he accepted a of the 1st Marine Division and later was Gen. Jaskilka was proud of his commission as a second lieutenant in the reassigned to duty with the Military Ukrainian American heritage. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in September Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV). Evening Sentinel of Ansonia, Conn., pub- 1942. Jaskilka was awarded the Distinguished lished a tribute to him, which was re- In March 1943 he was transferred to Service Medal for his Vietnam service printed by The Ukrainian Weekly on the regular Marine Corps and saw action and returned to the U.S. in 1970. In 1972 October 22, 1978. The tribute described in the Pacific theater of World War II, he was promoted to major general and an encounter Jaskilka had with Soviet where he served aboard the aircraft car- became commanding general of the 2nd Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin. He agreed rier USS Princeton and participated in Marine Division in 1973. with the ambassador’s comments that the battles for Tarawa, the Gilbert He was promoted to lieutenant general Ukraine was a beautiful homeland and Gen. Samuel Jaskilka Islands, the Marshall Islands and other in January 1974 and was assigned as depu- the origin of many great warriors, writers campaigns. Jaskilka survived the sinking ty chief of staff for manpower at Marine and musicians, saying repeatedly “I know, are all Russians,” Jaskilka softly replied of the Princeton during the Battle of Corps Headquarters. On July 1, 1975, that’s what my mother told me.” But when “That’s not what my mother told me.” Leyte Gulf on October 24, 1944. He was Jaskilka was named assistant commandant Ambassador Dobrynin clapped his hands Gen. Jaskilka was buried with full mili- promoted to captain in January 1945. of the Marine Corps. He retired on June 30, with typical zeal and said at last, “And we tary honors at Arlington National In September 1949, Jaskilka joined the 1978, after 36 years of loyal service. have much in common, after all, for we Cemetery on January 26.

Sheptytsky Institute celebrates Theophany at Canadian Museum of Civilization

sion of the Rev. Andrew Onuferko. At vespers, the Rev. Andrea Spatafora, a Roman Catholic priest and dean of the Faculty of Theology at St. Paul University, assisted the Rev. Stephen Wojcichowsky, director of the Sheptytsky Institute, in leading the service. They were then joined for the Water Blessing by the Rev. Andriy Chirovsky, founder and former director of the Sheptytsky Institute; the Rev. Roman Rytsar, sessional lecturer at the university; and the Rev. Taras Cherwick, lieutenant-colonel, Air Command chaplain. The singing was led by Subdeacon Brian Butcher, who is on a one-year contract teaching with the Institute. Prof. Butcher also offered an insightful reflection on the meaning of the ritual. Following the water blessing, the Rev. Rytsar, accompanied by all the children and most of the adults, proceeded to the bank of the Ottawa River where he threw a blessed cross into river to mark the entry of Christ into all the waters of the world. The group then gathered back in the Museum for a reception of warm beverag- es sponsored by the events team of the Museum.

MASI The Rev. Wojcichowsky commented, “When I stepped out into the courtyard A view of the Theophany celebrations held at the Canadian Museum of Civilization by the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky and saw the ice cross backlit with spot- Institute of Eastern Christian Studies. lights and how it illuminated the darkness GATINEAU, Quebec – The Metropolitan gathered for vespers at St. Onuphrius participants took part in a procession to a of the evening, I was deeply moved by the Andrey Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Ukrainian Catholic Church located within beautiful ice cross erected next to the thought that the prayer of our little group Christian Studies (MASI), held its annual the museum. Originally built in Smoky museum, in front of the Ottawa River for was truly blessed. If our faith could shine Blessing of Water for the Feast of Lake, Alberta, St. Onuphrius Church was the water blessing. The cross was built by a as vividly and powerfully as that cross, Theophany at the Museum of Civilization dismantled and rebuilt within the museum team of seminarians from Holy Spirit then we could be authentic witnesses to in Gatineau, Quebec, on January 19. in 1996. Ukrainian Catholic Seminary and students Christ’s peace and light for the renewal of Both Eastern and Western Christians Following vespers, approximately 80 of St. Paul University under the supervi- the world.”

committee members. The community representatives also Ukraine, including the electoral process. Tymoshenko’s daughter... Mr. Sawkiw informed Ms. Tymoshenko interacted with Ms. Tymoshenko’s advi- The UCCA will organize a delegation of of the community’s actions since her moth- sors, who informed them of their plans for international election observers to monitor (Continued from page 1) er’s imprisonment, including protests held appeals in Ukraine and the outlook for the the upcoming parliamentary elections in at Ukraine’s diplomatic missions in the October parliamentary elections. Ukraine. For further information about mother’s health and efforts to win her United States, as well as efforts to contact UNIS continuously monitors congressional congressional actions and the UCCA elec- release. She mentioned her testimony at Doctors Without Borders to send an inde- developments, including Rep. Marcy Kaptur’s tion observer mission, readers may contact the Senate Foreign Relations Committee pendent team of physicians to Ukraine to (D-Ohio) resolution on the release of Yulia the UCCA at [email protected] or UNIS at hearing and the need for follow-up with examine Yulia Tymoshenko. Tymoshenko, as well as developments in [email protected]. No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 5 Youngstown parish celebrates its centennial by Luba Hrycak Horsky and Nancy Pierko Stecyk YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Youngstown, Ohio, marked 100 years as a thriv- ing parish with its current pastor, the Rev. Steven Zarichny, Deacon Donald Billy and all the parishioners. One hundred years ago members of the 150 families who settled in the Youngstown area longed to worship God in their own church – in their own tradition of faith handed down to them for many centuries. Their hopes and prayers were answered by God through the priests sent to them, who encouraged them in their faith. The church was offi- cially incorporated on January 17, 1911, and the corner- stone of the church was laid and blessed by Bishop Soter Ortynsky on November 12, 1911. Much credit must be given to the parishioners who gave their pennies to support this church, who donated money at the $1 or $2 level or made liberal loans from $50 to $500 during the early construction phase of the church. Construction was financed entirely by month-to-month collections. The building was completed in the early part of 1913, but many of the refinements came slowly due to financial difficulties. Bishop John Bura, other hierarchs and clergy during the pontifical divine liturgy marking the centennial of Holy In 1935, the mortgage on the church was paid in full, Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Youngstown, Ohio. even though it was during the Depression. During the years, the parish has had many organiza- Richard Seminack of the Eparchy of St. Nicholas of Chicago During his homily, Bishop Bura, speaking in both tions and activities, including Ukrainian School, religion and Bishop George V. Murry of the Youngstown Diocese. English and Ukrainian, reminded the congregation of the classes, Ukrainian American Youth Association, Plast The day began with a beautiful presentation of liturgical hard work and sacrifice which led to this event: “Faith and Ukrainian Scouting Organization, the Boyan Choir, music by The Byzantine Singers of St. Nicholas Parish of a commitment to our Lord inspired our forefathers to Ukrainian dance groups, the Mothers’ Club, Men’s Club, Lorain, Ohio, directed by Drew Marko. The hierarchal establish this parish. Their eyes were focused on God in all Junior and Senior Sodality, Sisterhood, Teenage Club, St. divine liturgy followed at 2:30 p.m. with a procession of circumstances; in joy and in sorrow. We marvel at our Anne’s Guild, Acolyte Society and sports teams. the clergy through the front doors of the church, where founders and first parishioners who were able to build this Msgr. Leo Adamiak, who arrived in 1950, served as pas- Bishop Bura was greeted in English and Ukrainian by Bill beautiful church. This was possible because of their deep tor for 55 years and was the driving force for the growth, Humeniuk and Tanya Hankavich, who presented him with devotion to their own church and dedication to their faith.” expansion and improvement of the parish. Property was the traditional bread and salt. Presenting flowers to all Following the service all in attendance stood on the purchased in Austintown, Ohio, to construct a school and a three bishops were Danielle Fedak, Erika Hankavich and church steps for a group photo before continuing on to Mr. chapel; in 1964 Archbishop Basil Senyshyn gave approval Marissa Yourstowsky. Anthony’s Banquet Center for the second part of the cele- for the project and designated the name St. Anne for this Concelebrating clergy were Vicar General Msgr. George bration. The banquet was attended by over 400 people. new mission. St. Anne’s was elevated to a full parish on Appleyard, the Rev. Zarichny, the Rev. Andrew Marko (past Bishop Bura gave the invocation before the dinner. March 15, 1975. pastor), the Very Rev. Michael Polosky, the Rev. Michael Following dinner, John P. Pierko, president of the PAC, During Msgr. Adamiak’s tenure as pastor, many other Drozdovsky, the Rev. Volodymyr Grytsyuk and the Rev. began the evening’s program by introducing the master of projects were carried out at Holy Trinity, including the con- Michael Kulick. The Rev. Ivan Chirovsky acted as clergy mas- ceremonies for the banquet, Msgr. Michael Poloway of struction of a new rectory, installation of new symbolic ter of ceremonies, while the Rev. Claudio Melnicki assisted Parma, Ohio, who charmed the audience with his stories. doors in the church, as well as the construction of a shrine the bishops. Deacon Billy and Archdeacon Jeffrey Smolilo The main speaker was Bishop Richard Seminack, who commemorating both the 75th anniversary of the parish served as deacons, with assistance from Subdeacons Tom had served as an assistant pastor at Holy Trinity in 1969- and the millennium of Ukraine’s acceptance of Christianity. Bury and Joe Zappernick. Also serving at the altar were 1970. Bishop Seminack had some very inspiring words Some of the children, grandchildren and even great- Matthew Humeniuk, Christine Patoray, J.C. Pierko, Jacob and spoke of “a fulfilling life with God as our focus.” grandchildren of the first parishioners still worship at Holy Pruchniewicz, Matthew Yourstowsky and Michael Interspersed with the remarks from clergy were perfor- Trinity and are active members of this faith community. Yourstowsky. mances by the Youngstown Area Ukrainian Dancers, under While current and future generations may take this struc- The parish choir, joined by members of the St. Anne the direction of Fred Yasnowski and Marie Woloszyn; the ture and this community for granted, not realizing what a Ukrainian Catholic Church choir in Austintown, Ohio, and Zorya Ukrainian Female Vocal Ensemble of Parma, Ohio; challenge their ancestors faced, it is truly incredible to con- past members from other cities, was directed by Mitred and the Kashtan Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, also of Parma. sider what was created 100 years ago by people who did Archpriest Roman Galadza of St. Elias the Prophet Parish of The Rev. Zarichny gave the closing remarks and thanked not speak the language of this country. Brampton, Ontario. The Rev. Galadza drove to Youngstown all of the committee chairs and parishioners who made the To commemorate the centennial jubilee of Holy Trinity, several times over the past year to work with the choir event a success, after which the Rev. Marko gave the bene- a year of celebration began on January 16, 2011, the anni- members to prepare for the event, and the results were diction. The participants then enjoyed the music of the Jack versary of the church’s incorporation, with a Moleben of magnificent. The choir director, Marie Woloszyn, rehearsed Vasko Orchestra to end a very joyous celebration. Thanksgiving. A pontifical divine liturgy and banquet were the choir weekly during the year and also served as soloist To commemorate this historic event, a 100th anniversa- held on October 16, 2011, and the parish celebrations con- during the liturgy. ry commemorative journal, as well as DVDs from the cele- cluded with a moleben on November 13, 2011 – the anni- The hierarchal divine liturgy was served equally in brations held on October 16, 2011, are available for sale versary of the blessing of the church cornerstone. Ukrainian and English to accommodate all those attending through the church office (e-mail [email protected] or The high point of the year was the pontifical divine litur- so that all could enjoy and feel a part of the service. The call 330-744-5820. Photos of the event and of the church gy, which was presided over by Bishop John Bura of the Epistle was read by Dr. Michael Kopczyk Jr. in Ukrainian interior may be found on the parish website, www.holy- Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, assisted by Bishop and attorney John Kicz in English. trinityukrbyz.org. UWC calls on Rada to reject draft law on pre-school education TORONTO – The Ukrainian World the parent. el international organizations. Specifically, this is also expressed in Articles 5(2) and Congress (UWC) said on February 6 that it in December 2010, High Commissioner on 14(3) of the Framework Convention for the has serious concerns regarding the draft pre-schools for instruction in regional lan- National Minorities Knut Vollebaek of the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM) law “On Amendments to the Law of guages• Separate or minority groups languages. may be established in Organization for Security and Cooperation concerning general integration policies and Ukraine ‘On Pre-school Education’ ” – spe- The Ukrainian World Congress empha- in Europe (OSCE) sent the Chairman of education respectively. cifically on instruction in the native lan- sized that the proposed amendments Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada his assessment guage – tabled in January by the Party of would have an extremely detrimental effect of one of the previous draft laws on the lan- tool in ensuring cohesion. Consequently, Regions of Ukraine. since they essentially represent yet anoth- guage issue as prepared by the Party of promoting• The State the language use of the can state be an language effective The key points of this draft law, which is er attempt by pro-government forces to Regions (Draft Law “On Languages in constitutes a legitimate state interest. almost an exact copy of the draft previously enshrine in law the elevation of the Russian Ukraine”) in which, among other things, he Moreover, knowledge of the state language tabled by the Minister of Education Dmytro language to the status of a state language in expressed the following concerns: is also beneficial to persons belonging to Tabachnyk, and rejected by Ukraine’s contravention of Article 10 of the national minorities. Having a command of Verkhovna Rada, are: Constitution of Ukraine, which states that weakening of the state or official the state language increases the opportuni- - the state language of Ukraine is the language(s)• […] it is runs important contrary to tonote the thatspirit any of ties for effective participation in society at al-educational and language needs of citi- Ukrainian language. the ECRML [European Charter for Regional all levels. This requires that persons zens,• In pre-schools order to satisfy are the to national,be established cultur The attempt to downgrade the or Minority Languages]. The protection belonging to national minorities are given offering instruction in regional languages Ukrainian language from its status as and promotion of regional and minority and make use of the opportunity to learn or minority languages. The right to choose Ukraine’s only state language has become a languages should not be at the expense of the language of instruction remains with topic of discussion within various high-lev- the State or official language(s). Similarly, (Continued on page 17) 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 No. 8

COMMENTARY The Ukrainian Weekly The UNA at 118 Casus Vynnychukus On February 22, the Ukrainian National Association will be 118 years old. It was on February 22, 1894, that this Ukrainian fraternal benefit society – the oldest and and freedom of speech largest continuously active Ukrainian organization of this type – was founded by a core group of leaders who saw the dire need for an organization that had the best by Mykola Riabchuk which had allegedly been found at the place interests of Ukrainians in America in mind, that would serve as their guardian. on Hrushevsky Street on August 22. On January 23 two policemen approached The Ukrainian-language newspaper Svoboda reported in its issue of March 1, 1894: “There, like at my residence, the SBU writer Yuri Vynnychuk at his home in the alleged it had found information about “On February 22, 1894, on the day when all America celebrates the birthday anniver- western Ukrainian city of Lviv and demanded assembling a home-made explosive device sary of the great George Washington, fearless fighter for liberty and rights of man, from him a written explanation of the poems and a video of child pornography. Ukrainian priests, delegates of Ukrainian brotherhoods and Ukrainian patriots from he had presented a few months earlier in “Afterwards I was told they had ‘evidence’ many areas assembled at 9 a.m. in the Ukrainian church in Shamokin, Pa., to ask God’s Kyiv at the “Night of Erotic Poetry” festival. against me and in a similar way they could help in launching this all-important project – the founding of the Ukrainian National The policemen said they were authorized create any ‘evidence,’ and for this not to hap- Association.” (Editor’s note: The term then used instead of “Ukrainian” was “Rusyn.”) to do so by the procurator general, who had pen I had to write that my acquaintances The new organization became a crucial player and leader in our community life. received a complaint from the Communist Shpara and Bevz had left the things in my Through the decades, the UNA’s roles have included that of protector of immigrants, edu- National Deputy Leonid Hrach, which room that had been found during the search. cator and enlightener, proponent of Ukraine’s independence, spokesman for the unabashedly qualified Mr. Vynnychuk’s “When I refused, painful injuries were Ukrainian nation, defender of human rights, patron of the arts, sponsor of sports, initiator poems as “pornography” and a “call for the inflicted on me. and advocate of myriad community projects, and publisher of newspapers and books. violent overthrow of Ukraine’s government” “On the night of August 26, I was We would hazard a guess that the UNA is perhaps best known among the public (http://world.maidan.org.ua/2012/state- informed that I would be released if I signed as the publisher of two newspapers, Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly. ment-on-the-political-persecution-of-the- a few documents. I was forced to sign a let- Significantly, it was the pioneering newspaper Svoboda, our sister publication, that ukrainian-writer-yuri-vynnychuk). ter to the head of the SBU saying that no gave birth to the UNA, for it was a Svoboda editorial that called for the creation of a Mr. Vynnychuk is a renowned author physical coercion had been applied to me national organization to serve Ukrainian Americans. Today, who begot whom is with some international fame, so he has not and that I voluntarily consented to give evi- often forgotten, although the UNA is the offspring of Svoboda (founded in 1893) and been arrested, beaten and forced to confess, dence from August 23 to August 27. not vice versa. The UNA later gave birth to The Ukrainian Weekly (founded in 1933). as happens on a daily basis all over Ukraine “I assert that all signatures that I made Svoboda and The Weekly, we must point out, would not exist without the financial to his less fortunate and not-so-famous during that time were extracted in ways support of the Ukrainian National Association, which considers them a fraternal ben- compatriots. Oleksiy Cherneha, for instance, banned by the Code of Criminal Procedure.” efit for its members and a contribution to the community at large, as well as a young activist of the organization Patriot (http://www.kyivpost.com/news/opinion/ Ukrainians worldwide. And yet, the UNA’s support is not sufficient to guarantee these of Ukraine from the provincial town of op_ed/detail/112476/) (See also: Katya publications’ existence. That’s where the UNA’s members – many of whom subscribe Vasylkiv, Kyiv Oblast, recollects his encoun- Gorchinskaya, “Allegations of SBU horrors to one or the other newspaper, or both – and the newspapers’ other subscribers ter with the Security Service of Ukraine recall cruel Stasi methods,” September 15, come in. Simply put, without subscribers there is no reason for these papers to exist. (SBU) officers as follows: 2011: http://www.kyivpost.com/news/ - “Immediately after I was detained [on opinion/op_ed/detail/112911/.) nity members use these papers but don’t support them by subscribing. These are August 23, 2011], I was taken to the regional Stories like this are typical in Viktor theSeems folks whoobvious, want doesn’t items publishedit. And yet… – whetheryou’d be surprisedthat’s information how many about of our an commuupcom- SBU center, where I was held without Yanukovych’s Ukraine. They vary in detail, charge or sanction from the investigator or ing event, notes about a person’s achievement or news about a community event – but have one thing in common: rampant court until August 27, much longer than the lawlessness that reigns supreme in the but don’t understand why they should be subscribers. When folks turn to the UNA’s country and unscrupulous use of law- newspapers for assistance, for information or to have something publicized, we “While I was at the regional SBU center, I enforcement agencies for the regime’s polit- often ask: Are you a subscriber? There are those who reply: Does it matter? Indeed, was72 hours questioned allowed aroundby law […] the clock. During ical goals. A Kyiv Post editorial aptly it does. The UNA will continue to publish our two community newspapers, but it the interrogation, physical methods were described Ukraine’s judicial system as “bro- needs to see that those newspapers are wanted and needed. used against me repeatedly – I was beaten ken, corrupt and manipulated by oligarch- By the same token, the Ukrainian National Association needs support in the form on my neck and the soft parts of the body, controlled politicians, chief among them of memberships. If community members support what the UNA does – sustains forced to do splits, humiliated, threatened President Viktor Yanukovych”: community endeavors, publishes community newspapers, owns and operates with physical violence and also mocked “Police still beat, torture, falsify evidence Soyuzivka, etc. – then they should also support the UNA by enrolling as members. with accusations of pedophilia. and extract false confessions. They conduct “The SBU officers also tried to force me to armed raids with masks with the permis- As we celebrate the 118th birthday of the Ukrainian National Association, we ask give untruthful evidence against my sion of the manipulated courts. ourAgain, readers without to bearmembers in mind there these is no realities. UNA, and If you without value the the UNA… UNA and its publications, “Prosecutors operate in a web of secrecy become members and become subscribers. And we ask that that you share this mes- this untruthful evidence, I was shackled and in which they are accountable to no one but sage with your families, friends, colleagues and fellow community activists. theyacquaintances… continued to After beat me.I had refused to give the chief prosecutor, who is appointed by Today, the UNA and its two newspapers – Svoboda, which turns 120, and The “For four days I was interrogated and not Yanukovych. Ukrainian Weekly, which turns 80, both in 2013 – continue to serve our community. allowed to sleep or eat. During the torture “Judges cannot exercise independence With your support they will continue to do so for many, many more years to come. and humiliation I repeatedly demanded to for fear of losing their jobs – or worse. be told my official status in the case and also “The presumption of guilt replaces the information about the examination of the presumption of innocence through the pre- things found at my place during the search. trial jailing of suspects for up to 18 months But I received no answer to any of my ques- in horrible conditions, the denial of bail and Feb. tions. I was also refused a meeting with my adequate legal representation, the denial of Turning the pages back... lawyer, and all interrogations happened speedy trial by jury and so on.” (http:// without his presence. www.kyivpost.com/news/opinion/editori- “While I was in custody, I informed the al/detail/114769/). 19 Twenty years ago, on February 19, 1992, Ukraine’s SBU that I had been diagnosed with epilepsy Mr. Vynnychuk predictably rejected the 1992 Parliament voted to adopt the “tryzub,” or trident, for use as the and that the doctors had recommended that accusations as absurd and stated that inter- state emblem of Ukraine. I stick to a sleep pattern and eat regularly, ference in literary matters by politicians, Prior to the voting, national deputies heard a presentation by because not to do so could affect my health prosecutors and other officials was illegal and anti-constitutional. The story got broad Les Taniuk, chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Cultural Affairs. Mr. Taniuk sug- and even lead to death. publicity in the mass media; the Ukrainian gested to incorporate the tryzub used by King Volodymyr of Rus’ and that it appear as a “However, the SBU officers ignored this, PEN-center endorsed a protest; the writer gold trident on a field of blue. and for four days I was interrogated without himself used a public commemoration of A proposal was made that the trident should appear on a blue five-sided shield. sleep or food. Such behavior is a flagrant Leopold von Sacher-Masoch’s birthday in However, since only 201 deputies had voted for this particular version of the state violation of human rights and guarantees of downtown Lviv to read his subversive poems emblem, the proposal was not adopted. respect for dignity contained in the to his cheerful fans. And finally, the sweet- Deputies did agree, however, that the tryzub would be the main element of the state Constitution. heart Hanna Herman, Yanukovych’s advisor emblem, as reported by the Respublika news service. “During interrogation on August 25, SBU and a writer herself, called a Lviv colleague The Great Coat of Arms of Ukraine, which includes the tryzub on a blue shield, with a officers forced a compact disk into my hand and apologized for the excessive zeal of her lion (from the Galician Coat of Arms) on the left, and a Kozak (representing the Hetman boss’s subordinates (http://life.pravda.com. state) on the right, and above the shield, the crown of Volodymyr the Great, symbolizing Mykola Riabchuk is an author and jour- ua/person/2012/01/30/93822/). Ukrainian sovereignty and motifs of wheat and Viburnum opulus (kalyna), at that time nalist from Ukraine, and a leading intellectu- Personally, I would prefer that she call Mr. had not yet been adopted officially by Parliament, as there was resistance from the pro- al who is affiliated with the journal Krytyka. Cherneha, or Hanna Synkova, or many other Russian and Communist parties. The article above is reprinted from the victims of the regime’s brutality, and deal The tryzub is also featured on the coat of arms of at least 36 Italian Army units that blog “Current Politics in Ukraine” (http:// with the officers that tortured and humiliat- served on the Eastern Front in Ukraine during the second world war. Each of these units ukraineanalysis.wordpress.com/) created by ed them rather than the two pathetic police- was awarded a Medal for Military Valor during their service on the territory of Ukraine. the Stasiuk Program for the Study of men sent by their dull bosses to Mr. For examples, readers can visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_Army. Contemporary Ukraine, a program of the Vynnychuk’s place. So far, it looks like a “bad Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at Source: “Tryzub adopted as national symbol,” The Ukrainian Weekly, March 1, 1992. the University of Alberta. (Continued on page 14) No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 7 NEWS AND VIEWS PERSPECTIVES Kobzar Literary Award: promoting by Andrew Fedynsky our Canadian Ukrainian legacy by Daria Olynyk the days of Herculean challenges and obstacles presented by leaving our home- Every two years, our Ukrainian commu- land and settling on Canadian soil to the So now what? nity recognizes a Canadian author who has present-day reality of Ukrainians permeat- I was 7 in 1954 when our family moved about the Holodomor, language policy and incorporated a Ukrainian theme in his or ing every strata of our Canadian society, from Frackville in Pennsylvania’s dissident arrests. her literary work. The $25,000 Kobzar business and government. Anthracite Region to Cleveland. A couple of Ukrainians’ dream of independence, of Literary Award, which is sponsored by the There is a vast collage of accumulated weeks later, the Indians were in the World course, was fulfilled in 1991, and the diaspo- Shevchenko Foundation, will be presented experiences which offers writers a huge Series, the one where Willie Mays made an ra became as fervent in support for the gov- for the fourth time on March 1. palette of opportunities to incorporate in amazing catch and the New York Giants ernment in Kyiv as it had been in opposition. What significance does the Kobzar their work. Whether the themes are related swept the Tribe. My family had no interest The community bought a prestigious prop- Award have for us as Canadian Ukrainians? to culture, settlement, inter-personal rela- in baseball and I was new to the city and erty in Georgetown and gave it to Ukraine I believe that this award opens the door tionships, experiences, triumph, tragedy, too young to notice, so I have no memory for its Embassy. Congressional representa- that enables our Ukrainian roots, heritage, toil, sweat or endurance – the possibility of that. What I do remember is Ukrainian tives organized the caucus on Ukraine, help- culture, experiences and essence to be and opportunity for stories, poems, analy- Saturday school, Plast scout meetings, ing to make the country the third-highest communicated through the written literary ses and documentation are endless. church and commemorative programs recipient of U.S. foreign aid. Ukraine became word. I clearly remember reading referenc- We, as Ukrainians who are living in (“akademiyi”), particularly one in 1955 a regular stop for President Bill Clinton and es many years ago to Ukrainians in the nov- Canada, need to first stop and recognize honoring Gen. Roman Shukhevych, com- the first lady. Banquets all over America wel- els of Margaret Laurence and the effect that the worthiness in the purpose of this mander of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army comed the ambassador; churches, the reading those words had on me. As a award. We also have to be collectively (UPA) on the fifth anniversary of his death Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund, etc. Ukrainian, seeing and reading these refer- proud of and not afraid to promote who we in battle against Soviet forces. sponsored relief missions. It all culminated ences provided visual proof that an estab- are – our roots, our experiences, our contri- There were speeches, choirs and poetry, in 2005, when President Viktor Yushchenko, lished Canadian author had noticed and butions, struggles and successes. By keep- I’m sure, but what remains for me is the the hero of the Orange Revolution, been affected by the Ukrainian experience. ing our heritage and presence alive, we will image of men in uniform with guns addressed a joint session of Congress. The families from whom I and my friends provide opportunities to remind authors, strapped to their chests. Whether those Sadly, Mr. Yushchenko, splitting bitterly were real or stage props, I don’t know or with his Orange Revolution partner, Yulia are descended, helped to foster this experi- editors and publishers to continue to write even if my memory is genuine or the ves- Tymoshenko, failed to deliver on expecta- ence. or accept for publication well-written man- tige of 57-year-old impressions of a boy tions and ceded power to Viktor Yanukovych, And what a collection of experiences we uscripts with Ukrainian Canadian themes. taught to aspire for the independence of a the man whose efforts to steal the election Ukrainians have had in this country – from Within the many organizations, groups and churches of our Ukrainian community, country he had never seen. launched the protests in the first place. we can raise awareness of the Kobzar Ukraine for me and my generation was Now, Mr. Yushchenko is marginalized, Ms. Daria OIynyk is a third-generation Literary Award – this could be as easy as an idyllic land held captive by an enemy Tymoshenko is in jail and Mr. Yanukovych is Ukrainian Canadian who resides in Toronto. including an agenda item at a meeting to government and a sinister organization, the subject of derision and contempt. She is also a member of the Kobzar Literary the “En-Ka-Veo-Deh.” And it was personal. I’m 64 years old. For the first 43 years of Award Ceremony Committee. (Continued on page 17) The NKVD sent Uncle Slavko to a lonely my life, the Ukrainian government was the death in Siberia because he wanted to be a enemy. For the next 15 years, the country priest; executed Uncle Vasyl for teaching could do no wrong. Now I’m ambivalent. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Ukrainian in a way they didn’t approve; How can you not but be appalled by an exiled Aunt Steftsia to Kazakhstan for giv- administration that crudely abuses prose- After his death in Hawaii his friends ing medicine to wounded UPA guerrillas. cutorial powers to eliminate political oppo- Glad to have arranged to have him buried in St. Mary’s Nearly everyone at the “akademiyis” had nents; by Ukrainophobia; intimidation of Catholic Cemetery, here in Kingston, similar stories. These were lucky immi- academic and cultural leaders? At the same Zawada back Ontario, where he is honored with a grants who survived the war and then suc- time, you can’t help but be proud of a coun- plaque that commemorates the many cessfully navigated multiple bureaucracies try whose military wears the trident and Dear Editor: accomplishments of this man of faith and to come to Cleveland, Philadelphia, Chicago, sends athletes to the World Cup and etc., where existing Ukrainian communities Olympics garbed in blue and gold. I would like to express my delight that science. with churches, publications and political So, now what? Well, life goes on. As I’ve Zenon Zawada’s articles have returned to Lubomyr Luciuk, Ph.D. connections welcomed them. written on several occasions, the most the pages of The Ukrainian Weekly. Having Kingston, Ontario The Shukhevych event and countless important election in Ukraine’s history is lived in Kyiv for over six years now, Mr. others were at the Ukrainian National the next one, so it’s proper and necessary to Zawada gives consistently fresh insight The letter-writer is president of the Home, purchased in 1919 when armies in speak as loudly as possible against repres- from the Ukrainian perspective, something Ukrainian Canadian Club of Kingston. Ukraine were fighting for independence, sive practices in Ukraine (or in Russia, or impossible to do from the diaspora. even then. Homes like that and church anywhere else for that matter) and to His hard news articles are clear and to the halls in dozens of cities and towns sus- defend the rule of law and democracy. point, and his investigative work (like the tained Ukrainian culture and the dream of But politics ebbs and flows, while culture February 5 article on the street named after About the spelling liberation for the homeland. endures. The best way to support Ukraine Klement Voroshylov) is truly unparalleled. During the Cold War, Ukrainian from day to day, in my view, is to support His passion for changing Ukraine for the bet- of Ukraine’s capital Americans were staunchly anti-Commu- Ukrainian institutions. For me, that’s the ter is evident in every article, and he’s long Dear Editor: nist. Every July, starting in the Eisenhower Ukrainian Museum-Archives in Cleveland known that this means changing the atti- administration, “old” and “new” immigrants and whatever organization my children are tudes of Ukrainians from the bottom up. With my Ukrainian Weekly subscription joined other ethnic groups at public squares involved in: Plast, Ridna Shkola, the Kashtan Please keep challenging them, and us, renewal, allow me to voice criticism of the and city halls for Captive Nations Week to dance group, the vocal ensemble Zorya, the Mr. Zawada. unconventional English that The Weekly denounce Soviet imperialism. In Washington, Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv, applies in its publications. I find it illogical presidents – some parsing their words for Bandura Camp in Emlenton, Pa., and, Dr. Danylo Kuncio and infantile to change the ancient English fear of offending the Kremlin – issued proc- always, the Church. There are many others, Astoria, N.Y. name Kiev to Kyyiv and later modified to lamations effectively endorsing the over- so take your pick. Kyiv, which is used to this day. throw of governments all over Central and And finally, for a healthy perspective, I Why is The Ukrainian Weekly so incon- Eastern Europe. root for my favorite teams. I missed the Clarification about sistent and why does it not apply same President Gerald Ford’s signing of the 1954 World Series, but then in 1995 I took logic to other cities? Moskva of instead Helsinki Accords in 1975 and President my son to a series game the Indians won – Hawaii’s Ukrainians Moscow, Warshava instead of Warsaw, and Jimmy Carter’s declaration two years later another highlight of my life. A nation, obvi- Dear Editor: Praha rather than Prague, etc. that America’s Soviet policy would no lon- ously, is not a baseball team, but it’s fun to It would be much appreciated if The ger be motivated by fear, gave Ukrainians, compare. I’ve been loyal to Ukraine since The otherwise very interesting article Weekly would use proper English instead Balts, Jews, Poles and others on both sides childhood, and my faith and that of millions about Ukrainians in Hawaii errs in iden- of hodge-podge in its vocabulary. of the Iron Curtain the tools to challenge was rewarded with independence. Since tifying the Rev. Jules Charles Emil Riotte Moscow on the obvious disconnect then, the country has had good years and as a “Belgian resistance fighter.” Father Leo Wysochansky between their laws and practices, putting bad – just like the Tribe. Spring training Riotte, a long-serving priest at St. Brunswick, Maine the Kremlin on the defensive and under- starts in a few weeks and as I have for the Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic parish in mining its legitimacy. past 50-plus years, I’m hoping for a good Kingston and an entomologist with the EDITOR’S NOTE: We refer Mr. Like many others, I joined that battle. For year – for the Indians and for Ukraine. Royal Ontario Museum, was actually of Wysochansky and our readers to The me, it led to a career on Capitol Hill, where There are a lot of young, promising players mixed Lusatian Sorb and French parent- Ukrainian Weekly’s editorial of November one of the highlights of my life came in 1985 age. Involved in the anti-Nazi resistance 12, 2006, titled “How do you spell Київ? K-Y- at Statuary Hall when I confronted Ukrainian Communist Party boss Volodymyr ready to take the field… movement in World War II, he was also I-V.” (You can view the editorial online at Andrew Fedynsky’s e-mail address is Shcherbytsky at a reception in his honor an advocate of Ukrainian independence. www.ukrweekly.com.) [email protected]. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 No. 8

Chicago Sister Cities International premieres “Three Stories of Galicia” president of the Chicago Lithuanian Museum. The panel was moderated by Daria Hankewych. Many themes were touched upon, including the mythology created around hero figures, the importance of memorial- izing collective traumas of the past, and maintaining a sense of history that embrac- es an ability to sustain complexity. This special project was made possible by the generous financial support of mem- bers of all three communities, the consul- ate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago, Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union, Kasia’s Deli, Miller Canfield and the Michael H. Traison Fund for Poland. * * * Chicago Sister Cities International (CSCI), At the Ukrainian National Museum (from left) are: Darka Hankewych, Ksenia Hankewych, Dr. Myron Kuropas, Stanley which is marking its 51st anniversary pro- Balzekas, Olha Onyshko, Sarah Farhat and the Rev. Myron Panchuk. vides leadership to develop, manage, and coordinate comprehensive programs and by the Rev. Myron Panchuk bridges across ethnic and religious divides, The conversation continued on projects with Chicago’s 28 sister cities. CSCI and finding our humanity in the midst of December 2, 2011, at the Ukrainian is committed to promoting Chicago as a CHICAGO – The Kyiv and Warsaw com- intolerance and cruelty became the over- National Museum, where a panel discus- global city, developing international part- mittees of Chicago Sister Cities arching theme of the discussions inspired sion was organized by the museum’s Young nerships and networks, and sharing best International, in collaboration with the by this documentary. Professionals Group, headed by Ksenia practices on a city-to-city basis. For more Ukrainian National Museum, presented the “Three Stories of Galicia” has been Hankewych. Panel members included his- information about Chicago Sister Cities Chicago premiere of “Three Stories of shown in several U.S. cities, as well as in torian Dr. Myron Kuropas, psychologist the International, readers may call 312-744- Galicia” with filmmakers Olha Onyshko and Canada, Germany, England, France and Rev. Myron Panchuk, and Stanley Balzekas, 8074 or visit www.chicagosistercities.com. Sarah Farhat at the Chicago Cultural Center Ukraine. On November 30, 2011, the first on December 1, 2011. screening in Illinois was held at the This inspiring film is about heroism, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign moral character and reconciliation among at an event organized by Volodymyr three ethnic and religious groups – Jews, Chumachenko, professor of Slavic languag- Ukrainians and Poles – that have roots in es and literatures. the territory known as Galicia (Halychyna). After viewing the film, the students and The film focuses on three individuals who educators in the Department of Eastern had the courage to reach out to the other Slavic Studies were given an opportunity to side and overcome barriers of prejudice discuss and analyze the film with filmmak- and hatred during the most difficult cir- er/director Olya Onyshko. Dmytro cumstances: at the time of war, oppression Shtohryn, professor emeritus, said, “It is and ethnic conflict. not easy to talk about the past, but when Sixty years after the second world war, it one learns the truth, each of us can make remains in the hearts of the people, in the their own conclusions with hope for a bet- painful memories that never receded, and ter future.” in the hurtful stories passed on from one The next evening, a large screening was generation to the next. Under the Soviet held in Chicago at one of the city’s most regime that dominated the region until the beautiful venues – the Chicago Cultural beginning of the 1990s, the past was never Center. Organized by the Kyiv and Warsaw Olha Onyshko and Sarah Farhat (first and second from left), producers/directors of exposed or examined, so the wounds have Committees of Chicago Sister Cities “Three Stories of Galicia,” are seen with Vera Eliashevsky, chair of the Kyiv-Chicago never healed. Overcoming the deep divi- International, the 300-seat capacity Committee, and Ted Makarewicz, chair, Warsaw-Chicago Committee of Chicago sions caused by conflict and war, building Claudia Cassidy Theater was almost full. Sister Cities International. Panel at UNM discusses “Three Stories of Galicia” by Adriana Kuropas a B.S. in psychology and philosophy from Kishwaukee Community College in Malta, Loyola University (1976), graduate theo- Illinois. On December 2, 2011, the Ukrainian logical studies at Catholic Theological Joining the community panelists were National Museum Young Professionals Union, and an M.A. in counseling psycholo- the filmmakers, Sarah Farhat and Olha sponsored a panel discussion as a follow gy (2007) from the Adler School of Onyshko. up to Chicago’s December 1 screening of Professional Psychology. He is currently The audience viewed three excerpts “Three Stories of Galicia.” The event was enrolled in a Ph.D. program of Depth from the film, one from each of the film’s organized by a committee headed by Dr. Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute in stories. The first excerpt was from the Ksenia Hankewych in coordination with Carpinteria, Calif. story of Aharon Weiss, whose family was the Chicago Kyiv Sister City Program. Dr. Kuropas received his B.S. from hidden from Nazi terror by a Ukrainian Ukrainian National Museum Young Loyola University, his M.A. from Roosevelt neighbor whose own son was a member of Professionals group member Daria University and his Ph.D. from the the Ukrainian police. The second story was Hankewych moderated the discussion to University of Chicago. He is the author of about Olia Ilkiv, a member of the Ukrainian further explore the complicated, yet two major books, “The Ukrainian Insurgent Army who was captured and tor- extraordinary wartime stories highlighted Americans: Roots and Aspirations, 1884- tured by the KGB. The last story was about in the film. 1954” and “Ukrainian American Citadel: Father Stanislaw Bartminski, a Polish Each story showcased the paradox The First Hundred Years of the Ukrainian priest who risked everything to end the between ethnicities and religions, helping National Association,” as well as numerous sectarian hatred that tore at his parish. to provide perspective on the origin of the other publications including “The The filmmakers’ exclusive narrative and tenuous relationships among these groups. Ukrainians of Chicagoland.” He has been footage provided incremental context for Daria Hankewych, moderator of the each story, helping to highlight the goal of not Panelists included community repre- discussion. active in various Ukrainian community sentatives Stanley Balzekas, the Rev. Myron organizations, serving as vice-president of having the audience necessarily choose sides Panchuk and Dr. Myron Kuropas. Represent- Culture. He is an honorary consul of the the Ukrainian National Association and the in each story, but instead to see how, despite atives from the Polish and Jewish commu- Consulate of the Republic of Lithuania and Organization for the Rebirth of Ukraine. He difficult times, there was good in people. nities were invited to attend as well. the chair of the Vilnius Committee of has been a principal in the Chicago Public Following questions from the audience, Mr. Balzekas studied business adminis- Chicago Sister Cities. schools as well as the DeKalb Public a reception was held against the backdrop tration at DePaul University and received a The Rev. Panchuk has been an ordained Schools, and he has taught at Northern of the Ukrainian National Museum’s cur- B.S. (1950) and an M.A (1951). Mr. priest of the Ukrainian Catholic Church for Illinois University and the National rent exhibit, “From DP to DC, Displaced Balzekas is the founder and president of almost 30 years, having served at parishes University of Ostroh Academy in Ukraine. Persons: A Story of Ukrainian Refugees in the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian in Chicago and Denver. His studies include Presently he is an adjunct instructor at Europe, 1945-1952.” No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 9 Hartford’s Yevshan ensemble performs in Rhode Island by Ihor Slabicky WOONSOCKET, R.I. – Parishioners of St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in Woonsocket, R.I., were blessed on Sunday, December 18, 2011, with a choral visitation by the Yevshan Ukrainian Vocal Ensemble of Hartford, Conn. Directed by Alex Kuzma, the ensemble has performed throughout New England, Pennsylvania, New York and Washington. Most recently, they sang at the “Tribute to Ukrainian Catholic Leaders” on November 20, 2011, in Fordham University. Msgr. Roman Golemba, the pastor of St. Michael’s and of St. John the Baptist in Fall River, Mass., warmly welcomed the public and invited Mr. Kuzma to take the stand, which he did to cordial applause. The concert, featuring Ukrainian Christmas and liturgi- cal music, began with the “Dnes Poyusche” Suite. Composed by the Rev. Kyrylo Stetsenko, the suite included “Oi Vydyt Boh” and “Po Vsiomu Svitu.” The mixed choir’s beautiful voices created a soaring and heavenly sound fit- ting for this work. The wonderful acoustics of St. Michael’s revealed just how great this ensemble sounds. Following a “vinshuvannia” (greeting) by Sophiyka Martyniuk, Mr. Kuzma led the choir in the joyous carol “Vo Vyfleyemi” by Stanislav Liudkevych. He then directed Yevshan in “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” an Advent hymn that comes from a 15th century traditional French Ihor Slabicky Franciscan processional. Turning to the secular, the ensem- Alex Kuzma directs the Yevshan Ukrainian Vocal Ensemble at St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic ble performed the schedrivka arranged by Vasyl Church in Woonsocket, R.I. Stupnytsky “Oi Rano, Rano Kury Zapily.” Yaroslav Zastawsky offered a vinshuvannia taken from carol was translated into Ukrainian by the Russian and Aquidneck Island to experience this musical gift, the works of Ivan Franko. Accompanied by the Yevshan Orthodox priest Father Dmytro Troubachov. The ensemble responded with an enthusiastic standing ovation for the Bandura Quartet, the Ensemble performed “Nebo i Zemlia.” ethereally performed the version that comes from the rep- ensemble and its conductor. Together, they produced a majestic version of this work by ertoire of the Dnipropetrovsk Cathedral Choir. In his closing words, Msgr. Golemba thanked Open MRI Stetsenko. The bandurists followed with “Greensleeves.” Next sung was “Pryletiv Sokil do Vikontsia,” a contempo- of New England, the sponsors of the concert. Mr. Kuzma The melody, known for its use in “What Child Is This,” is a rary “koliada” (carol) composed by Volodymyr Pelensky invited the attendees to join the ensemble in singing “Boh traditional romanesca from Britain that was wonderfully that incorporates a traditional melody. Predvichniy,” allowing everyone to participate in the mira- arranged for bandura by Irene Kytasty Kuzma and Joanna “Mylist Spokoyu,” written by Petro Honcharov in the cle of Christmas. After the concert, audience members had Butsko O’Flaherty. Returning to traditional themes closer to early 20th century, was sung next. Although one usually an opportunity to attend a reception in the church hall and home, they played “Schedryk” as arranged by Hryhory hears this piece during the divine liturgy of St. John to meet with ensemble members. Kytasty from his “Rizdviani Motyvy” suite. Chrysostom, its idea of angels from on high fit beautifully The parish of St. Michael the Archangel recently cele- Oles Kowinko came forward to offer a vinshuvannia for into this program. That was followed by “Silent Night,” with brated its 100th anniversary. During that time, it has the New Year. The ensemble sang “Yerusalymski Dzvony” the verses alternately sung in English, the original German served the faithful in Rhode Island and central by Yakiv Yatsynevych. The deep voices of the basses alter- and then in Ukrainian. Massachusetts. It now serves the world by streaming the nating with the altos and sopranos gave one the feeling For Yevshan’s concluding piece, Mr. Kuzma selected divine liturgy live over the Internet. On most Sundays, the that multitudes of bells were indeed ringing in Jerusalem. Dmytro Bortniansky’s “Slava Vo Vyshnykh Bohu.” The choir Ukrainian-language liturgy starts at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. Confirming the universal truth of Christmas, Mr. Kuzma led gave a dynamically powerful rendition. The rapt audience, To participate, one can visit the parish webpage http:// the ensemble in “V Vyfleyemi Dnes Maria.” This Polish some of whom traveled from Connecticut, the Boston area, www.stmichaelsri.org/ and click on the “Video” link.

are real questions about that and they haven’t fully been He was asked by Mr. Haidukevich: “Is there an under- U.S. assistant secretary... answered yet,” adding, “I haven’t personally seen her, nor standing in the West – because there is a concern internally have representatives of the United States recently been able here – that with the very categorical stand of the West, the (Continued from page 1) to, but that’s part of the problem. We’ve gotten some nega- European Union, that Ukraine should follow certain proce- Mr. Gordon said he also spoke about ways to increase tive reports about her health and her conditions and her dures, certain requirements, that Kyiv will slip into the American investment in Ukraine and that he told his coun- access to medical care. We can’t independently verify them, Moscow orbit? And don’t you realize that a reincarnation terparts “that there remain some obstacles to that invest- but they are of great concern to us.” Furthermore, he noted that may occur that [Vladimir] Putin will get his geopolitical ment in the form of regulations and in the areas of taxes that U.S. Ambassador John F. Tefft had expressed interest in victory here and Ukraine will be totally under Russian influ- and customs and on the question of corruption.” American visiting Ms. Tymoshenko but was not permitted to do so. ence? It will be a kind of Russia-lite here, and it will be lost.” exports to Ukraine are up, he said, “but they’re still only Finally, he commented on suggestions that the U.S. has Mr. Gordon replied: around $2 billion, which is much less than it should be.” been relatively soft in reacting to the “misbehavior of the “We don’t want to see Ukraine lose its independence Mr. Gordon added: “I also pointed out statistics showing that Ukrainian government” and that the U.S. is not interested and we don’t want to see Ukraine totally in the Russian Ukraine ranks very low on a list of countries that are ranked in Ukraine by stating: orbit, as you describe. But we don’t think Ukraine wants to by how easy it is to do business in Ukraine. I think it was “I’d challenge the premise that we’ve been somehow soft. ranked 152nd out of 183 countries, and that’s very unfortu- have said we want a stronger relationship with Ukraine, nate, because if it’s difficult to do business, then American clear we’ve been about how this [Tymoshenko] case stands losewe want its independence it to orient towards or to Euro-Atlanticbe in anybody’s institutions, orbit. …we the businesses won’t come and Ukraine won’t develop.” inI’m the not way sure of what the development that means. …I’ve of the just relationship described andhow some very United States and European Union. We don’t believe that After his statement to the press, Mr. Gordon took ques- of the consequences that it has, and that our secretary of necessitates a bad relationship with Russia. We don’t see tions. Asked about a suggestion by former U.S. Ambassador state went out of her way to make this point clear to the our own relationship with Russia in zero sum terms. It’s to Ukraine Steven Pifer that it might be time to start think- President of Ukraine. I think that’s pretty direct. not a competition for Ukraine. ing about blacklisting Ukrainian officials, Mr. Gordon said, “I also don’t accept the notion that we’re not interested “So we’re not asking Ukraine to reject Russia, but we also don’t want to see Ukraine be overly dependent on “we have decided that the best way for us to convey mes- in Ukraine. Again, I think I’ve described not just the meet- Russia. We’re trying to offer Ukraine diversity in its rela- sages is to speak frankly, both in public and in private.” ing that took place over the weekend and my visit here, but tionships and its economic, geopolitical orientations. Our Another questioner asked whether the U.S. was pre- our consistent pattern of interest and engagement at so whole attitude and approach towards European security pared to recognize the results of October elections if Ms. many levels over many months. I think you’ve seen a num- is to get beyond this notion of zero sum relationships. Tymoshenko and her political force were not allowed to ber of statements, letters coming under the direct signa- But at the same time I think Ukrainians shouldn’t misun- participate. The assistant secretary explained: “We have ture of the secretary of state. I’ve told you about some of derstand. We are not so motivated by the specter of a said that we want to see a full, fair and transparent elec- my extensive engagements with the European Union. We Ukraine under Russian influence that we will sacrifice tion. That would mean that all legitimate opposition have discussed it at the highest levels. Our president has our own values and principles in dealing with Ukraine. groups should be allowed to participate in that election. met with your president. So I think there’s an enormous amount of interest in Ukraine. Again, I can attest personal- “That’s why, when we say we need to see certain We have been assured that that is the full intention of the things happen in Ukraine before that relationship devel- Ukrainian authorities.” ly to the secretary of state’s interest who sees such poten- tial in Ukraine and I think really wants to see it develop.” He added, “If Tymoshenko remains in prison, doesn’t example, able to move forward with its relationship appear to be getting appropriate care, and there are issues Interview on TVi ops,with that’sthe European actually Union the reality. and it’s If more…Ukraine dependent isn’t, foron with party registrations for October, I think it’s fair to say Russia, that’s unfortunate from our point of view, but that would stand in the way of relations with both the During his stay in Kyiv, Assistant Secretary of State it’s even more unfortunate for Ukraine.” United States and the European Union.” Gordon was interviewed by Vitaliy Haidukevich of TVi In answer to a follow-up question about the former Television, touching on many of the issues raised during The story above was prepared on the basis of tran- prime minister’s medical care, Mr. Gordon noted that “there the press roundtable. scripts released by the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 No. 8 Solo exhibition of artwork by Lydia Bodnar-Balahutrak featured in Texas SPRING, Texas – “Thresholds,” a selection of mixed media Ms. Bodnar-Balahutrak first visited Ukraine in the art works by Lydia Bodnar-Balahutrak was featured at the spring of 1991. Later that year, with the unraveling of the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts in Spring, Texas, in a Soviet Union, she shared in the hopeful elation of Ukraine’s four-month solo exhibition. shift from a totalitarian dictatorship to sovereignty and The installation of paintings, drawings, and assemblages independence. Two years later, she travelled through the comprised a mini-retrospective of the Houston-based art- area of Ukraine that was once ancient Scythia, and toured ist’s explorations of Ukraine’s history and cultural identity. historic archeological sites on the Black Sea. In 1996 she The show’s opening in late August was timely, as it closely visited the Chornobyl zone, site of the 1986 nuclear acci- coincided with Ukraine’s Independence Day and the 20th dent. Each experience deeply influenced her and launched anniversary of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, events new approaches in her work. that inspired a number of the artworks on display. Ms. Bodnar-Balahutrak received her Master of Fine Arts A special feature of the Pearl Fincher Museum is a part- degree in 1977 from George Washington University in nership with its next-door public library’s Pen and Washington. She is on the studio faculty of the Glassell Paintbrush Book Discussion Group. The book club selects School of Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Her artwork written works that relate to the current exhibitions on has been featured in numerous exhibitions and is included view at the museum. For this exhibition cycle, the novel in private and public collections in the United States, “The Sky Unwashed” by Irene Zabytko – a story exploring Canada and Europe. the aftermath of the Chornobyl nuclear explosion – was A book about her work was published in 2005 and is paired with Ms. Bodnar-Balahutrak’s exhibition. The available at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts (www. December book club meeting included a discussion of the pearlmfa.org) and is excerpted on the artist’s website book and a tour of the “Thresholds” exhibition. (www.LydiaBodnarBalahutrak.com).

“Gates: Sacred and Profane” (89 by 50 by 3 inches, clays, paints papier-maché, wood, 1990) by Lydia Bodnar- Installation view of “Thresholds,” a selection of mixed media art works by Lydia Bodnar-Balahutrak at the Pearl Balahutrak. Fincher Museum of Fine Arts in Spring, Texas. No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 11 “Ukrainian Kilims: Journey of a Heritage” at Th e Ukrainian Museum

Kilim designed by the Eastern Podillia, late 18th century. artist Sviatoslav Hordynsky, Kosiv, Hutsul region, Ivano-Frankivsk NEW YORK – “Ukrainian Kilims: Journey Oblast, 1930s. (Gift of Maria and Taras Durbak.) of a Heritage,” an exhibition of selected kilims, or tapestry rugs, from The Ukrainian Museum’s permanent collection, will open to the public on February 12. More than 30 prized examples from the collection – the oldest kilim from the late 18th century and others are from the early 20th century – reveal the range and rich- ness of colors and motifs used in the weav- ing of kilims. The exhibition will remain on display through the end of September. “Kilim-weaving has been practiced by Ukrainians for more than a thousand years,” said Lubow Wolynetz, the museum’s cura- tor of folk arts. “Some of the kilims that are on display had survived war and the destructive Soviet occupation of Ukraine, transported across borders by Ukrainian refugees determined to preserve their cul- tural legacy. Left in our care after the ardu- ous journey from Ukraine to this country, we are proud to present them as part of our growing collection of traditional textiles.” The flat tapestry rugs, woven on vertical or horizontal looms to produce stylized flo- Kilim designed by the artist Olena Western Ukraine, 1920s. ral ornamentation or geometric patterns, Kulchytska. Peremyshl, present-day are made with naturally dyed wool, which Poland, 1920s. The kilim was given the yields rich, soft hues and adds to the beau- name “peacock’s eyes. ty and warmth of the traditional Ukrainian kilim. trialization led to a significant Spinning and weaving tools dating back decline in Ukraine’s kilim to the Trypillian age (ca. 5000-2000 B.C.) industry, the socioeconomic have been found on the territory of today’s effects negatively impacting vil- right-bank Ukraine. The earliest known lage kilim-weaving as well. account documenting Ukrainian kilim- Around the turn of the 20th weaving is a 10th century chronicle by the century, Ukrainian scholars and art Arabian traveler Ahmed Ibn Faldan, who lovers started developing an interest wrote about a funeral kilim and the woman in folk art. Workshops reappeared, responsible for its production. and folk art schools were established. References in other chronicles describing Students of weaving learned the art by both the ritualistic and everyday usage of copying antique kilims in private collec- kilims by the princes of Kyivan Rus’ contin- tions and museums, many of which have ue into the 12th century. By the 15th centu- since been destroyed, thus preserving the ry, the importance of the kilim was indisput- designs and techniques. able, as detailed descriptions of kilims iden- Kilim designed by the Artists such as Mykola Butovych, artist Mykola Butovych, Kosiv, tified among the property holdings of Sviatoslav Hordynskyi, Robert Lisovsky, Hutsul region, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, Ukrainian aristocrats often included color, Petro Cholodny Jr. and Olena Kulchytska 1930s. (Gift of Irena Szczerbaniuk.) ornamentation, quality, size and values, as built reputations as kilim designers in the well as their uses – as wall décor, table or 20th century and created several of the bench covers, floor coverings, and as impor- designs for original pieces that are includ- tant components of brides’ dowry chests. Stimulated by Western European ed in this exhibition. demand, kilim production in Ukraine Organized by The Ukrainian Museum, boomed from the 16th to the 18th centu- the exhibition “Ukrainian Kilims: Journey ries. Weaving guilds were formed. of a Heritage” is curated by Lubow Workshops staffed by serf labor supplied Wolynetz. The exhibition is funded in part private estates and manufactured kilims by Andrei Harasymiak, with additional for the trade. Even monasteries took part in support provided by Iryna Kurowyckyj, kilim production. Prof. Jaroslaw and Alla Leshko, Myron and Once an object coveted by the nobility, Marjka Martiuk, Oleh and Christine by the 19th century the kilim became a uni- Samilenko, and Orest Szul. versal ornamental item in the average The Ukrainian Museum is located at home. Kilims were routinely produced on 222 E. Sixth St. (between Second and Third looms in Ukrainian villages as adornment avenues), New York, NY 10003; telephone, for home interiors, highly prized dowry 212-228-0110; e-mail, info@ukrainianmu- chest items, and essential funeral textiles. seum.org; website, www.ukrainianmuse- By the end of the 19th century, however, um.org. the abolition of serfdom and rise of indus- — The Ukrainian Museum Eastern Podillia, Vinnytsia Oblast, first quarter of 19th century. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 No. 8

totaling $3.5 billion. Payments are due in raised questions among political scientists. the nomination by several members of NEWSBRIEFS August, October and November in equal Born in Kazakhstan, he is a graduate of the Ukraine’s Parliament of the jailed opposi- tranches of $1 billion each. The program of Karaganda Polytechnic Institution in the tion leader and former Prime Minister (Continued from page 2) cooperation envisages the allocation to specialty of technology and complex mech- Yulia Tymoshenko for the Nobel Peace questioning in different regions in the Ukraine of a loan worth $15.15 billion. The anization of underground development of Prize. “The Ukrainian World Congress country the journalists who wrote about period of the program’s validity is two and mineral deposits. Mr. Salamatin occupied emphasized, in particular, Yulia cases of damage done to billboards with a half years. Funds are raised at an annual positions in a number of companies in Tymoshenko’s steadfast contribution to New Year greetings from President Viktor interest rate of 3.5 percent. (Ukrinform) Moscow from 1991 until 1997, and has Ukraine’s democratization, her leadership been an adviser to the president of the in the peaceful Orange Revolution, her con- Yanukovych. Journalists were summoned Defense minister’s citizenship questioned by police in the cities of Lviv and Odesa and World Mining Congress on cooperation tinued efforts to promote Ukraine’s inte- in the Rivne region. “In these and other KYIV – Oleksander Skybynetsky of the with Ukraine since 1998. Since April 1999 gration into Europe and her great courage in the face of political persecution,” reads a cases, officers from the Internal Affairs Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc-Batkivschyna fac- he has permanently resided in Ukraine, statement posted on the website of the Ministry demanded that journalists dis- tion, a member of the Parliament’s according to his official biography. organization. The Alliance of Democrats, an close their sources of information, which is Committee on National Security and Commenting on the appointment, Volodymyr Fesenko, head of the Penta Center for organization comprising democratic par- an interference with the professional activ- Defense, said he wants to file an inquiry Applied Political Studies, said he believes ties from around the world, on February 3 ities of journalists and the media, and vio- with the Commission on Citizenship on that the opposition and experts “will have also endorsed Ms. Tymoshenko for the lates their rights guaranteed by Article 34 “whether Mr. Salamatin [the new minister questions” regarding Mr. Salamatin due to Nobel Peace Prize because she is “fighting of the Constitution of Ukraine and Article 5 of defense] has legally registered Ukrainian his Russian connections. (Ukrinform) for the fundamental principles of democra- of the Ukrainian law on information,” the citizenship.” Mr. Skybynetsky, who once cy in Ukraine and is a symbol of the brave committee’s statement noted. (Ukrinform) occupied the post of first deputy chairman Working group on PACE resolution struggle against all the forms of authoritar- of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Ukraine pays IMF loan on time ian power in the world. The award would make this statement on RFE/RL radio on KYIV – President Viktor Yanukovych has formed a working group that is to work on “be a contribution for the democratization KYIV – The International Monetary February 10. According to him, official doc- implementation of the recommendations of Ukraine but also a stimulus for other Fund office in Ukraine on February 13 con- uments, made public due to the appoint- set out in the resolution of the Parliamentary countries in transition.” As reported, the firmed the timely receipt of funds from ment of Dmytro Salamatin as minister of Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) leader of the Ukrainian Social Democratic Ukraine. The expected special drawing defense on February 8 “only mentioned adopted on January 26, which dealt with Party, and a member of the Yulia rights (SDR) of about $570 million were that he has resided in Ukraine since 1999, Ukraine’s compliance with its commit- Tymoshenko Bloc-Batkivschyna faction in transferred to the accounts of the and it is unknown to me whether he has ments to the Council of Europe. “The presi- the Parliament, Natalia Korolevska, said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Ukrainian citizenship.” He added that the dent demands the work should be orga- faction sent an application the Norwegian procedure for getting Ukrainian citizenship February 7, in accordance with the repay- nized in such a way that the maximum Nobel Committee to include former Prime requires renouncing the citizenship of ment schedule. In recent years, many number of issues set out in the resolution Minister Tymoshenko on the list of nomi- other states, presenting a document which experts have expressed fears that Ukraine should be settled by the next meeting of nees for the Nobel Peace Prize. According proves this and then acquiring Ukrainian will not be able to return funds to the IMF the assembly, which will address the report to Ms. Korolevska, one of employees of the without attracting new borrowings from citizenship, on which the Commission on of the PACE Monitoring Committee,” said secretariat confirmed by phone that the the fund. Despite the fact that Ukraine has Citizenship under the President of Ukraine the head of Presidential Administration, Nobel Committee had received the applica- not received money from the fund, the first makes a decision. The appointment of the Serhiy Lyovochkin, on February 1. Mr. tion. According to the procedure, a letter IMF tranche was repaid on time. In 2012 46-year-old Mr. Salamatin, director general Yanukovych expects the working group to with official confirmation will be sent in Ukraine is expected to pay four tranches of Ukroboronprom, as defense minister produce solutions that will ensure timely March. She also reported the beginning of a implementation by Ukraine of its commit- public campaign to support Ms. ments to the Council of Europe, Mr. Tymoshenko’s nomination for the Nobel Lyovochkin noted. (Interfax-Ukraine) Peace Prize in Ukraine and at the interna- tional level. (Interfax-Ukraine) Rada declines inquiry on resolution Expert comments on Tymoshenko, Lutsenko TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 KYIV – The Verkhovna Rada on or e-mail [email protected] February 10 refused to send an inquiry to KYIV – Volodymyr Fesenko, director of President Viktor Yanukovych about the the Penta Center for Applied Political Studies, says that neither former Prime SERVICES PROFESSIONALS need to implement the January resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Minister Yulia Tymoshenko nor former Council of Europe (PACE). Only 55 lawmak- Internal Affairs Minister Yurii Lutsenko will ers voted in favor of the proposal of be automatically released if the European Volodymyr Yavorivsky, a national deputy Court passes a positive verdict on their from the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc- cases. The expert said this at a press con- Batkivschyna faction. The inquiry is related ference on January 27. According to him, at to implementation of the PACE resolution present there is a high degree of probabili- on the functioning of democratic institu- ty that the European Court of Human Rights will be in favor of Ms. Tymoshenko tions in Ukraine, especially the conviction and Mr. Lutsenko. However, there will be of former Prime Minister Yulia no automatic release, “I’m 100 percent Tymoshenko and the trial of former sure,” Mr. Fesenko said. The political scien- Internal Affairs Minister Yurii Lutsenko. On tist said that Ukraine would be challenged January 26 the PACE adopted a resolution by the question of how to respond to the proposing that Ukraine drop abuse of office ruling of the European Court of Human charges against former senior officials and Rights. “There can be different scenarios, ensure their participation in the 2012 par- like a formal review of the case. I do not liamentary elections. The PACE also exclude that new cases may be opened and expressed its concern about criminal pro- she may be condemned on some other ceedings brought under Articles 364 case,” Mr. Fesenko said. Different clever (abuse of power) and 365 (abuse of office) twists and even new proceedings are possi- of the Criminal Code against a number of ble in the Lutsenko case too, he added. former government members, in particular, Previously, Ms. Tymoshenko’s lawyer, Mr. Lutsenko, former acting Defense Serhii Vlasenko, expressed confidence that Minister Valerii Ivaschenko, former First Ukraine would have to comply with the Vice Minister of Justice Yevhen Korniychuk decision of the European Court of Human and Ms. Tymoshenko. Parliament Rights, in which the defense will appeal the Chairman Volodymyr Lytvyn, while open- seven-year sentence against Ms. ing the 10th session of the Verkhovna Rada Tymoshenko. “Implementation of the on February 7, urged the deputies to European Court decision is a legal duty of regard the recommendations of European Ukraine as a state,” he said, adding that institutions “with particular responsibility.” European institutions have the right and Meanwhile, President Viktor Yanukovych OPPORTUNITIES the opportunity to take specific legal sanc- said that he saw nothing new in the PACE tions against Ukraine for non-fulfillment of resolution on Ukraine and promised to such decisions. The European Court’s deci- continue to fulfill his country’s commit- sion in the Tymoshenko case is expected in EARN EXTRA INCOME! ments to the Council of Europe. May. (Ukrinform) The Ukrainian Weekly is looking (Ukrinform) 22 years to buy apartment on credit for advertising sales agents. Yulia nominated for Nobel Peace Prize Run your advertisement here, For additional information contact KYIV – In 2012, 3.8 billion hrv in hous- KYIV – The Ukrainian World Congress in The Ukrainian Weekly’s Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, ing loans will be issued, which is 8.6 per- CLASSIFIEDS section. The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. on February 3 sent a letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee in support of (Continued on page 13) No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 13

apartment in the capital. In Ukraine, the NEWSBRIEFS term is 22 years. This means 90 percent of the Ukrainian population in the near future (Continued from page 12) cannot afford to get an apartment on credit. cent more than in 2011, experts with LLC According to experts’ estimates, in 2012 FC Center for Financial Decisions reported mortgage loans will be taken mainly by on December 23, 2011. The experts expect those who lack between 25 and 35 percent that the volume of mortgage loans in the of the sum needed and who expect to repay current year will increase over the previ- the loan within a few years. The average ous year by 55.6 percent. However, they effective interest rate on mortgage loans note that the absolute volume of loans (including all additional fees and other pay- remains extremely low. In France and Italy, ments) is projected to be within 24-27 per- it is enough for an average resident of the cent per year in hrv (nominal rate: 17-20 capital city to work four years to buy an percent per year). (Ukrinform)

Eli Matiash March 28, 1926 – February 7, 2012

The Executive Committee of the Ukrainian National Association regrets to announce to the members of the General Assembly, to members of Branch 120 and to the UNA membership at large that Eli Matiash, Secretary of Branch 120 for 24 years, passed away on February 8, 2012.

The Executive Committee and the entire UNA membership wish to express their deepest sympathy to wife Ann; four children Peter and Suzanne Matiash, Mary and Rich Ayers, Linda Refine and Christine Matiash and Hans de Groot. Also surviving are 9 grand- children and 19 great grandchildren. Mr. Matiash was a very active and long-time supporter of the UNA. His loyalty and dedication to the Ukrainian National Association will not be forgotten.

Vichna Yomu Pamiat!

With great sorrow we share with our family and friends that our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Uncle Wasyl Lew Born on July 4, 1940, in Lviv, Ukraine, passed into eternity on Monday, February 13, 2012, in Venice, Fla. Funeral services will be held at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in North Port, Fla., on Saturday, February 18, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at St. Andrew Ukrainian Cemetery in South Bound Brook, N.J., on Saturday, February 25, 2012, at 12 noon. In deep sorrow: wife Oksana daughters Khristina Lew with husband Adrian Gawdiak Olesia Lew with husband Peter Hausler Ruta Lew Maya Lew grandchildren Gregory Gawdiak Zozulka Hausler Lew Slava Hausler Lew nieces Alexandra Merley Hill Samantha Merley nephew Edward Rakowicz sister-in-law Dr. Ulana Sanocka with husband Allan Furtek and daughter Christina Extended family in the United States, Canada and Ukraine.

Donations in memory of the deceased may be made to: — St. Sophia Religious Association of Ukrainian Catholics (in memo please indicate “Sheptytsky Foundation programs”) — St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Hunter, N.Y. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 No. 8

Chekhov’s famous dictum: “to kill a slave make the denial of Armenian and other insulted by the writer’s mockery of Casus Vynnychukus... within ourselves,” and to Shevchenko’s clas- genocides a criminal offense. People should Communist rhetoric and paraphernalia. At sical “Testament”: to “wake up and rise up, have a right to express the most ugly and least, this is what Hanna Herman suggest- (Continued from page 6) and break the shackles, and sanctify free- stupid ideas, as long as they do not call ed. One may wonder, however, to what cop versus good cop” show. However it dom with the enemy’s evil blood.” Still, in a directly for illegal and violent actions degree the Communists in Ukraine are ends, it should not obscure the much more society with a weak tradition of tolerance against other people. This is particularly independent players. So far, they behave serious, brazen, innumerable cases of and political liberalism, and a deeply rooted true about the writers and artists who may like government puppets assigned to do human rights violations in President tradition of homophobia, xenophobia and bear moral, political, professional and, in the dirtiest jobs that the government pre- Yanukovych’s Ukraine. daily coercion, all these ambiguities and some cases, administrative responsibility fers not to engage in openly. The very addition of “pornography” to provocative slogans may reverberate and for their words but definitely should not be Smearing Ukrainian NGOs as subversive the alleged “call for a violent overthrow of fuel even more hatred and brutality rather considered criminals. It seems self-evident, agents of the West might be the most graph- the government” tends to make the entire than the desired purification. but I have noticed from pending public ic example. Neither the Kuchma nor the story farcical, to downplay and de-contextu- As a vice-president of the Ukrainian PEN- debates the subtle difference between the Yanukovych governments dared to do this alize the political message of Mr. Vynnychuk’s center assigned by colleagues to draft the defense of a general principle and of specif- themselves, since this might have under- work. Yet, whatever the initial intentions of protest, I was in a really difficult position. I ic texts. It is usually blurred and politicized. mined their fake “pro-European” rhetoric. both the writer and his opponents, the had to condemn the police interference in lit- Mr. Vynnychuk’s case, in a way, resem- Yet, remarkably, they provided the actual implications of the conflict seem to be erary matters and, at the same time, distance bles that of Yulia Tymoshenko. Here, again, Communists with full logistical support, broader and more complex. myself and the center from the controversial we protest against her political persecution publicity and the needed votes in the First of all, the poem in question is cer- poem, which I would have certainly advised not because we support her politically, Parliament to pass the anti-NGO laws. tainly not Mr. Vynnychuk’s chef d’oeuvre, the author neither to read, nor to publish or share her views or consider her own gov- In the Vynnychuk case the manipulators nor is it an exemplary case of political cor- produce – at least in its current form. ernmental policies consistent with liberal could play one more game and try to capi- rectness. There are two English translations I attempted to solve the dilemma by plac- democracy and rule of law. We simply talize on the president’s fears and phobias. of this poetical pamphlet, one of which is ing the case in the broader context of the believe that political decisions should not Mr. Yanukovych, indeed, seems to be preoc- titled “Kill the Bugger” and the other “Kill government’s systemic infringement of the be criminalized – exactly like poems, novels cupied with his personal security. This may the Pidaras” (http://durdom.in.ua/uk/ freedom of speech and political persecution or artistic performances. stem from his unfortunate 2004 presiden- main/news_article/news_id/27029.phtml). of writers, scholars, journalists and civic So, the second question emerges: why tial campaign when he was attacked by an The former translation is a much better activists. At the same time, in a personal does President Yanukovych commit or, egg and became so terrified that he lost reflection of the poem’s idea, yet the latter conversation, I expressed to the author (a rather, allow his lieutenants to perpetrate consciousness. Taras Chornovil, Mr. renders properly the ambiguity that exists friend) disapproval of his dubious text. the blunders that compromise him and his Yanukovych’s ally and former close adviser, in the original. The obscenity “pidaras” The point seems to be obvious: we may regime both domestically and internation- claims that the president’s phobias origi- borrowed from Russian criminal slang has profoundly disagree with a writer’s views ally? The simple answer is that no authori- nate from his peculiar experience in the a sexual (actually sexist) connotation relat- and forms of their expression, but we tarian regime can survive without some Donbas region – dubbed the Ukrainian ed to “pederast,” but in colloquial speech it should guarantee him/her the right to lawlessness and coercion. Sicily. Mr. Yanukovych sincerely believes typically means a sodomite or a “total idiot” express those views without censorship However, it is one thing to torture that “someone wants to kill him,” Mr. (therefore, the female form “pidaraska” can and political pressure. It is up to the public inmates in provincial prisons, to harass Chornovil says (http://www.kyivpost. also be used). Nevertheless, the underlying and literary critics to evaluate the text, not young and as yet unknown civic activists, or com/news/nation/detail/116724/). sexist connotation makes the text rather the police, prosecutors and security ser- to take over one’s opponents’ businesses via The president’s paranoia might be an tasteless and implicitly homophobic, even vice. We defend the general principle, and sheer racket or kangaroo courts. It is quite excellent tool for those in his entourage who though it clearly hints that the Ukrainian not a specific author or text. another to attack outstanding figures whose know how to use it. And Mr. Vynnychuk’s government and the incumbent president A few years ago, I happened to disap- ordeal draws immediately broad and some- poem “Kill the Pidaras” fits them well. Back may well be considered sodomites rather prove of then President Viktor times even exaggerated public attention. in September, there was a huge scandal in than homosexuals. Yushchenko’s intention to criminalize the Mr. Yanukovych may be neither wise Kyiv when people wore T-shirts that fea- The slogan “kill” (whoever) is also dis- denial that the Great Famine of 1932-1933 enough to adequately understand politics tured the slogan: “Thanks to inhabitants of tasteful, though it should not be interpreted in Ukraine was genocide. By the same nor diligent enough to keep a careful eye Donbas for the [election of the] president- literally. The poet may mean symbolic/polit- token, I staunchly disagree with similar on his political menials. But he has a huge pidaras.” Police raided the store, confiscated ical “killing,” or even refer to Anton decisions of some other governments to apparatus, doubled in size and salaries the T-shirts and forced the businessman since President Yushchenko’s times, and he who produced them to flee abroad. The should have no problems with professional word “pidaras,” however, has acquired one analysis, political advice and ultimate deci- more connotation hardly unknown to either sion-making. And this is the point. So far, Mr. Vynnychuk or Mr. Yanukovych. after two years of his presidency, he has The Vynnychuk case, even though on a been moving from bad to worse in all his much smaller scale, is as ambiguous as that decisions, and steadily decreasing his pop- of Ms. Tymoshenko. Both shed a light on ularity rating from over 60 percent to sin- the lawlessness that reigns in the country. gle-digit figures. But both can also be used to obscure the If his advisors are as incompetent as scale of repressions and to trivialize the their leader, it is very unfortunate. If they are political essence of the events. Therefore, smart but manipulate him in a cowardly whatever we think about both heroes and fashion – for Moscow’s or their personal their work, we should remember the benefits, or both – it could be catastrophic. broader context and perceive the general The Vynnychuk affair might have been tendency rather than unpleasant, albeit initiated by a senile Communist, who felt isolated, incidents.

32B No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 15

NOTES ON PEOPLE

100th birthday celebrations Educator-engineer There was an outpouring of affection, respect and admi- Cited as Michigan’s ration for Prof. Lobay as he celebrated his 100th birthday. marks 100th birthday When asked what he would like for his birthday, he “Top Gun Litigator” ORANGE, Conn. – Prof. Ivan Lobay, a distinguished edu- replied without hesitation: “First, go to Church to thank God cator, professional engineer and Ukrainian patriot, celebrat- for my 100 years; second, go to the cemetery to pray by my ed his 100th birthday in October 2011. dear wife’s tomb; third, you can do whatever you want, but He was born on October 4, 1911 in Hayi Kovtuny (outskirts keep it simple and do not tire yourself.” His wishes were ful- of the town of Zaliztsi), Zboriv District, Ternopil area (then filled. On the day of his birthday, October 4, 2011, there was under Austro-Hungary; during 1921-1939 under Polish an intimate family gathering. However, since there were occupation, currently in the Ternopil Oblast of Ukraine) in numerous people who wanted to congratulate Prof. Lobay, the family of Stephan and Klementyna (née Maret) Lobay. other celebrations with various groups took place at differ- In 1943 in Prague, Czechoslovakia, he married Halyna, ent locations. daughter of the Kuban Kozak Petro Makarenko. They had On September 30, 2011, the University of New Haven two daughters, Maria Ivanna and Halyna Blahoslava. In organized a tour of the College of Engineering and its lab – 1947 the family immigrated to Venezuela and in 1961 the first mechanical lab was established thanks to Prof. resettled in the U.S. Mr. Lobay became a citizen in 1968 and Lobay and Dean Lambrakis – and a very moving reception has resided in the town of Orange, Conn., since 1966. with Ronald Harichandran, dean of the Tagliatela College of Engineering, faculty members and alumni. Professional work On October 2, there was a Liturgy of Thanksgiving and Mr. Lobay received his secondary education in Ternopil, God’s Blessings for Prof. Lobay at the St. Michael the finishing in Tarnow, Poland. He obtained a degree in engi- Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in New Haven, Conn., neering in Brno, Czechoslovakia (1940), a degree in followed by a celebration in the church hall. The Rev. Iura mechanical engineering in Caracas, Venezuela (1956), and a Godenciuc read and gave to Prof. Lobay certificates from Attorney General Bill Schuette presents the Top Gun state certificate as a professional engineer (PE) in the State Bishop Paul Chomnycky, OSBM, eparch of Stamford. The of Connecticut (1965). Litigator Award to John Fedynsky at a private ceremo- parishioners of Holy Infant Roman Catholic Church in ny on November 17. During his remarkable career as a university professor, Orange, Conn., where Prof. Lobay lives, organized another he taught, encouraged, enlightened and inspired countless celebration on October 7. LANSING – John Fedynsky is the recipient of the 2011 students around the world. He taught at the Technical On October 9, Prof. Lobay had visitors from New York – “Top Gun Litigator – Civil” award from the Department of Institute in Lviv (1942-1943); the German Higher Technical some of them young students who delighted him with a Attorney General for the State of Michigan. School in Brno, Czechoslovakia (1943-1945); the Central performance of choral works. Attorney General Bill Schuette made the announcement University of Venezuela and Santa Maria University in On October 16, there was a party at Prof. Lobay’s home on November 8, at the annual meeting of the department, Caracas, Venezuela (1956-1962); the University of New with over 50 guests, mainly medical personnel and local which employs about 300 attorneys throughout the state. Haven in West Haven, Conn., (1963-1977 and 1983-1984, people. James Zeoli, first selectman of the Town of Orange, The award is in recognition of “excellent legal skills, acu- attaining the rank of full professor in 1969) and, simultane- men, knowledge, dedication and success in the handling of ously taught post-graduate courses part-time at Yale three significant federal jury trials.” University. He also taught in Africa at the Petro Technical In each case, Mr. Fedynsky secured a jury verdict of no Institute of Algeria, in Boumerdes (1977-1982). cause of action for his clients. Two cases, including one In addition he worked as an engineer-designer at the fatal police shooting, involved allegations that troopers of First Brno Machine Building Establishment in Czechoslovakia, the Michigan State Police used unconstitutional excessive as engineer/chief engineer with U.S. Army units in force against the suspect. In the third case, Mr. Fedynsky Regensburg, Germany (1945-1947) and for the Department successfully defended the Department of Community of Sanitation in Caracas, Venezuela (1948-1959). Health against a high-level employee’s allegations of racial In May 1993 he participated in the First International discrimination and unlawful retaliation. Symposium of Mechanical Engineers in Lviv. In the fall of The cases each involved months of discovery and 1993, at the age of 82, Prof. Lobay was appointed official motion practice, weeks of trial preparation, and multiple consultant at the Ministry of Education of Ukraine; he deliv- days of trial testimony. All three plaintiffs sought substan- ered many lectures on higher education in the United tial monetary damages. In the employment case, Mr. States, especially in the field of technology, and provided Fedynsky obtained a post-verdict order from the court help to individuals and institutions in different cities in requiring the plaintiff to reimburse some of the state’s liti- Ukraine (Kyiv, Zaporizhia, Dnipropetrovsk). gation costs. In 2006 Prof. Lobay was named a “leading educator of Since 2008, Mr. Fedynsky has been one of about a dozen the world” by the International Biographical Center in attorneys in the Public Employment, Elections and Tort Cambridge, England. Prof. Ivan Lobay with his two daughters, Maria Lobay (right) and Halyna Vitagliano. Division. According to a recent Attorney General’s Biennial He is the author of technical, professional publications in Report, this division “handles nearly all public employ- several languages and a member of many professional and read a proclamation in honor of Prof. Lobay, declaring ment, election, tort and military affairs litigation filed scientific associations: Academy of Engineering Sciences of Sunday, October 16, 2011, as “Prof. Ivan Lobay Day in against the State of Michigan, including a substantial appel- Ukraine, Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of America, Orange.” This event was later covered in a local newspaper. late docket that often involves significant constitutional Shevchenko Scientific Society, the National Society of “Besides his many professional achievements and contri- issues.” The division also receives special assignments. Professional Engineers, American Society of Mechanical butions, he has inspired many people by his deep and Recent examples include cases involving the state employ- Engineers, New York Academy of Sciences, American heartfelt love of God, his family, his profession, his birth- ee fingerprinting policies, the state sex offender registries, Association for the Advancement of Science, the American place and the United States of America, and by his simple campaign finance regulation and the constitutionality of Association of University Professors. He is a former mem- yet challenging advice ‘do not be afraid of difficulties – go ballot proposals. ber of the Ukrainian American Association of University ahead to the future – keep smiling.’ He has touched many Mr. Fedynsky’s practice specializes in tort defense Professors (which no longer exists), the Society of hearts by his youthful, positive and joyful spirit and his actions for the Michigan State Police. These cases are pri- Engineers of Venezuela and the Association of Professors of affection and respect for each person he encounters,” marily in federal court because they typically involve alle- the Central University of Venezuela. underscored the proclamation from the Town of Orange. gations of constitutional violations such as excessive force, There were other smaller celebrations with friends and unlawful arrest and malicious prosecution. He has also an abundance of cards and letters offering congratulations. traveled to Cincinnati to argue cases on appeal to the U.S. Special mention should be made of the illuminated cer- Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit. He has also appeared tificate with the apostolic blessing of Pope Benedict XVI; a in various trial and appellate courts in Michigan. certificate with blessings from Patriarch Sviatoslav Mr. Fedynsky is a native of metropolitan Detroit. He Shevchuk of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church; a card attended Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic from the White House with congratulations from President School in Warren, Mich., and is a member of the Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle; an official statement Chornomortsi fraternity of Plast Ukrainian Scouting from Governor Daniel P. Malloy of Connecticut; a letter from Organization. Steven H. Kaplan, president of the University of New Haven; He graduated with honors from Georgetown University and a letter from Vincent Wyszynski, deputy dean, Yale and the University of Michigan Law School. He also studied School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. at the London School of Economics and the Harvard In addition, Prof. Lobay received numerous certificate Ukrainian Summer Institute. and proclamations from professional scientific associations, He is a former research attorney for the Michigan Court honoring him for his birthday. of Appeals. He also served as a federal law clerk to Judge “Ivan is truly a consummate professional, leader, educa- Robert H. Cleland, U.S. District Court for the Eastern tor and humanitarian whose outstanding accomplishments District of Michigan in Detroit. are goals to which all aspire but only a few attain – he is Mr. Fedynsky is a lifelong member of Ukrainian National remembered, admired and treasured by all who know him,” Association Branch 20 in Detroit. He is also the author of Ivan Lobay (right) with his younger brother Myroslav noted the proclamation in Honor of Ivan Lobay, P.E., from the history book “Michigan’s County Courthouses” in a photo taken in 1915 in Ukraine. the National Society of Professional Engineers. (University of Michigan Press, 2010). 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 No. 8 No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 17

Art by Volodymyr Voroniuk exhibited at the Ukrainian National Museum

by Victoria Kulbanska CHICAGO – On February 3 the Ukrainian National Museum proudly welcomed renowned Ukrainian artist and member of the National Society of Artists in Ukraine, Volodymyr Voroniuk. Mr. Voroniuk, a resident of the Bukovyna region in Ukraine, brought to the Chicago museum not only the natural beauty of his home town but also enticing glimpses of the world from his travels. He is an accom- plished artist who has toured various coun- tries, notably Australia and the United States, while exhibiting some of his most recent works. In his early years as an artist, Mr. Voroniuk graduated from Vyzhnytsky College of Applied Art and the Odesa State Pedagogical Institute. He then continued his studies under the legendary Vitaly Natalia Figel Kosovych. Mr. Voroniuk first began to At the opening of the exhibit (from left) are: Maria Klimchak, curator of the Ukrainian National Museum, Jaroslaw Hankewych, exhibit his art internationally in 1991. president; Sophia Fedashtchyn, tour guide; Lydia Tkaczuk, second vice-president, artist Volodymyr Voroniuk, Viktoria The artist’s work exemplifies a pure Kulbanska, volunteer; and Anna Chychula, administrator understanding of his surroundings as he paints his impressions of life in vibrant yet The curator of the museum, Maria The night continued in high spirits as pure spectral colors. Moreover, his work Klimchak, elegantly described Mr. spectators viewed Mr. Voroniuk’s works. demonstrates an even deeper appreciation Voroniuk’s unique style and worldly expe- The gallery was filled with younger visi- of his world, from Ukrainian folkloric char- riences. Then, Mr. Voroniuk gave a modest tors, whose presence demonstrated the acters, to a blend of brilliant floral scenes, speech, noting his appreciation for the Ukrainian National Museum’s continued and alluring landscapes in Ukraine, museum’s hospitality and for the very full bright future. America, Canada, Australia, Belgium and room of onlookers who came out to sup- The exhibit of Mr. Voroniuk’s works is on Luxemburg. His unique impressionistic port him and his work. view through February 26. style with elements of expressionism encompasses deep strokes in both water- color and oil painting that enhance the imagery in his paintings. The Ukrainian National Museum, which is celebrating 60 proud years of activity, embraced Mr. Voronyuk and his work as he arrived in Chicago for the second time. The much-anticipated night began with a warm welcoming speech by Lydia Tkaczuk, sec- Anna Chychula ond vice-president of the Ukrainian Artist Volodymyr Voroniuk National Museum.

for the author and the Kobzar Literary Kobzar Literary... Award. Publishers will not accept manu- (Continued from page 7) scripts for publication if there is no sub- stantial purchasing market for its theme. inform people of the award, and the This year, five authors are short-listed authors and books that have been shortlist- for the Kobzar Literary Award: Larissa ed for this year’s or previous year’s awards. Andrusyshyn, Myrna Kostash, Myroslav Consider inviting one of the authors to Shkandrij, Shandi Mitchell and Rhea speak at an event or, if you have friends who Tregebov – two have written works of fic- belong to a book club, take the opportunity tion, two non-fiction and one a collection of to motivate them to read and discuss the poems. More information and details can books. Order and borrow the books be found on the website www.kobzarliter- through the public library lending services. aryawards.com or through the Kobzar Contact the book editor of your local news- Literary Award group on Facebook. paper and request that a review or article Supporting this award and raising be published about one of the books or, bet- awareness about it, within both the ter still, read a book that interests you and Ukrainian and Canadian communities, submit a review. Encourage your friends or needs to be translated into a commitment associates who are connected with print or that results in action on both a personal on-line literary media to do the same. and organizational level. We all need to Purchasing the books (there are now 17 learn about, support and promote the books that have been shortlisted since the Kobzar Literary Award in order to foster, award’s inception) as a gift for a birthday, maintain and promote the vast and pro- hostess thank you or special occasion is found legacy that Ukrainians have contrib- especially useful in demonstrating support uted to our chosen land, Canada.

of regional or minority languages should UWC calls... not be to the detriment of the official lan- (Continued from page 5) guages and the need to learn them. “The Ukrainian World Congress calls the state language. All members of society, upon the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to including persons belonging to national reject the review of the anti-constitutional minorities, may be expected to use the draft law “On Amendments to the Law of state language in certain communicative Ukraine ‘On Pre-school Education’” (with situations in the public domain, as speci- respect to education in the native language) fied by law. To put it differently, there is no because this would pose a serious threat to right of persons belonging to national the development of the Ukrainian language minorities never to be expected to use the as the official state language,” said state language. As the ECRML explicitly Ukrainian World Congress President states: “the protection and encouragement Eugene Czolij. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 No. 8 Ottawa conference to examine “Ukraine at the Crossroads” TORONTO – An international forum and tionally renowned experts and activists on conference titled “Ukraine at the Crossroads” the ground will make an important contribu- will be held on March 7-8 in Ottawa to dis- tion to raising awareness of some of the cuss issues concerning democracy, human ongoing developments in Ukraine that could rights, the rule of law, economic freedom and have far-reaching regional consequences foreign policy in contemporary Ukraine. and also affect European stability,” said Jars The conference will take place at the Balan, Organizing Committee chair. Chateau Laurier Hotel and the University of The conference will be of particular inter- Ottawa under the patronage of the Ukrainian est to politicians, policy-makers and busi- Canadian Congress. It is being sponsored by ness leaders in Canada, the United States, the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, the Chair of United Kingdom, European Union and Ukrainian Studies at the University of Ottawa Ukraine, as well as North American media, and the Center for U.S.-Ukrainian Relations, and anyone concerned about the situation in cooperation with the Canada-Ukraine in Ukraine and its potential impact on Chamber of Commerce, the U.S.-Ukraine Eastern Europe. Business Council and Ukraine’s Euro- For more information readers may con- Atlantic Future Forum series. tact Lubomyr Kwasnycia at 416-561-7778 “We believe that our gathering of interna- or [email protected].

Political Research in Kyiv. Want to buy... The risk appeared to have paid off, as Mr. Zabzaliuk was promoted to assistant faction (Continued from page 1) chair of the Tymoshenko Bloc following the scandal. Mr. Zabzaliuk claimed he got $450,000 in Mr. Zabzaliuk said he transferred his cash leading up to his January 10 announce- recordings to the Procurator General of ment that he was joining Reforms for the Ukraine as evidence. The national deputy Future’s Sake. He got another $50,000 after- made public 11 minutes out of three hours of wards, he alleged. He announced his depar- conversations he had with Mr. Rybakov dur- ture from the Tymoshenko Bloc on ing eight meetings. Yet, Mr. Fesenko said it’s December 23, 2011. doubtful that any arrests will come of them. He said he would deposit the funds for “The Constitutional Court of Ukraine ruled the Batkivschyna party’s parliamentary that recordings not done by law enforcement election campaign in a southern Ukrainian organs aren’t considered evidence,” Mr. oblast, likely the Mykolayiv Oblast, where he Fesenko explained. “Moreover, the absence of was among the local party leaders for more the very audio-recording device in this case – than a decade. The parliamentary elections Zabzaliuk claims he lost that iPhone – are scheduled for October 28. strongly narrows the evidence base.” Yet, five days later, Tymoshenko Bloc Among the interesting moments from the Parliamentary Faction Chair Andrii recordings is Mr. Rybakov allegedly pledging Kozhemiakin said in an interview published access to “adminresurs” (government resourc- in the Kommersant-Ukrayina newspaper on es) in the parliamentary election campaign for February 13 that the bribe money would be candidates loyal to the ruling Party of Regions. donated for the medical care of sick children. “We will give them the ‘mazhorytarky,’ ” Responding to the release of the record- Mr. Rybakov is alleged to have said, referring ings, Mr. Rybakov claimed they were forger- to loyal deputies who will compete for the ies and the result of a sting operation single-winner, single-mandate districts hatched by Mr. Kozhemiakin, a career agent being contested. in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). “All the power there is: the oblast, the gov- He said Mr. Zabzaliuk approached him ernor, the heads of administrations, the SBU, complaining that his Tymoshenko Bloc col- the prosecutors – everything will be under leagues had declined to help him cover them. All the adminresurs, so rigid that they medical expenses for a serious illness he will (expletive). But we need for them to has. The leadership of the Reforms for the bring at least 50 percent. We’ll give half the Future’s Sake faction agreed to help cover adminresurs, but 50 is supposed to be his. these expenses, he said. Not any Vasia Ivanov, who is unelectable,” Mr. Mr. Rybakov demanded that Mr. Rybakov allegedly said on the recording. Zabzaliuk return the money he gave him, Mr. Rybakov apparently acknowledged on which he later claimed was $100,000, not the recordings that the Party of Regions will $500,000. He also claimed that the faction’s “choke” the Batkivschyna and Front for deputies all pitched in out of their own pock- Change parties during the election campaign. ets to cover Mr. Zabzaliuk’s medical needs. Among the tactics allegedly proposed by Mr. Rybakov challenged the Batkivschyna Mr. Rybakov are nominating Batkivschyna party leadership to produce receipts of its members to election commissions that are $500,000 donation to children’s hospitals. truly loyal to the Party of Regions, Mr. Batkivschyna lawyer Serhii Vlasenko Zabzaliuk said at the February 8 press confer- declined that request on the Channel 5 TV ence, without offering audio evidence of that network on February 15. particular claim. Mr. Rybakov allegedly want- In an interview with Ukrayinska Pravda, ed Mr. Zabzaliuk to deceive Mr. Turchynov Mr. Zabzaliuk said he’s concerned about about these commissioners’ loyalties. attempts on his life. Also not on the released recordings is Mr. Batkivschyna Party Chair Oleksander Zabzaliuk’s claim that deputies of the Turchynov claimed the party leadership, Reforms for the Future’s Sake faction are including Mr. Kozhemiakin, had approved hoping the parliamentary election will be the sting operation from its very start in postponed another three years to 2015. December of last year. Mr. Zabzaliuk said a complaint is being Yet, some observers were skeptical that prepared for the Constitutional Court to exposing corruption in the Verkhovna Rada challenge the legality of the planned mixed was Mr. Zabzaliuk’s original intent. It’s possi- elections, in which half the parliamentary ble he was interested in joining Mr. seats are determined by single-winner, sin- Rybakov’s faction, got disappointed along the gle-mandate districts, and the other half by way and decided to earn political dividends closed-list voting for parties. with the Tymoshenko Bloc via the scandal. Another claim by Mr. Zabzaliuk not verified “Truly, this could have been a planned by the released recordings is that Mr. Rybakov operation in advance, but I don’t exclude, told him that he had cleared all his moves and and there are hints of this, that Zabzaliuk decisions with President Yanukovych personally. could have reconsidered what he was He also claimed that Mr. Rybakov refers doing,” said Volodymyr Fesenko, the board to President Yanukovych as “papa,” which is chairman of the Penta Center for Applied “daddy” in Russian. But not godfather. No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 19

Through Art exhibit, “William Kurelek: The Messenger,“ Art February 28 Presentation by Oksana Yurkova, “The Institute of the April 29 Gallery of Hamilton, www.artgalleryofhamilton.com New York History of Ukraine: History and Activity,” Columbia Hamilton, ON or 905-527- 6610 University, [email protected] or 212-854-4697

Through Exhibit, “Ukrainian Kilims: A Journey of a Heritage,” The March 3 Performance, “Got Kapusta?” by Spaleniy Teatr, Ukrainian October 21 Ukrainian Museum, 212-228-0110 or Chicago American Youth Association, UAYA Center, New York www.ukrainianmuseum.org www.cym.org March 3 Concert featuring Trio Cavatina and violist Samuel Rhodes, February 25 Winter Carnival Dance, with music by Vox Ethnika, New York Music at the Institute concert series, Ukrainian Institute of Yonkers, NY Ukrainian Youth Center, 914-424-4583 or 914-478-0498 America, 212-288-8660

February 25 Lecture by Yuri Shevchuk, “Russification in Ukraine, March 3 Indoor soccer tournament, Chornomorska Sitch, Ukrainian New York Traditions and Innovations,” Shevchenko Scientific Whippany, NJ American Cultural Center of New Jersey, Society, 212-254-5130 [email protected]

February Patriarch Slipyj’s 120th anniversary celebration, Ukrainian March 3 Pierogi and Vodka Night, Ukrainian Students’ Club and the 25-26 Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, La Salle University, Ottawa Polish Students’ Society, University of Ottawa, Philadelphia Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, [email protected] [email protected] March 3 Annual meeting and general elections, Ukrainian February 26 Pysanka Workshop, led by Sonia Maslar, Tammy Maslar Lehighton, PA Homestead, [email protected] Olyphant, PA Budnovitch and Sonya Budnovitch, Ss. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church, 570-383-0319 or March 3 Lenten retreat, St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox www.stcyrils.maslar-online.com Carteret, NJ Cathedral, St. Demetrius Community Center, 732-541-1530 or www.stdemetriusuoc.org February 26 Grand opening, Ukrainian Canadian Congress National March 4 Pysanka Workshop, led by Sonia Maslar, Tammy Maslar Ottawa Office, [email protected] or 613-232-8822 Olyphant, PA Budnovitch and Sonya Budnovitch, Ss. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church, 570-383-0319 or February 26 Comedy night, featuring Hryts’ Drapak, Ukrainian www.stcyrils.maslar-online.com Ottawa Canadian Social Services – Ottawa branch, Ukrainian Community Center, 613-237-8682 or [email protected] March 5 Lecture by Robert Kravchuk, “Independent Ukraine 1991- Cambridge, MA 2011: The Trajectory of Ukraine’s Post-Soviet Economy,” February 27 Lecture by Nadia Diuk, “The First Free Generation: Youth Harvard University, 617-495-4053 Cambridge, MA in Post-Soviet Russia, Ukraine and Azerbaijan,” Harvard University, 617-495-4053 Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions February 27 Concert with pianists Luba and Ireneus Zuk, McGill from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors Montreal University, 514-398-4547 or 514-398-5145 and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 No. 8

PREVIEW OF EVENTS Saturday, February 25 includes snacks and lunches on both days. A sical work of composer, musician and song- Zdanna Krawciw-Skalsky. The concert will NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific one-day fee is $15. For more information writer Boris Skalsky. Mr. Skalsky will be joined take place at the Lyceum, 201 South Society invites all to a talk by Dr. Yuri e-mail [email protected]. by a number of Washington- and New York- Washington St., Alexandria, Va., at 3 p.m. based musicians, including the MIVOS Quartet, Suggested donation: $20; students, free. For Shevchuk titled “Russification in Ukraine, Tuesday, February 28 Traditions and Innovations.” Dr. Shevchuk is a guitarist Anthony Pirog, cellist Rubin Khodeli, further information call 301-229-2615 or lecturer of Ukrainian language at Columbia NEW YORK: Please join the Ukrainian Studies and pianist – and mother of the composer – e-mail [email protected]. University, as well as the founder and director Program at the Harriman Institute, Columbia of the film club at the university. This talk University, for a lecture by Dr. Oksana Yurkova marks the publication of his new textbook titled “The Institute of the History of Ukraine: PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES “Beginner’s Ukrainian” (Hippocrene Books History and Activity.” Dr. Oksana Yurkova is a Preview of Events is a listing of community events open to the public. It is a service Inc., New York). The program will take place at leading researcher at the Institute of History provided at minimal cost ($20 per listing) by The Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian the society’s building, 63 Fourth Ave. of Ukraine, National Academy of Sciences of community. (between Ninth and 10th streets) at 5 p.m. For Ukraine (Kyiv). At present she is working on additional information call 212-254-5130. her research project “Historiographic To have an event listed in Preview of Events please send information, in English, written Sovietization in the Ukrainian SSR: How in Preview format, i.e., in a brief paragraph that includes the date, place, type of event, Saturday-Sunday, February 25-26 Ukrainian Historians Were Made Soviet, 1929- sponsor, admission, full names of persons and/or organizations involved, and a phone PHILADELPHIA: A two-day celebration of the 1941” as a Carnegie Research Fellow Visiting number to be published for readers who may require additional information. Items 120th anniversary of Patriarch Josyf Slipyj’s Scholar at the Harriman Institute. The lecture should be no more than 100 words long; longer submissions are subject to editing. is free and open to the public and will take birth will take place in Philadelphia. On Preview items must be received no later than one week before the desired date of Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., an inter- place at noon in Room 1219, International Affairs Building, 420 W. 118th St. For more publication. No information will be taken over the phone. Items will be published only national scholarly conference on Patriarch once, unless otherwise indicated. Please include payment for each time the item is to Josyf’s life and works will be held in English at information contact Dr. Mark Andryczyk, 212- 854-4697 or [email protected]. appear and indicate date(s) of issue(s) in which the item is to be published. Also, senders La Salle University Chapel (20th Street and are asked to include the phone number of a person who may be contacted by The Weekly. Olney Avenue). On Sunday, Immaculate Sunday, March 18 Conception Cathedral (833 N. Franklin St.) will Information should be sent to: [email protected] or Preview of Events, The host memoirs of Patriarch Slipyj by students ALEXANDRIA, Va.: The Washington Group Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054; fax, 973-644-9510. and colleagues in Ukrainian, at 10:45 a.m. to Cultural Fund Sunday Music Series will pres- NB: If e-mailing, please do not send items as attachments; simply type the text into 2:30 p.m. The $25 two-day registration fee ent an afternoon of music devoted to the clas- the body of the e-mail message.