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Inside:

• Mykola Riabchuk on selective justice in Ukraine – page 6.

The Ukrainian Weekly


• Metropolitan Constantine Bohachevsky, 1884-1961 – page 8.
• An artist to watch: pianist Anna Shelest – page 13.

Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association

Vol. LXXIX No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 $1/$2 in Ukraine

Ukraine’s Unity Day holiday manifests divisions in society

Olena Harasovska/UNIAN
Participants of the Unity Day human chain that stretched across Kyiv’s Paton
Bridge to symbolically unite Ukraine on January 22. Unity Day, or “Den
Sobornosty” in Ukrainian, has been a national holiday in Ukraine since 1999,
Volodymyr Musyak
when so designated by a presidential decree.
Thousands of Ukrainians gathered on St. Sophia Square to commemorate Unity
by Zenon Zawada who formed the financial backbone of for- Day on January 22, 92 years after the Ukrainian National Republic and the
Kyiv Press Bureau mer President Viktor Yushchenko’s political Western Ukrainian National Republic declared their unification.
campaign – confectionary magnate Petro
KYIV – Ukrainians were disunited as Poroshenko and natural gas trader Mykola drew the crowd’s attention and applause, party newspaper,” said Yurii Sytoriuk, the
ever on Unity Day, holding three separate Martynenko – were also on Kontraktova which grew loud enough to interfere with party spokesman. “Why no go there and
rallies in Kyiv on January 22, the day com- Square. the prayer and visibly irritate Patriarch advertise Svoboda? We used it as party pro-
memorating the unification of the Ukrainian Soviet-era dissident Bohdan Horyn Filaret, who kept his distance from the paganda.”
National Republic (of central and eastern accused the Yatsenyuk crowd of fulfilling opposition leader for the remainder of the The For Ukraine party, a national-demo-
Ukraine) and the Western Ukrainian commands from the Yanukovych adminis- evening. cratic force committed to Euro-Atlantic
National Republic in 1919. tration to divide the opposition. Svoboda nationalists officially endorsed integration, took a similar approach, dis-
The administration of President Viktor “Perhaps Arseniy Yatsenyuk hasn’t and supported the commemoration on St. patching its leader Viacheslav Kyrylenko to
Yanukovych organized a rally on matured to the realization that unity doesn’t Sophia Square, but its activists also attended the event on St. Sophia Square. He declined
Independence Square. Supporters of former mean separated national-democratic forces, the Kontraktova Square event, distributing an offer to address the crowd, instead min-
Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko took to but their unity for the sake of a grand goal – the party’s newspaper and observing the gling with participants afterwards.
St. Sophia Square, the site of the historic saving Ukraine at a time of great danger?” vertep (Nativity Play) being performed there
declaration, while Arseniy Yatsenyuk gath- The For Ukraine party officially
he wrote in a column published on the by Bohdan Beniuk, a regarded actor and
ered those opposed to both leaders at endorsed the Kontraktova event, which Mr.
Ukrayinska Pravda website on January 25. Svoboda party member.
Kontraktova Square. Meanwhile, those who joined the St. “We sent our people to distribute our (Continued on page 11)
The commemoration offered evidence Sophia Square event included opposition
that Ukrainian politics has retained its tri- leader Ms. Tymoshenko, former Defense
polar structure of those supporting Mr.
Yanukovych, those supporting Ms.
Minister Anatoliy Grytsenko, former
Foreign Affairs Minister Borys Tarasyuk, Human Rights Watch slams West
Tymoshenko and those actively opposed to nationalist orator Iryna Farion of the
both. The division within the opposition
benefits the current authoritarian govern-
Svoboda party, Mykola Katerynchuk of the
European Party of Ukraine and Mykola
for ‘cowardice’ on rights issues
ment, observers said. Kokhanivskyi of the Congress of Ukrainian
“The government is interested in support- Nationalists. RFE/RL HRW also charged Western leaders,
ing the emergence of other opposition forc- The event was organized by the particularly U.N. Secretary-General Ban
An international rights group has Ki-moon, European Union foreign poli-
es,” said Volodymyr Fesenko, board chair- Committee to Defend Ukraine, which accused Western powers of not doing
man of the Penta Center for Applied includes the Batkivshchyna party led by Ms. cy chief Catherine Ashton, and U.S.
enough to pressure abusive regimes to President Barack Obama with focusing
Political Research in Kyiv. He added, “The Tymoshenko, the People’s Rukh of Ukraine protect basic human rights.
government can play off the antagonism led by Mr. Tarasyuk, the Svoboda party led too much on dialogue and not enough on
The 648-page Human Rights Watch confronting abuses.
between different opposition currents.” by Oleh Tiahnybok, the Congress of (HRW) report, a compendium of human
Those organizing the rally on St. Sophia Ukrainian Nationalists led by Stepan It condemns as soft the EU’s response
rights abuses reported around the world to authoritarian regimes in Uzbekistan
Square – where the Act of Union was Bratsiun and the Ukrainian World in the past year, criticizes the democra-
declared on January 22, 1919 – lobbed Coordinating Council led by Dmytro and Turkmenistan, denouncing what it
cies for their “soft reaction” to repressive calls the bloc’s “obsequious approach”
sharp criticism against former Verkhovna Pavlychko. regimes.
Rada Chair Yatsenyuk of the Front of Patriarch Filaret of the Ukrainian toward both countries and arguing that
The report singles out the United leaders of authoritarian governments
Change party and his allies for splitting the Orthodox Church–Kyiv Patriatch (UOC– States, the European Union and the
pro-Western opposition. welcome an emphasis on dialogue
KP), whose church is under persecution by United Nations for failing to put enough because it is likely to “remove the spot-
They shouted “Shame!” at Lilia the Ukrainian Orthodox Church–Moscow pressure on abusive governments, high- light from human rights discussions.”
Hrynevych of the Front of Change party Patriarchate (UOC–MP), led the Orthodox lighting what it called a “near-universal The report coincides with a rare visit
when she addressed the crowd on St. Sophia moleben initiating the event. cowardice in confronting China’s deep-
Square. It was interrupted by Ms. Tymoshenko ening crackdown on basic liberties.” (Continued on page 11)
The famous “liubi druzi” (dear friends) and her entourage, who arrived late. She
2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 No. 5

ANALYSIS
NEWSBRIEFS
Russian Black Sea Fleet Yanukovych reacts to Moscow bombing Thousands denounce Ukraine’s president

strengthens presence in Ukraine KYIV – Ukrainian President Viktor


Yanukovych in a phone conversation
KYIV – Thousands of supporters of
Ukraine’s former Prime Minister Yulia
by Vladimir Socor Aleksei Kudrin and Fedir Yaroshenko, with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Tymoshenko massed in downtown Kyiv
respectively, started negotiations on imple- condemned acts of terrorism and con- on January 22 to denounce her archrival,
Eurasia Daily Monitor
menting the April 21, 2010, agreements. The veyed his condolences over a bomb President Viktor Yanukovych, accusing
The Russian navy plans to increase its Russian side seems more interested in quib- attack at Moscow’s Domodedovo him of being a Russian stooge. Some
presence on Ukrainian territory by adding bling and stalling, than in delivering. Airport. Mr., Yanukovych ordered 6,000 protesters gathered in St. Sophia
urban infrastructure and civilian manpower Mr. Kudrin insisted that “a new agree- Ukraine’s diplomatic missions and spe- square, answering a call by several oppo-
to its naval assets in Sevastopol. The com- ment” must be negotiated to define “con- cial services to reinforce measures to pro- sition parties to mark the 92nd anniversa-
mand of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet intends to crete terms and parameters, on which imple- tect Ukrainian citizens abroad, the presi- ry of the reunification of eastern and
build a housing estate (“mikrorayon”) for mentation would depend.” For his part, Mr. dential press service reported on January western Ukraine. Many carried banners
20,000 personnel of the fleet, their depen- Yaroshenko seemed to plead for overcoming 25. The president also sent his condolenc- calling for the dismissal of both President
dents and civilian service providers to the a deadlock: “For us it is important to reach a es to the family of Ukrainian playwright Yanukovych and Prime Minister Mykola
Russian fleet in that city. common interpretation, define a common Hanna Mashutina (who wrote under the Azarov. Ms. Tymoshenko asked the
The housing estate and associated service methodology for implementing this agree- pseudonym Yablonska), who was killed crowds: “Are you ready to take to the
infrastructure is planned to occupy both ment in real life” (Interfax-Ukraine, January in the Moscow airport blast. In addition, streets?” To which the resounding answer
sides of Kazachya Bay, alongside the base of 18). the he ordered the Ukrainian Foreign was “Yes.” Dmytro Pavlychko told the
a Russian “marine infantry” (amphibious While Kyiv sounds anxious about Affairs Ministry to render any required crowd: “Those who are in power take
landing troops) regiment. Moscow delivering “in real life,” Moscow aid to relatives of any Ukrainians killed their orders from the Kremlin.” (Focus
The government of Russia will finance may well turn its side of the bargain into a in the blast. (Interfax-Ukraine) Information agency, Agence France-
this program from a fund dedicated to the dead letter. The price of gas seems unlikely Presse)
to stay above $300 per tcm (unless Moscow Security enhanced at Boryspil airport
socio-economic development of Sevastopol. Day of Unity celebrated in Moscow
That fund currently stems from the 2010 decides to practice overt extortion and by the KYIV – Enhanced security measures
arrangements to subsidize Ukraine’s con- same token subsidize its own extortion of were instituted at Kyiv’s Boryspil inter- MOSCOW – Events at the Library of
sumption of Russian gas. The socio-eco- Ukraine). Below that price level, Russia can national airport due to the terrorist act Ukrainian Literature in Moscow became
nomic fund’s value is deducted from the still pressure Ukraine into further conces- that occurred at Moscow’s Domodedovo the central event of celebrations of
value of that subsidy. This portion, conse- sions, in return for further discounts on the airport on January 24. The measures are Ukraine’s Day of Unity held by diplo-
quently, helps to consolidate Russia’s mili- gas price. This would probably be the “new aimed at preventing large gatherings of mats of the Embassy of Ukraine in
tary foothold on Ukrainian territory. agreement” to which Mr. Kudrin is alluding. people at airport complexes and on air- Russia. The Embassy press service
The head of the Sevastopol city adminis- Moscow is well-placed to implement the port property. Additional units of the reported that, during a meeting with rep-
tration (by law a Ukrainian government naval base extension agreement while bar- Internal Affairs Ministry are working, as resentatives of the Ukrainian community,
appointee), Valery Saratov, has expressed gaining over implementation of the gas price are Berkut forces and the canine service Ukraine’s Ambassador to Russia
gratitude in announcing this Russian build- agreement. The April 2010 arrangements are of the airport’s aviation security complex. Volodymyr Yelchenko “confirmed the
ing program (Interfax-Ukraine, January 16). asymmetrical in that the naval base agree- At the same time, Boryspil representa- special importance attached by our state
On April 21, 2010, Presidents Viktor ment is self-enforcing while the gas agree- tives underscored on January 26 that the to the continuation of unhindered activi-
Yanukovych and Dmitry Medvedev signed ment is not. Ukraine lacks the power to with- airport’s terminals are working in regular ties of the library as an important center
the agreement to prolong the Russian fleet’s hold implementation of the former, while operation mode, and planes are departing of Ukrainian culture in the capital of
basing rights in Ukraine beyond the 2017 Russia has ample means to set conditions for and arriving on schedule. (Ukrinform) Russia.” Also on January 22, on the terri-
expiration date by another 25 years, with a implementing the latter. tory of the Ukrainian Embassy in Russia,
further five-year extension option to 2047. In Since those agreements were signed, 5,000 form human chain in Lviv a ceremonial raising of the Ukrainian flag
return, Russia agreed to grant a 30 percent Moscow has announced plans to replace old took place. Ukraine’s ambassador and
warships of its Black Sea Fleet with new LVIV – About 5,000 people have
discount on the price of Russian natural gas Embassy diplomats also participated in
ones, increase that fleet’s tonnage in net formed a human chain between the mon-
to Ukraine, if that price exceeds $336 per laying flowers at the monument to
terms, and upgrade the fleet’s weaponry. uments to Taras Shevchenko and Stepan
1,000 cubic meters (tcm). Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko in
Modernization plans as announced during Bandera in Lviv on January 22 to cele-
It now turns out, however, that an imple- Moscow. Earlier, the director of the
2010 envisage adding one cruiser, several brate Unity Day in Ukraine. Participating
mentation mechanism and even a common Information Policy Department of the
frigates and several submarines by 2015. In in the event were representatives of the
understanding of that arrangement are lack- Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Svoboda Party, the Party of Regions,
ing. On April 18, 2010, in Moscow, the (MFA), Oleh Voloshyn, stated that for the
activists of public organizations and local
Russian and Ukrainian finance ministers, (Continued on page 22) ministry the satisfaction of the cultural-
residents. The participants held national
educational rights of more than 2 million
flags, and some people had painted
Ukrainian community members in Russia
national flags on their faces. (Interfax-

Friends mourn Ukrainian playwright Ukraine) (Continued on page 14)

killed in Moscow airport bombing THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY FOUNDED 1933


by Claire Bigg whose real name was Anna Mashutina, as
and Yelena Polyakovskaya an up-and-coming playwright whose plays An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc.,
RFE/RL had won numerous literary awards and were a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054.
staged in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Yearly subscription rate: $55; for UNA members — $45.
As Russia mourns the 35 victims of the Mr. Dondurei said her latest play, “The Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices.
bombing attack at Moscow’s Domodedovo Pagans,” had charmed the jury, and she had (ISSN — 0273-9348)
airport, theater lovers are sparing a special won the competition hands down.
thought for Anna Yablonska, a young Theater producer Mikhail Ugarov, who
The Weekly: UNA:
Ukrainian poet and playwright killed in the knew Ms. Yablonska well and attended the
Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900
blast. January 24 award ceremony, says organizers
Ms. Yablonska, a native of Odesa, had Postmaster, send address changes to:
became concerned after she failed to turn up The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz
arrived in the Russian capital to pick up a at the ceremony and stopped answering her 2200 Route 10 Editors: Matthew Dubas
literary prize when a presumed suicide phone. P.O. Box 280 Zenon Zawada (Kyiv)
bomber detonated explosives at the airport’s “Panic erupted at the ceremony,” Mr. Parsippany, NJ 07054
crowded arrivals terminal, sparking scenes Ugarov said. “They waited for her until the
of carnage. She was 29 years old. last moment and ended up awarding her the The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com; e-mail: staff@ukrweekly.com
Ms. Yablonska was due to receive a prize prize in absentia. At that time, she was
from Cinema Art magazine at a ceremony in already dead.”
Moscow just hours after her plane landed at Ms. Yablonska’s husband called her col-
The Ukrainian Weekly, January 30, 2011, No. 5, Vol. LXXIX
Domodedovo. leagues and friends later that evening to
Copyright © 2011 The Ukrainian Weekly
The editor of Cinema Art, Daniil inform them she had been killed in the
Dondurei, said she had been in high spirits attack at Domodedovo.
that day. ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA
Mr. Ugarov says she will be sorely
“She called at 4 p.m. after landing. She missed in Russia. “She was a very talented, Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041
was worried about not making it for 6:30 bright person. She combined a very high e-mail: admin@ukrweekly.com
p.m.,” Mr. Dondurei said. “The head of our emotionality with an extremely sharp, sober Maria Oscislawski, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040
selection board spoke to her. She was cheer- intellect,” he noted. “The professional com- fax: (973) 644-9510
ful. She died 20 minutes later.”
munity is deeply shocked because everyone e-mail: adukr@optonline.net
Charmed the jury liked her. She was friendly. She liked shar- Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042
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Her colleagues describe Ms. Yablonska, (Continued on page 22)
No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 3

WINDOW ON EURASIA

Moscow moves to close down Ukrainian institutions in Russia


by Paul Goble setting the stage for closing the Ukrainian Ministry made three specific complaints ducting searches for “extremist” literature in
library in the Russian capital by continuing about the group’s “diversions.” First, Mr. the Library of Ukrainian Literature in
Apparently confident that now it can do its seizures of “extremist” literature there. Semenko gave an interview to Radio Moscow. The latest of these occurred on
so without objections from the Yanukovych The Russian government, like its Soviet Liberty. Second, the group organized a pub- January 14. Both Ukrainian Embassy offi-
administration in Kyiv, Moscow has dis- predecessor, has never been supportive of lic conference on Ukrainian studies in cials and Russian ones insist the library has
banded the Federal National-Cultural the more than 5 million ethnic Ukrainians Russia. And third, its leaders took part in not been closed, but the librarians there say
Autonomy of Ukrainians of Russia and is living there, refusing to open any Ukrainian- commemorations of the Great Famine 1932- that a court case is hanging over them and it.
language state schools even as it has com- 1933, or Holodomor. Natalya Sharina, the library’s director,
Paul Goble is a long-time specialist plained about closure of some of the many On January 13 Russian Foreign Minister said the MVD officers had come from the
on ethnic and religious questions in Russian-language schools operating in Sergey Lavrov confirmed that the closure anti-extremist section and had behaved in
Eurasia who has served in various Ukraine. such a threatening way that members of her
was based on the autonomy’s political activi-
capacities in the U.S. State Department, But in recent weeks, Moscow has moved staff had called for emergency medical help.
ty. He said that that the autonomy had been
the Central Intelligence Agency and the against even the few Ukrainian institutions She acknowledged that the library was still
shuttered because its leaders “were engaged open, but said the “criminal case” was going
International Broadcasting Bureau, as that do exist inside the Russian Federation. in political activity directed at undermining
well as at the Voice of America and On the basis of a March 2010 appeal by the on “in parallel” (www.unian.net/rus/
Russian-Ukrainian relations” (globalist.org. print/416293).
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Russian Justice Ministry, the Russian ua/shorts/61127.html).
the Carnegie Endowment for Supreme Court on November 24, 2010, “liq- Foreign Minister Lavrov, also on January
Meanwhile, Russian Internal Affairs
International Peace. Mr. Goble writes a uidated” the Federal National-Cultural (Continued on page 22)
Ministry (MVD) officials have been con-
blog called “Window on Eurasia” Autonomy of Ukrainians of Russia” as a
(http://windowoneurasia.blogspot.com/). legal entity.
This article above is reprinted with per- According to Vladimir Semenenko, the
mission. former head of that institution, the Justice
OSCE chair meets representatives
Herman: No violations of international human rights NGOs
OSCE pluralism as well as tolerance, is among

of rights in Ukraine VILNIUS – The OSCE chairperson-in-


Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister
the priorities of Lithuania’s chairmanship.
“We welcome constructive, focused
and consolidated civil society recommen-
Interfax-Ukraine apartment],” she commented. Audronius Ažubalis, met representatives dations on all issues concerning the
Ms. Herman said that the opposition had from international non-governmental OSCE human dimension,” he added.
KYIV – The new government of Ukraine
taken advantage of this situation. organizations in Vilnius January 19 and Mr. Ažubalis said he plans to meet rep-
does not infringe on the rights and freedoms
“I understand that the police have their invited them to take part in an open dia- resentatives of civil society during his
of Ukrainian citizens, but there are some
own work to do, but apart from their work logue with Lithuania’s 2011 chairman- forthcoming visits to Moscow and
rumors that affect the president and the gov-
the police must have a head. And if the ship of the Organization for Security and Washington, as well as to countries with
ernment in general, said the deputy head of
the Presidential Administration, Hanna police do not have a head and brains, then Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). OSCE field operations in the South
Herman. they will do great harm to the president,” Minister Ažubalis met representatives Caucasus, Eastern Europe, Central Asia
“I absolutely refute these statements [on she noted. from international non-governmental and Southeastern Europe.
pressure being applied to writers and jour- Ms. Herman also said she was sure that human rights organizations from the The NGO representatives from
nalists], [and] I would like to speak here such cases would not happen in Ukraine in International Civic Initiative for the Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Lithuania,
only about several particular cases,” she said the future. OSCE, offered to maintain a regular dia- Poland, Russia, the United Kingdom and
on Channel 5 on Sunday evening, January In addition, the deputy head of the logue and urged them to actively partici- Ukraine attending the January 19 meeting
23. Presidential Administration said that the pate in OSCE events and thereby contrib- conveyed an appeal by the International
In particular, Ms. Herman actions by the position of Freedom House, the U.S. non- ute to the OSCE’s work. Civic Initiative for the OSCE on coopera-
police in relation to writer Maria Matios “a governmental organization that lowered “OSCE is unique as we bring non-gov- tion during Lithuania’s chairmanship.
lot of nonsense.” Ukraine’s rating to the category of partly ernmental organizations into the heart of The appeal calls for civil society’s role in
“Our police are as they are… it’s a free countries, was biased. our decision-making. Civil society’s par- the OSCE’s work to be strengthened and
pity, but we don’t have other police offi- “I believe that Freedom House was biased ticipation in the work of the OSCE is sets out guidelines and proposals for co-
cers for our writers. But they [the police against Ukraine… For us the greatest pledge greatly valued. Cooperation and a mutual operation with the OSCE Chairmanship.
officers] should be educated, trained, of freedom is the economic freedom of exchange of views are very important, Established in April 2010, the
[improved]. And I believe that it was a Ukrainians… Freedom House also got some and Lithuania is ready to continue a live- International Civic Initiative for the
huge mistake [to search the writer’s one-sided information,” Ms. Herman said. ly and very open dialogue with civil soci- OSCE comprises 11 international non-
ety,“ said Mr. Ažubalis, who emphasized governmental human rights organiza-
that the promotion of media freedom and tions.

Activists charge Education Ministry


“concept” will lead to Russification
Lviv: impossible to forget
“Impossible to Forget” was the title Moscow. …
Interfax-Ukraine is aimed exactly at this [Russification]? ... of a feature published in the travel sec- “… what really distinguished Lviv
There are no clear regulations on a specified tion of The New York Times on January was its decidedly international sensi-
KYIV – The concept for language educa- 9. Among the five Times correspon- bility, more evident than in any city
language. These norms can be applied to
tion proposed by the Ukraine’s Ministry of dents who recalled “the places they that I have visited in the former Soviet
both the Ukrainian and Russian languages.
Education, Science, Youth and Sports will would go back to if they got the Union. This was obvious from the
There is no definition on the main language
lead Ukrainian education toward chance,” was Clifford J. Levy, who range of cathedrals making up the
of education in Ukraine.”
Russification, the Ukrainian public organi- wrote about Lviv. Other places fea- city’s skyline: Ukrainian Orthodox,
zation Ne Bud Baiduzhym! (Don’t Be At the same time, Ms. Masenko criti-
cized the concept. “This concept will only tured were: Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Russian Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox
Indifferent!) has said. Lago Todos los Santos, Chile; Caserta, and Roman Catholic.
“This concept is a new method of deepen the split in the society, that’s why it
is very dangerous, and in fact it practically Italy; and the Orchids Hotel, Congo. “Lviv is also base for the Ukrainian
Russification of Ukraine. I guess this con- Following is an excerpt from Mr. Greek-Catholic Church, which in itself
cept will be adopted quickly, so that the returns us to the Soviet Union.”
A senior researcher at the Institute of the Clifford’s account. (The full text may speaks to a melding: the church is loyal
public will not be able to oppose it. This is a be read at http://travel.nytimes. to Rome, but allows some priests to
new, invisible method of Russification of Ukrainian Language of the National
com/2011/01/09/travel/09lviv.html.) marry and follows the Eastern ceremo-
Ukraine,” a representative of the organiza- Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Oksana
nial rite. Lviv was also home to a thriv-
tion, Olena Podobed-Frankivska, said dur- Danylevska, said that the key principle of
“…this city on the edge of the Soviet ing Jewish community before World
ing a press conference hosted on January 19 the proposed idea was a political quick fix. empire, at a crossroads of Europe, was a War II, and I wandered past the ruins
by the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency. “I should say that this is a short-term con- cobblestoned find. … winding streets… of one of the main synagogues. Not
According to Ms. Podobed-Frankivska, cept for the current political situation. reflected the influences of centuries of many Jews remain, but plans are being
when the Education Ministry presented this Unfortunately, it does not care about actual overlapping cultures. developed to rebuild the synagogue.
concept at a public discussion, some regula- education,” she added. “Lviv has gone by many names, “And so it went: I tried to work, but
tions were violated – in particular, the term Ms. Podobed-Frankivska said that activ- thanks to its many rulers, from the the city kept pulling me away. I went
set for a public discussion. ists of Ne Bud Baiduzhym would bring a Soviets to the Germans to the Poles. to interview an official at City Hall, but
“A public discussion of this project new doorplate reading “Education Ministry But it is the Austro-Hungarian Empire ended up at the observation deck on
should have been held for no less than a of Russia. Foreign Representative Office” to that seems to have had the strongest the building’s tower, admiring views of
month,” she noted. the Education Ministry in Kyiv. She noted, influence. As I roamed, I was reminded Lviv’s splendid architecture – classical,
In turn, sociolinguist Dr. Larysa Masenko “We want to rename the ministry to match more of Vienna and Prague than Baroque and other styles. …”
said: “Why did you decide that the concept its deeds.”
4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 No. 5

UWC appeals to Hungary Plokhy’s “Yalta” nominated for Lionel Gelber Prize
by Oksana Zakydalsky world’s most important award for
about representation non-fiction,” the Lionel Gelber
TORONTO – “Yalta: The Price Prize was founded in 1989 by the
of Peace” by Serhii Plokhy, Canadian diplomat and scholar. It
of Ukrainian minority Mykhailo Hrushevsky Professor of is a literary award for the world’s
Ukrainian History at Harvard, has
TORONTO – On January 17 the Ukrainian World best non-fiction book in English
been shortlisted for the 2011 Lionel that seeks to deepen public debate
Congress (UWC) expressed its concern to Hungary’s Gelber Prize. on significant global issues. The
Prime Minister Viktor Orban that the elections of the The jury citation for the book winning author receives $15,000.
National Ukrainian Minority Self-Government in reads: “A work of outstanding The prize is presented annually
Hungary held on January 9 could undermine the rep- scholarship which brings to light by The Lionel Gelber Foundation,
resentation of the Ukrainian minority and jeopardize important interpretations based on in partnership with the Munk
its effective participation in public life. newly available Russian docu- School of Global Affairs at the
According to a UWC member-organization, the ments. Going beyond the Western University of Toronto and Foreign
Association of Ukrainian Culture in Hungary, in sev- sources, this is a seminal treatment Policy magazine. The winner of the
eral cases the electorate voting and the candidates of a profoundly important moment 2011 Lionel Gelber Prize, to be
running for the National Ukrainian Minority Self- in history.” announced on March 1, will deliver
Government are not part of the Ukrainian communi- Prof. Plokhy is the third holder the annual Lionel Gelber Lecture at
ty and do not preserve the Ukrainian language, cul- of the endowed Hrushevsky chair an award ceremony on March 29.
in Ukrainian history at Harvard, The other four shortlisted works
ture and traditions.
which he assumed in the fall of include: “Why the West Rules – for
“The Ukrainian World Congress calls upon the
2007. Before coming to Harvard, Now” by Ian Morris (U.S.A.);
prime minister of Hungary to urgently appoint a he was based at the University of “Arrival City: The Final Migration
senior government official to verify whether the Alberta, where he served as acting and our Next World” by Doug
electoral process, including the elections of the director of the Canadian Institute Saunders (United Kingdom); “The
National Ukrainian Minority Self-Government in of Ukrainian Studies (CIUS) and as Hungry World: America’s Cold America” by Shelagh D. Grant (Canada).
Hungary, was conducted in accordance with the fun- associate director of the Peter War Battle Against Poverty in Last year’s winner of the Lionel Gelber
damental principles governing such elections, and if Jacyk Center for Ukrainian Asia” by Nick Cullather (U.S.A.); Prize was “The Generalissimo: Chiang
not, to take approriate measures to rectify the situa- Historical Research at CIUS. and “Polar Imperative: A History Kai-shek and the Struggle for Modern
tion,” stated UWC President Eugene Czolij. Called by The Economist “the of Arctic Sovereignty in North China” by Jay Taylor.

The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund: December


Amount Name City Bill Laschuk San Francisco, CA Mary Kramarenko East Windsor, NJ
$400.00 L. Sygida-Peleschuk Stamford, CT J. Lipsky Dearfield Beach, FL R. Kucil Rochester, NY
$100.00 Y. Deychakiwsky N. Potomac, MD Michael Lotocky Huntington Beach, CA Zenon Lishchynskyj Parkland, FL
George Masiuk Alexandria, VA I. Lysyj Austin, TX Eli Matiash Aliquippa, PA
N. Slusar North Port, FL Andrij Maryniuk Bay Harbor Island, FL Christine Matiash Corpus Christi, TX
Neonila Sochan Morristown, NJ A. Motyl New York, NY Peter Melnycky Edmonton, AB
$75.00 S. Nachesty Northampton, PA J. Pluta Wallingford, PA H. Mess Cincinnati, OH
M. Omelan Philadelphia, PA J. Ratych North Port, FL M. Myers Rochester, NY
$60.00 Alexandra Ritter Bethlehem, PA Arnold Rudakewych Lorton, VA J. Nalavany Linden, NJ
$55.00 Maria and Leo East Windsor, NJ S. Schmotolocha Thousand Oaks, CA Eugene Nedilsky Lima, OH
Chirovsky W. Sidorowicz S. Fallsburg, NY J. Oberyszyn Jamaica, NY
Stephen Lepki Cambridge, OH K. Sowiak Mercerville, NJ Olga Palaschenko Parma, OH
Daria Zachar Redondo Beach, CA D. Stachiw Middlesex, NJ L. Pastuszek Sudbury, MA
$50.00 C. Bonacorsa Belleville, NJ G. Sydoriak Hillsborough, NJ F. Petryk Levittown, PA
Ulana Diachuk Rutherford, NJ Larysa Szanc-Smarsh Brooklyn, NY D. Pilhuj Philadelphia, PA
J. Gudziak Syracuse, NY I. Szkolar White Plains, NY E. Pyk Orlando Park, IL
Daria Halaburda-Patti Clifton, NJ P. Wasylkevych Cary, NC E. Rishiy Trenton, NJ
C. Holowinsky Belle Mead, NJ W. Werbowsky Syracuse, NY D. Samotulka Hillsborough, NJ
B. Kurylko Venice, FL Andrij Witiuk Brooklyn, NY G. Sawchak Rydal, PA
A. Kushnir Bethesda, MD W. Wowchuk Hawthorn Woods, IL Marusia Scroka Mississauga, ON
Stella Maciach Jersey City, NJ W. Wronskyj Greenlawn, NY C. Sitko Garettsville, OH
(in memory of Mary P. Wychrij Naples, FL C. and K. Skuza Tewksbury, NJ
Maciach) $20.00 R. Bilak Kenosha, WI A. Strilbyckyj Fort Wayne, IN
M. McGrath Franklin Square, NY Lana Ginsberg Round Rock, TX M. Tymiak North Port, FL
Marlene Milstead Rock Hill, SC M. Jarko Union, NJ Yaro Zajac East Hanover, NJ
Peter Myskiw Phoenix, AZ Laryssa Krupa Morristown, NJ M. Zmurkewych Elkins Park, PA
N. Popowych Park Ridge, IL Natalka Maciukenas Portland, OR $5.00 O. Ariza Miami, FL
Roman Olijnyk Radnor, PA J. Mazuryk Danville, CA Bohdan Dombchewskyj Monroe, NC
$45.00 Daria Dykyj Forest Hills, NY H. Petryshyn Sarasota, FL S. Golub Minneapolis, MN
Sophie Worobec Chicago, IL G. Polansky Strongsville, OH Alana Hanks Washington, DC
$30.00 Genya Blahy Beechhurst, NY $15.00 N. Bobak Meadowbrook, PA Merle and Bonnie Toledo, OH
Irena Nychay Bayonne, NJ M. Bohdan Union, NJ Jurkiewicz
Gregory Tkaczyk St. Catharines, ON J. Bortnyk Forked River, NJ A. Klufas Bridgeport, CT
$25.00 V. Andrushkiw Troy, MI Roman Drozd Broadview Heights, OH O. Kuzlitt Whitestone, NY
W. Balko Ledgewood, NJ Lidia Jacynicz North Port, FL Michael Lechmann Glen Allen, VA
Michael Bilynsky Hollywood, FL Roman Kokolskyj Sicklerville, NJ Natalie Miahky Akron, OH
B. Birakowsky College Point, NY Theodore Kuzio Granby, CT P. Molasky Sunrise, FL
O. Boraczok Madison, WI B. Malaniak Glendale, NY M. Ohara Long Island, NY
George Chomyn Weston, ON G. Mutlos Halandale Beach, FL Osnova Ukrainian FCU Parma, OH
Ihor Chorneyko Dundas, ON A. Rudakewych Lorton, VA M. Plaskonos Hamden, CT
D. Chromowsky Little Egg Harbor, NJ Peter Stefanow Worcester, MA Victor Rosynsky Ortonville, MI
M. Durbak Chicago, IL Jury and Helen Trenkler North Providence, RI Lubomyr Zapar Chesterfield, VA
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H. Gottschak Glen Ridge, PA O. Zazula Flushing, NY $2.00 S. Goras Jersey City, NJ
Oksana Herus Eastchester, NY $13.00 H. Wright Springfield, MA
I. Hron Osprey, FL $10.00 W. Adankiewicz Toms River, NJ
Z. Iwanonko Vestal, NY S. Boyko Spring Valley, CA TOTAL: $3,954.50
A. Jakubowycz Brecksville, OH S. Chomyn Rocky Hill, CT
M. Kebalo Briarwood, NY Andrew Chubaty Lawrenceville, GA Sincere thanks to all contributors to The Ukrainian
Andrea Kochanowsky Wayne, NJ V. Czartorysky Brooklyn, NY Weekly Press Fund.
W. Kornylo Rochester, NY Anatole Doroshenko Northville, MI
T. Krupa Morristown, NJ W. Drewnycky Newark Valle, NY The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund is the only fund
J. Krupinski Scranton, PA W. Gerent W. Hartford, CT dedicated exclusively to supporting the work of this
S. Krysalka Mason, GA A. Goot Moretown, VT
Mary Ann Kulish Bayonne, NJ Olga Karmazyn Aliquippa, PA
publication.
T. Kulyk Plaut City, FL W. Kiec Franklin Park, NJ
No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 5

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM


Jersey City UAYA members bring “koliada” to the UNA
Mission
Statement
The Ukrainian National
Association exists:
• to promote the principles of
fraternalism;
• to preserve the Ukrainian,
Ukrainian American and
Ukrainian Canadian heritage and
culture; and
• to provide quality financial
services and products to its mem-
bers.

As a fraternal insurance society,


the Ukrainian National
Association reinvests its earnings
for the benefit of its members and
the Ukrainian community.

Roma Hadzewycz

PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Carolers, or “koliadnyky,” from the Jersey City, N.J., branch of the Ukrainian American Youth
Association, paid a visit to the Ukrainian National Association’s Home Office on January 17. The group (seen above) sang
carols, recited poetry and offered best wishes for the Christmas and New Year season to the employees of the UNA and its
publications, Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly.

UNA Branch 241 facilitates visit by St. Nicholas


Read the Ukrainian
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WOONSOCKET, R.I. – Ukrainian National Association Branch 241 in Woonsocket, R.I., hosted its annual St. Nicholas/
Christmas party for the children of St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. Msgr. Roman Golemba and Janet Bardell, branch Heritage Foundation of 1st
secretary, greeted the youngsters. Lydia Kusma Minyayluk and Lydia Zuk Klufas programmed the event with poems and Security Savings Bank
songs. The parents prepared a delicious lunch. John Tkach, as well as several of the children, provided the musical enter-
tainment. Of course, the highlight of the event came when St. Nicholas presented gifts to the eager children. Bahriany Foundation
– Lydia Z. Klufas

Job opening at Position requires knowledge of InDesign, Those interested in an opportunity to join The Ukrainian
QuarkXpress, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Weekly’s production team are encouraged to send a
THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY Office, etc. for Macintosh systems. resume and a cover letter explaining their interest in the
Full-time layout artist based at our office Experience with web design and computer
troubleshooting desired. Bilingual (English/
position, along with salary requirements, to: Editor-in-
Chief, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box
in Parsippany, N.J. Ukrainian) skills a definite plus. 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054; or to staff@ukrweekly.com.

THE UNA: 116 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY


6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 No. 5

COMMENTARY
The Ukrainian Weekly
A notable 20th anniversary Selective justice in Ukraine
by Mykola Riabchuk enterprises; the prime minister responds
Twenty years ago, on January 13, 1991, The Ukrainian Weekly’s Kyiv Press favorably to the request of the Orthodox
Bureau was born. We noted that major milestone in our January 20, 1991, issue with a A prison cell might be not the best place bishop (of the Moscow Patriarchate) lobby-
simple story on page 3 headlined “Weekly correspondent now in Kiev” (yes, that’s to spend the New Year and Christmas holi- ing for trade preferences for some Russian
how we all used to spell the name of Ukraine’s capital city…). The lead read: “Marta days. But for a good number of top company, and so on. No one is prosecuted,
Kolomayets, an associate editor of The Ukrainian Weekly, arrived on Sunday, January Ukrainian officials, including former fired or even reprimanded.
13, in Kiev, where she will serve as a correspondent for The Weekly and set up the Internal Affairs Minister Yuri Lutsenko and The only rebuke that has occurred to date
Ukrainian National Association’s press bureau.” former Minister of the Economy Bohdan would make one laugh – or cry, depending
The move was months in the making – and not a simple undertaking at that. It Danylyshyn, this was exactly the place on one’s sensitivity. It comes from a conver-
came about as a result of a resolution adopted at the UNA’s May 1990 convention where they had to relax and meditate on the sation between the two ministers recorded
which stated: “The convention urges the UNA Executive Committee to look into whims of fortune. secretly by a journalist in the Parliament.
establishing a bureau in Kiev and/or Lviv which would provide direct news service on It comes as little surprise that virtually all One of them, Andriy Kliuyev, was in charge
a regular basis to our UNA publications.” Our efforts to establish the bureau began in of them belong to the “Orange” camp that is of construction of a fast road for the presi-
earnest in October 1990 when a UNA delegation (composed of Supreme President today’s political opposition. Their leader, the dent to his rancho. He naturally used the
Ulana Diachuk, Supreme Secretary Walter Sochan, and Supreme Advisors Eugene former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, occasion to stretch the road for a dozen
Iwanciw and Roma Hadzewycz) attending the second congress of Rukh met with offi- was also summoned to the Procurator more kilometers to his own estate. Borys
cials of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Several months of dealing with red tape followed General’s Office but was spared arrest on Kolesnikov, his colleague, can be overheard
– it was, after all, still the Soviet era – and there were times when we thought our plans condition she would not leave the city dur- chastising him – but not for the embezzle-
would come to naught. In the end, our persistence paid off. ing the pending investigation. ment of state funds. On the contrary, Mr.
To say 1991 was an exciting year is an understatement. Our September 1 edition The tough measures against corrupt Kliuyev’s faux pas was much worse. He
carried a big, bold headline: “Ukraine declares independence.” Three months later, our Ukrainian officials might be well-received, failed to extend the super highway for a few
December 8 issue reported the results of the December 1 referendum on Ukraine’s both domestically and internationally inso- more kilometers to Mr Kolesnikov’s dacha
independence with the headline “INDEPENDENCE” in 80-point type capital letters. far as Ukraine is one of the most corrupt nearby.
Ms. Kolomayets reported on the USSR-wide referendum on a new union treaty and countries in the world and the least attrac- This probably says enough about the
the poll on Ukraine’s state sovereignty, the return of the primate of the Ukrainian tive country in Europe for foreign investors. team that is fighting corruption in Ukraine
Catholic Church, Cardinal Mstyslav Lubachivsky and the rebirth of the Ukrainian Any cause for cheer, however, soon fades as well as about the ultimate prospects of
Autocephalous Orthodox Church with Patriarch Mstyslav I at the helm. When Leonid away once we take a closer look at the who, this fight.
Kravchuk, chairman of Ukraine’s Parliament, traveled to the U.S., Ms. Kolomayets how and why of the allegedly anti-graft Yet, one more actor of this tragicomedy
was right there, on his plane with his entourage, reporting every move. measures. should be mentioned. Viktor Pshonka, the
Chrystyna Lapychak, who took the next six-month assignment, reported on Who? new procurator general, heralds from
President George Bush’s visit to Kyiv (and his “Chicken Kiev” speech), the dissolu- Donetsk, as do most top officials. There,
tion of the Communist Party of Ukraine, the failed Soviet coup from Ukraine’s per- The entire Party of Regions can be reportedly, he made his career under Mr.
spective, Ukraine’s proclamation of independence on August 24, 1991, and the broadly perceived as a mafia-style organiza- Yanukovych’s governorship, providing a
December 1 vote that overwhelmingly approved independence and elected the newly tion with tight inner discipline and immea- reliable legal service for good people. In
independent county’s first president. surable shadow resources. And its power 2000, he became notorious as a person who
And there were so many other major developments under the Kravchuk, Kuchma, base, the Donbas region, has a well-earned allegedly tried to cover up the brutal murder
Yushchenko and Yanukovych administrations that were reported from Kyiv by The reputation of a local Sicily. Whatever might of investigative journalist Ihor Aleksandrov.
Weekly’s staffers. Ms. Kolomayets returned to Ukraine for several more tours; others have been the past of the party and of this A vagrant was found who confessed to the
who served as our Kyiv Press Bureau correspondents were: Khristina Lew and region there are no signs that their present is crime, but no serious evidence was present-
Roman Woronowycz (both did several tours of duty), as well as Andrew Nynka. Our any different. ed in court and the poor man was released,
current Kyiv editor, Zenon Zawada, has been on duty since 2005, except for a brief Ukraine’s president, Viktor Yanukovych, only to die shortly afterwards under mysteri-
interlude in January-August 2008, when our bureau continued its work thanks to our has never been absolved from the murky ous circumstances. Remarkably, the last
Kyivan colleague Illya M. Labunka, who filled in admirably (during the summer he privatization of a huge government-owned case investigated by Mr. Aleksandrov before
had the assistance of intern Danylo Peleschuk). estate near Kyiv, nor has he managed to cast his death was about alleged connections
For two decades our Kyiv Press Bureau has proven its worth countless times as it off a parvenu lust for luxury cars, helicop- between Mr. Pshonka’s son Artem and local
delivered the news that our community needed and wanted straight from the scene. It ters and other overpriced things bought with criminal bosses.
provided news and analyses that were simply unavailable elsewhere at a critical time in government money – despite broadly trum- Even if these allegations are false, the
Ukraine’s history. Today it faithfully, responsibly and steadfastly continues its mission. peted austerity measures. very way in which Mr. Pshonka understands
For that, Dear Readers, we give kudos to all of our Kyiv correspondents and thanks Like master, like servants. His ministers, his professional duty and the essence of the
to our publisher, the UNA, for this huge contribution to Ukraine and Ukrainians governors, mayors and other clerks have no judiciary within the power structure leaves
everywhere. Happy anniversary to our Kyiv Press Bureau! restraint in their love for la dolce vita – little doubt concerning his current and pro-
apparently at the expense of the state. Every spective role in Ukraine. In a recent TV dis-
day the Internet carries something new cussion, he stated frankly: “As the procura-
about their extravagance, both at home and tor general, I am a member of the presi-
Feb. Turning the pages back...
abroad.
The deputy head of the president’s
dent’s team [eager] to implement all his

1
decisions.” Enough said.
administration wears diamond watches
worth $50,000 each and claims candidly How and why?
that this is just an innocent birthday present
The answer to this question comes main-
Last year, Ukraine’s former President Leonid Kuchma said in from her party comrades, one of whom,
2010 an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) on incidentally, happens to be the mayor of
Kharkiv, and the other a vice prime minister.
ly from the answer to the previous one. On
the one hand, it is quite clear that the ruling
February 1, 2010, that Ukraine’s political system was dysfunction- team members, including the president, are
al and needed an infusion of fresh talent. Another mayor purchases benches for the
not going to refrain in any noticeable way
Mr. Kuchma told Dmitry Volcheck of RFE/RL’s Russian Service that regardless of who city metro at $8,000 each – so that another
from their deeply rooted habits. On the
won the February 7, 2010, runoff between Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and Viktor diamond watch as a gift would certainly not
other, it is also clear that the Ukrainian proc-
Yanukovych, Ukraine’s political institutions would remain incapable of dealing with the be a problem. The head of DUSia (a Soviet
urator – as a loyal member of this very team
country’s pressing problems. “…Whatever the outcome [of the runoff elections], it will not relic that runs multiple facilities and sup-
– would be neither willing nor able to
bring political stability or resolve any economic problems in the country,” he observed. plies for the ruling nomenklatura) purchased
restrain those habits from the outside.
The promise of the 2004 Orange Revolution, he said, remained unfulfilled because of the a lawnmower for the national deputies’ hos-
Political opposition and an independent
bickering between President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Tymoshenko, destroy- pital at a cost of $500,000. One can guess
mass media might be the only obstacles for
ing the people’s trust in the government’s ability to implement permanent positive reforms. how many lawnmowers he could buy for
the ruling team in its drive for uncontrolled
Mr. Kuchma, who was president of Ukraine from 1994 to 2005, saw the stabilization of this money on the free market.
Few care about the fact that the head of accumulation of wealth and power. So, their
the country, but his regime is also accused of widespread corruption and of stifling the
the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) runs destruction is a strategic goal for all branch-
nascent free press. He is also suspected of involvement in the disappearance of the opposi-
multiple private businesses; the vice prime es of the government that are fully subordi-
tion journalist Heorhii Gongadze.
minister in charge of investment and inno- nated now to the president. The more this
Ukraine’s foreign policy agenda of Euro-integration under President Yushchenko, Mr.
vation endorses 300 million hrv for his own destruction can be represented as a fight
Kuchma said, accented the divisions between the Ukrainian-speaking western regions and
against corruption, the better.
the largely Russian-speaking east. This differed from President Kuchma’s multi-vector for-
The government is effectively killing two
eign policy, which tried to maintain good relations with both Russia and the West. Mykola Riabchuk is an author and jour- birds with one stone. It represses and
Regardless of how close Kyiv’s relations become with Moscow, there is little risk that nalist from Ukraine, and a leading intellec- destroys the opposition on seemingly non-
Ukraine will imitate Russia’s authoritarian political model, Mr. Kuchma said. tual who is affiliated with the journal political grounds and, at the same time, it
“I’m absolutely confident that such fears are groundless. Ukraine is really not Russia and Krytyka. distracts people’s attention from its own
we have different a mentality,” Mr. Kuchma said. “There are three bosses for every two The article above is reprinted from the misdeeds and even wins some popularity
Ukrainians, that’s true, and there is always some struggle at every level. So, I don’t think blog “Current Politics in Ukraine” (http:// for purportedly re-establishing law and
such a threat exists. Moreover, our parliamentary-presidential model protects the country ukraineanalysis.wordpress.com/) created by order. The short-term gains of this policy are
from dictatorship.” the Stasiuk Program for the Study of undeniable. The long-term goals are simply
Contemporary Ukraine, a program of the
Source: “Kuchma says Ukraine’s political system is dysfunctional,” (RFE/RL), The not on the agenda of this band of political
Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at
Ukrainian Weekly, February 7, 2010. the University of Alberta. (Continued on page 22)
No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR


From a Canadian Angle
Kurylas design: A suggestion by Oksana Bashuk Hepburn
simple, elegant for diaspora
Dear Editor: Dear Editor:
Thank you for publishing Laryssa In view of Ukrainian President Viktor
The best and worst list: 2010
Kurylas’ description of her proposed Yanukovych’s announcement that Stepan Almost everyone has a favorite list this President Yushchenko’s Our Ukraine
Holodomor monument in Washington. Bandera’s Hero of Ukraine award has time of year – best movies, best books, party, women voters and the so-called
What better memorial to those of our now been officially revoked, I have this persons of the year. For the eight year, “elite,” including writer Oksana
brothers and sisters who starved even suggestion for diaspora Ukrainians. here is my best and worst list comprising Zabuzhko, who wasted her vote and
though they lived in the breadbasket of From now on, resolutely refuse to governments, individuals, publications served as an example for others by voting
Europe! accept any honorary awards and citations and organizations that had an impact, for “for no one.”
The concept is beautiful, and the bestowed on them by Ukraine’s govern- better or for worse, on the global 2. Ex-president Viktor Yushchenko –
design simple and elegant. I am con- ment or by any institutions closely linked Ukrainian community in 2010. for ensuring the elections of a pro-Russian
vinced that the monument as envisioned to it. president by endorsing constitutional
by Ms. Kurylas would draw the attention 10 best changes three days before the vote; urging
And do so for as long as that
of many who would also read the story Russophile government continues its pol- 1. Ukraine’s Kyiv Appellate Court – for voters to invalidate their ballots by voting
behind its erection. icy of strident anti-Ukrainianism, falsifi- finding Joseph Stalin, Viacheslav “for no one,” and relentlessly undermin-
I hope there will be enough support in cation of history, and degradation of Molotov, Lazar Kaganovich, Pavlo ing the pro-Western contender, Ms.
the diaspora to get this project under way. Ukraine’s hard-won democracy. Postyshev, Stanislav Kosior, Vlas Chubar, Tymoshenko, (including by calling her
and Mendel Khatayevych responsible for “the worst mistake of my presidency.”)
Christine Paclawskyj Roman Czajkowsky the Holodomor, the genocidal starvation 3. The Kharkiv agreements – for legiti-
Kensington, Md. New York of some 10 million Ukrainians; and then mizing a pro-Russian rather than what-is-
President Viktor Yushchenko – for calling best-for-Ukraine option including the
for the creation of an international tribunal 25-year extension of the Russian Black
on Communist crimes. Sea Fleet’s lease in Crimea and dropping
2. Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen consideration of NATO membership for
Harper – for showing Western states how Ukraine.
Thanks for articles A thesis writer to deal with Ukraine’s threatened democ-
racy: raise trade issues without compro-
4. Dmytro Tabachnyk, minister of edu-
cation – for reverting to blunt Soviet-style
on five designs seeks information mising democratic values.
3. Independent-minded Ukrainian jour-
governance minimizing Soviet abuses
denigrating patriotic Ukrainians and
Dear Editor: nalists – for ongoing resistance to pres- changing history texts to favor Russia’s
Dear Editor: world view.
sures undermining objective reporting, in
I would like to thank you for publish- My name is Danielle Granville.   I’m particular their decision to boycott 5. President Yanukovych – for failing
ing the two articles concerning the pro- an American of non-Ukrainian descent, Mykhailo Checherov, Party of Regions, to dismiss anti-Ukrainian ministers who
posed design for the Holodomor working on a D.Phil. in Politics at Oxford for lying about its members beating up openly spread discord among citizens, act
Memorial in Washington, (December 5, University (although I’m currently based four opposition deputies in Parliament; as the fifth column for Russia and humili-
2010). in Washington, D.C.).  My thesis explores and Reporters Without Borders – for mon- ate Ukraine globally.
I would especially like to commend the nature of Ukrainian diaspora commu- itoring and warning against the decline. 6. Moscow Patriarch Kirill – for bad-
you for your excellent editorial on nities’ involvement in the Holodomor 4. FOX media and Glenn Beck – for guest behavior in Ukraine by mixing poli-
December 19, 2010, concerning this very global exposure of atrocities committed tics and religion, preaching reunification
genocide recognition campaign.  
important matter.  The lack of full infor- by Communist regimes including of Ukraine with Russia, and demanding a
I’m interested in talking to anyone
mation and transparency concerning this Holodomor, in the series “Holocaust: Live name change for Hetman Ivan Mazepa
who’s been involved with this campaign
project is “deeply troubling” indeed.  It is Free or Die.” Street.
in Great Britain or North America, or
particularly so because increasingly it is 5. President Viktor Yanukovych – for 7. Western states, in particular France
who has particular views on the topic.  I
becoming apparent that if the memorial is reversing his position on Holodomor by and Germany – for their consistent refusal
can contact you either on the phone/
to be completed on time, much if not all partially reinstating the information on the to bring Ukraine, the largest European
Skype or via email.   I’d love to learn country, closer to the West via NATO and
the financing for this project will be president’s website in response to citizen’s
borne by our community. more about how you became involved in the European Union, thus granting carte
pressure; a good sign in a democratic
The U.S. National Holodomor this campaign and how you’ve pursued leader. blanche to Russian hegemony in the
Committee has already paid about $100, recognition; what you see as the goals of 6. Patriarch Filaret of the Ukrainian neighborhood.
000 for the preliminary studies of the the campaign; how you feel about the Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate – 8. Michael Ignatieff, Canada’s leader of
memorial site, as required by D.C. regu- level of recognition in Ukraine; what you for mounting a robust 1021 anniversary of the Opposition – for ongoing faux pas
lations.  However, the construction of the see as the campaign’s greatest successes Christianity celebration as an antidote to with the Ukrainian Canadian electorate,
memorial is ultimately paid for, it is and obstacles; and much more.   the state’s Moscow Patriarch-adhering- starting with slurs in his little book fol-
imperative that the U.S. National I can be reached at danielle.granville@ orthodox-only event with Russia’s reli- lowed by an inadequate apology; a no-
Holodomor Committee have an input gmail.com to set up a time to talk.  All gious and political hierarchy in atten- show at their major Ukrainian Festival in
regarding the design of the memorial.  conversations will be conducted in dance. Toronto; and no appointments from the
As of today, the committee has not English.   Thanks in advance for your 7. Vera Fermiga – for using her consid- group to his shadow Cabinet.
been convened to decide which of the time and assistance. erable global vantage point as an 9. The decision-makers at the Canadian
proposed designs it would recommend to Academy Award nominated actress to Human Rights Museum – for singling out
Danielle Granville
Ukrainian authorities.    cheer her Ukrainian roots. two groups for preferential treatment, thus
Washington undermining the experiences of others
For my part, I showed the proposed 8. The Rev. Dr. Borys Gudziak, rector,
designs for the Holodomor memorial to Ukrainian Catholic University – for docu- suffering human rights abuses.
the executive committee of the Ukrainian menting the state’s intervention in the 10. Canada’s former Ambassador to
American Coordinating Council at its right of assembly creating a worldwide Ukraine, and later Russia, Christopher
quarterly meeting on March 21, 2010. 
We welcome your opinion reaction to limitations on freedoms Westdal – for undermining Prime
The committee unanimously chose the The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters imposed by the government. Minister Stephen Harper’s defense of
entry by the Ukrainian American archi- to the editor and commentaries on a vari- 9. C o m m e n t a t o r s l i k e Ye v h e n human rights in Ukraine and thus one of
tect Larysa Kurylas as by far the one that ety of topics of concern to the Ukrainian Sverstiuk, Alexander Motyl and Askold the central pillars of Canada’s foreign
most successfully conveys this great American and Ukrainian Canadian com- Lozynskyj – for providing opinion leader- policy.
Ukrainian tragedy of 1932-1933, not only munities. Opinions expressed by colum- ship on important yet underexposed issues A special citation goes to Prime
nists, commentators and letter-writers are vital to Ukraine as well as global peace Minister Vladimir Putin – for turning
in a most poignant and original manner their own and do not necessarily reflect and security. Russia into a bad neighbor lately sniping
but in a way that also manages to give the the opinions of either The Weekly edito- 10. Timothy Snyder, Yale University that Russia did not need Ukrainians to
memorial an unmistakably Ukrainian rial staff or its publisher, the Ukrainian
historian – for shedding much needed win World War II. If he keeps up the
character while simultaneously achieving National Association.
Letters should be typed and signed light on the horrific toll of World War II in antagonism, he may find himself on the
a vision that is on the same high level
(anonymous letters are not published). Ukraine and the gargantuan evils of two best list next year as Ukrainians wake up
with the timeless designs of the best of
Letters are accepted also via e-mail at dictators equally responsible for the en masse to the nastiness behind the “big
the modern public monuments in the cap-
staff@ukrweekly.com. The daytime phone crimes in his book “Bloodlands: Between brother” façade, particularly those with
ital. family members who served in the Red
number and address of the letter-writer Hitler and Stalin.”
Ihor Gawdiak must be given for verification purposes. Army from Stalingrad to Berlin – most
Please note that a daytime phone number 10 worst of the population.
Columbia, Md.
is essential in order for editors to contact
1. “Patriotic” Ukrainians – for failing to
letter-writers regarding clarifications or
The letter-writer is president of questions. deliver a pro-Western president by deny- Oksana Bashuk Hepburn is an inter-
Ukrainian American Coordinating Please note: THE LENGTH OF ing Yulia Tymoshenko the 5 percent need- national commentator and editor of a
Council and vice-chairman of the U.S. LETTERS CANNOT EXCEED 500 e d t o b e a t p r o - R u s s i a n Vi k t o r quarterly magazine. She may be contact-
National Holodomor Committee. WORDS. Yanukovych, in particular members of ed at oksanabh@sympatico.ca.
8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 No. 5

NEWS AND VIEWS

Metropolitan Constantine Bohachevsky 1884-1961


by Martha Bohachevsky-Chomiak Ruthenians. To minimize that very visible – even within
the Roman Catholic community – conflict, Pope Pius XI
Fifty years ago, on January 6, 1961, Constantine
appointed not one, but two Ukrainian Catholic bishops for
Bohachevsky, the first metropolitan of the Ukrainian
the United States: Vasyl Takach for the Carpatho-Rusyns
Catholic Church in the United States, died. He was 73
years old and had been the Catholic bishop for Ukrainians and Bohachevsky for the Ukrainians.
in the United States for 37 years. So, when Bishop Bohachevsky came to the United
Pope Pius XI appointed Bohachevsky bishop for States from a Ukrainian community destroyed by the war,
Ukrainian Catholics in the United States in 1924, when he was faced with another poor and increasingly conten-
Bohachevsky was barely 40. tious Ukrainian population, this time immigrant. The new
That appointment was part of a complex arrangement bishop was not as impressed by America’s wealth, as he
that permitted the Vatican to formalize its relations with was devastated by the poverty of most Ukrainian immi-
the new Polish state that had taken power over western grants. He realized that Ukrainians in the United States,
Ukrainian territories. The Poles continued their short- despite all their sacrifices – often at the cost of their own
sighted persecution of Ukrainians in Halychyna, and the and their children’s needs – would not be able to help
Church was no exception. Ukraine in any significant manner unless their own stan-
Bohachevsky was especially singled out for his clear- dard of living improved.
cut and principled stand on nationality issues. He had Lacking monetary resources, he thought that could
been arrested in 1919 by the Polish regime for organizing accomplished only by education. While others bemoaned
the Peremyshl community relief program and for refusing the inevitable Americanization of Ukrainian immigrants
to use Polish in official documents. He was freed only and used their energy to work on collecting whatever
after the personal intervention of the Vatican nuncio to funds they could for the home country and its diplomatic
Poland, Cardinal Achille Ratti – the future Pope Pius XI. representations, Bishop Bohachevsky made two momen-
In 1923 the Polish administration would not recognize tous decisions: one, he would build up the Church and not
Bohachevsky as the newly appointed vicar-general of embroil it in the quarreling among the Ukrainian political
Peremyshl Diocese. In turn Pope Pius XI would not sign a factions; second, he would promote Ukrainian Catholic
Concordat with a Poland that openly discriminated education on all levels to help the faithful grow in faith
against Ukrainian Catholics, as evidenced by Poland’s and wisdom.
opposition to Bohachevsky’s appointment. By appointing Bohachevsky focused on being the Catholic bishop for
Bohachevsky bishop in the United States the pope’s hand the Ukrainian diocese. He would build up that diocese,
was freed, at least for the time being. assure a sustainable livelihood for the priests and establish
All Ukrainian attempts at independence, except for the an orderly administration. He realized early on that the Metropolitan Constantine Bohachevsky
dubious existence of the Soviet Ukrainian republic, had immigrants to America would not return to Ukraine,
failed. The country was impoverished. Metropolitan regardless of their passionate statements to the contrary. the Great, and together they built grammar schools and
Andrey Sheptytsky, who spent the immediate post-World The Ukrainian immigration was becoming an integral part high schools throughout the country, as well as two col-
War I years as the papal vicar to America was as shocked of the multinational fabric of American society, and the leges – one for men and a junior one for women.
by the condition of the Ukrainian Church in the United Ukrainian component should be a complementary one to The Ukrainian Catholic Church in America grew to be
States, as he was by the abject failure of all Ukrainian the United States, and not in opposition to it. strong and united. New dioceses were formed and
attempts at ensuring statehood. Metropolitan Sheptytsky He reasoned that the Church could preserve the Bohachevsky was raised to metropolitan-archbishop. He
opposed the appointment of any of the priests already in Ukrainian Catholic heritage for Ukrainians, and at the was in the midst of more plans for the Metropolitanate
the United States to the position of bishop, and the search same time present their Ukrainian rite and culture to and its schools when he was suddenly stricken by a fatal
was expanded to include all possible candidates. Americans in the United States. heart attack on the eve of Christmas according to the old
The Ukrainian parishes in the United States, lacking a The bishop argued that Ukrainians needed schools to Julian calendar, which the cathedral still used.
bishop with legal authority over property issues, were in help them out of the cycle of poverty that life in the indus- By that time, many parishes had voted to use the newer
disarray, and the position of the Ukrainian clergy was trial centers held in store for them. They needed their own Gregorian calendar, which was prevalent in the world, but
very difficult. Although the Russian government could no Church and their own schools to enable them to live the Bohachevsky had promised his faithful that the cathedral
longer buy parishes for Orthodoxy, the newly established American dream without losing their rich Ukrainian heri- would adhere to the old calendar in its celebration as long
Ukrainian Autocephalous Church exercised an attractive tage. as even one parish continued to opt for it. The metropoli-
force for those Catholic Ukrainians who became dissatis- Bohachevsky realized that the Church in America tan honored his promise to the minority.
fied with their parish. Parishioners fought each other on would need priests who could minister to those who only When Metropolitan Bohachevsky died he was univer-
many issues. knew Ukraine from the church hall. He immediately sally praised for the incontrovertible achievements of his
One of the most contentious was the relationship began work to establish a whole network of Ukrainian tenure. But the full story of his dedicated pastoral service
between the Ukrainians who came from Halychyna, and Catholic schools, from kindergarten to college. It took during a stormy period of the community’s history has yet
those who came from Transcarpathian territories. The lat- time for the community to understand the bishop’s vision. to be told. That story has many lessons for all Ukrainians
ter chose to keep using the old name for Ukrainian – The bishop enlisted the help of the Sisters of St. Basil in the United States, as well as in Ukraine.

BOOK NOTES: New volume of Hrushevsky’s “History of Ukraine-Rus’ ”


EDMONTON, Alberta – The ninth vol- logical and historical issues include Victor member of the Canadian Society of the
ume of Mykhailo Hrushevsky’s “History of Ostapchuk, Sándor Gebei, Eduard Baidaus, Friends of Ukraine. She is also a member of
Ukraine-Rus’ ” is by far the longest in the András Riedlmayer, Vasil Varonin, Pavlo the Shevchenko Scientific Society and the
10-volume series. Written in the late 1920s, Sodomora, Erika Banski, Vera Chentsova League of Ukrainian Philanthropists.
after Hrushevsky had returned to Ukraine and Bert Hall. A generous donor to numerous scholarly
from exile, the volume is dedicated to a cru- The preparation of this volume for publi- undertakings in Ukraine and Canada, she has
cial period of Ukrainian history: the rule of cation was funded by a generous donation made the largest donation in the history of
Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky. from the prominent physician and philan- the Ukrainian Catholic University, an institu-
In the English translation of the history thropist Dr. Maria Fischer-Slysh (Etobicoke, tion that is cooperating with CIUS in the
prepared by the Peter Jacyk Center for Ontario) in memory of her parents, Dr. Adolf new Petro Jacyk Program for the Study of
Ukrainian Historical Research at CIUS and Slyz and Olha Slyz. Modern Society and History. In addition to
published by CIUS Press, this large volume Dr. Fischer-Slysh was born in Kolomyia this volume, Dr. Fischer-Slysh is sponsoring
appears in three separate books. Book 1 of in western Ukraine in 1922 and spent her the publication of Volume 5 of Hrushevsky’s
Volume 9 was published in 2005; Book 2, childhood in the historic town of Belz before history.
Part 1, appeared in 2008; and 2010 Book 2, moving with her family to Lviv in 1933. She This tome, in which Hrushevsky analyzes
Part 2 was made available to readers and attended the Ukrainian Academic the last two years of Hetman Khmelnytsky’s
scholars in 2010. Gymnasium in Lviv, but after the Soviet rule, consists of the final chapters (10–13) of
This book was translated by Marta Daria occupation of western Ukraine she fled with Volume 9. Hrushevsky presents the most
Olynyk, a Montreal-based translator, editor her family and finished her secondary educa- comprehensive discussion to date of
and broadcaster. It was edited by the director tion in Kholm. She completed her medical Khmelnytsky’s foreign policy in the after-
of the Jacyk Center, Dr. Frank E. Sysyn, and studies in Munich in 1949 and emigrated math of the Treaty of Pereiaslav (1654), a
the consulting editor for the book, Dr. with her family to the United States in 1950. topic closed to research in Soviet Ukraine
Yaroslav Fedoruk, a senior scholar at the She practiced as a pediatrician in from the 1930s to the 1980s.
Mykhailo Hrushevsky Institute of Ukrainian Kankakee, Ill. In 1959 she married Dr. He also discusses Khmelnytsky’s
Archaeography and Source Studies, National Rudolf Fischer, who was born in Straubing, She is a long-time member of the board renewed efforts to annex the western
Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Kyiv, Bavaria, and completed his medical studies of directors of the Ukrainian Medical Ukrainian territories and to control the
with the assistance of CIUS Press Senior at the Humboldt University in Berlin. Dr. Association of North America in Chicago, Belarusian lands conquered by the Kozaks.
Editor Myroslav Yurkevich. Fischer passed away in 1982. Dr. Fischer- head of the Friends of the Academic
Other scholars who advised on termino- Slysh now resides in Toronto. Gymnasium in the Diaspora, and a board (Continued on page 22)
No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 9

NEWS AND VIEWS

Ukraine’s courts and the importance of acknowledging precedents


by Bohdan A. Futey when determining the correct rule of law, den reversal raised questions of legitima- accordance with the 2004 Constitution to
the judicial system might collapse under cy. The recent change in course also rais- avoid conflicts between rules of the 1996
Ukraine’s Constitutional Court recent- the inevitable delays. es issues of legal consistency and calls Constitution and laws adopted after the
ly overturned the “political reform” of into question whether the judiciary has political reform became effective.
2004 that had dramatically altered the Overturning “political reform”
upheld the rule of law. In the coming months, Ukraine will
country’s system of government. Only a The substance of the court’s decision have to confront one of the most apparent
The decision of the Constitutional
year and a half prior to that, however, the restored the provisions of the 1996 conflicts: elections. When do the parlia-
Court of Ukraine on the country’s “politi-
court refused to hear a similar procedural Constitution that were changed by Law mentary elections and elections to other
cal reform” is an abrupt change of course.
challenge to that reform. This change, of No. 2222, but did so without including state bodies take place? When will the
Although the substance of that decision
course, may cause legal confusion. In specific directives regarding the legitima- presidential election take place? All of
was correct, the court should have
future decisions, the court should recog- cy of current state institutions. According these officials were elected in accordance
explained in full its reasons for departing
nize the value of consistency that comes to the court, reverting to the prior version with the procedures established by a law
from its prior, recent rulings on this exact
from respecting and acknowledging prior of the Constitution ensures constitutional that has now been ruled unconstitutional.
subject. The failure to do so, and the
decisions. stability in Ukraine, and guarantees Will the parliamentary elections be held
uncertainty created by the recent deci-
In Europe and around the world, many human rights and freedoms, as well as the in March 2011 (the last Sunday of the last
sions, threatens legal chaos.
countries follow the civil law system, integrity, inviolability and consistency of year of terms) as foreseen in the 1996
The political reform was passed by the
rather than the common law. Common the Constitution as the supreme law of Constitution? Furthermore, pursuant to
Verkhovna Rada in response to the fraud-
law systems are hierarchical and unified, the land. the 1996 Constitution, national deputies
ulent presidential run-off election in
with a single high court atop the hierar- 2004. The reform, embodied in Law No. Reversion without more, however, also were elected for a four-year term, and the
chy, while civil law judicial systems 2222-IV (the Law of Ukraine on throws into question the legitimacy and current composition of the Parliament
sometimes lack a unified court system Amending the Constitution of Ukraine), activity of all state bodies elected, con- was elected for five years.
and instead rely on separate, specialized constituted a series of amendments to vened or created during the last six years. Unfortunately, the Constitutional Court
courts. Ukraine’s Constitution. The amendments This may impede future legal relations in kept silent about these and other ques-
In the present era of globalization, resolved the electoral crisis, but were the state, since people are uncertain tions. Respect for and confidence in the
however, the distinction between the two hastily adopted and not passed in accor- which legal entities are legitimate and judiciary hinge on clear decision-making,
systems has become blurred, and com- dance with required constitutional proce- which have been overturned with the and it is unfortunate that the
mon law and civil law countries have dures. According to a 2005 decision of downfall of the political reform. The Constitutional Court’s decision on a topic
incorporated some shared features. The the Constitutional Court, changes in the court should have explained the legal of such national importance left unan-
aim of either judicial system is to provide political system of Ukraine must be sub- force of laws and provisions adopted in swered questions.
stability through the consistent applica- mitted to and approved by a national ref-
tion of the law and adherence to the erendum, in addition to all other require-
Constitution, since arbitrary decisions
can instill uncertainty and confusion not
only in legal circles but also among the
ments.
The political reform of 2004 was never IN THE PRESS: Ukraine’s leaders
subject to any such referendum. Many
people of a given country and the interna- critics, including this writer believe that “Ukraine viewpoint: Novelist cratic state, but neither Washington nor
tional community. such a referendum was required because Andrey Kurkov,” BBC News, January Brussels is going to do the job for
As a common law system, the United the reform changed the political system 13: Ukrainians.
States and its experience with precedent and converted Ukraine from a presiden- “…the coming months will certainly “The West respects the people’s will in
should therefore be relevant to ensuring tial system into a parliamentary system. be busy for the country’s state prosecu- electing Yanukovych. But the recent
consistency in Ukraine’s legal system. The procedures for adopting the politi- tors who have been told to draw up a list reports on the situation in Ukraine, criti-
In the United States, courts engage cal reform were challenged as recently as of illegal activities carried out by the gov- cal comments from Western experts and
with precedent via the doctrine of stare 2008. One hundred and two legislators ernment of former Prime Minister Yulia even state officials imply that the
decisis. Under this doctrine, appellate petitioned the Constitutional Court to Tymoshenko. … Ukrainian government went too far.
courts generally adhere to decisions of review the procedures for adopting Law “Yulia Tymoshenko is Mr. [Viktor] Given the situation in authoritarian
their own court, although they have the No. 2222, but the court dismissed the Yanukovych’s chief political opponent. Russia and Belarus, the West is feeling
power to overturn those prior decisions. challenge on February 8, 2008. The court “Unless her party is destroyed now, that it’s losing its last hope for democracy
The United States Supreme Court has ruled that when the law amending the and unless she is prevented from standing and pluralism in Ukraine, which soon
noted that following precedent “promotes Constitution became effective, its provi- at the next presidential elections, she will might lead to very sad consequences. The
the even-handed, predictable and consis- sions were practically incorporated into become Ukraine’s next president. … repressions and prosecutions are becom-
tent development of legal principles, fos- the text of the Constitution. “Having “It seems Mr. Yanukovych is little ing a bad disease in Ukraine, an abscess
ters reliance on judicial decisions, and become effective,” the court wrote, “the worried by Western or local views about that will burst if not treated.”
contributes to the actual and perceived Law itself is functionless.” the situation in the country. He has made
integrity of the judicial process.” The encouraging statements about how ***
The Constitutional Court reversed
court also has written that the doctrine is course on September 30, 2010. In deci- Ukraine is striving towards the European “KP: Do you see any parallels
“not an inexorable command” and that a sion № 20-рп/2010, the court reviewed Union, about how Ukrainians will soon between Ukraine now and Ukraine of
court may correct “unworkable” or the constitutionality of the procedures for be able to travel to Schengen countries 2000?
“badly reasoned” decisions. adopting the political reform. Without a without a visa and about how democracy “MG: There are a lot of parallels, but I
Because judges are not absolutely proper explanation of why a challenge and free speech will continue to flourish have a feeling that the new authorities
bound by precedent, courts sometimes could now be brought to those proce- in Ukraine. can and will be even more brutal than
consider the policies of stare decisis dures, the court found Law No. 2222 “But all the while, the president and Kuchma’s regime. That’s why it’s so dan-
when ruling on cases. Three of those pol- invalid and restored the provisions of the those around him are clearly molding a gerous. They are trying to persuade soci-
icies are relevant here. First, following Constitution of Ukraine that were amend- Russian form of government and, if pos- ety that they won’t let up any time soon.
precedent helps to ensure that statutes ed, broadened, or excluded by Law No. sible, they would like to reform the coun- “Was it possible to prevent all these
and rules are interpreted consistently and 2222. try into a ‘controlled democracy’ as in events that are now taking place – raiding
uniformly. Second, following precedent The decision is doubtlessly legitimate, neighboring Russia. While a real opposi- of businesses, arrests of opposition lead-
ensures predictable outcomes and dis- since the procedures for enacting the tion exists in the country, this is going to ers, crackdown on human rights activists
courages arbitrary decisions that vary political reform were unconstitutional. be very difficult. …” and political opponents? Yes, but the
from case to case. Third, the doctrine pro- Despite that legitimacy, however, the leaders of the Orange Revolution who
motes judicial efficiency. If, in every decision has a number of far-reaching “Myroslava Gongadze: Yanukovych pledged to put bandits in jail failed to ful-
case, a court had to write on a blank slate consequences. team may be ‘more brutal’ than fill their promise and establish the rule of
The decision may undermine the rule of Kuchma,” interview by Olesia law. Had they done so we would have
Bohdan A. Futey is a Judge on the law, since the court has now rendered Oleshko, Kyiv Post, January 21: had a totally different Ukraine. These
United States Court of Federal Claims in inconsistent decisions. It is a risky practice “Kyiv Post: On January 13, Freedom people should blame themselves first of
Washington, appointed by President for a democratic state to have its highest House published a report saying that all.”
Ronald Reagan in May 1987. Judge court issue conflicting decisions without Ukraine had lost its democratic achieve-
Futey has been active in various rule of thoroughly explaining that conflict. Legal ments. Does it mean that the West has “Will Yanukovych oust nation’s top
law and democratization programs in reasoning can certainly change over time, finally officially recognized the decline oligarchs?” by Anders Aslund, Kyiv
Ukraine since 1991. He has participated but the court should have dealt with and of democratic freedoms and civil liberties Post, January 20:
in judicial exchange programs, seminars explicitly invalidated its prior decisions to in Ukraine? “The economic situation in Ukraine is
and workshops, and has been a consul- avoid legal inconsistency. “Myroslava Gongadze: The West is quite easy to assess. President Viktor
tant to the working group on Ukraine’s Not so long ago I commented on the totally aware of the usurpation of power Yanukovych is fully in charge, and he is
Constitution and the Ukrainian April 8, 2010, decision of the court con- by a certain political group that is pursu- quickly consolidating power.
Parliament. He also served as an official cerning the possibility of forming a coali- ing its own financial interests. The thing “So far he is balancing between two
observer during the parliamentary elec- tion by individual defecting deputies in is that the Western governments have oligarchic groups – the so-called
tions in 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006, and the Verkhovna Rada. This decision already gotten used to the Ukrainian RosUkrEnergo group and the Donetsk
presidential elections in 1994, 1999, reversed a decision of September 17, elite’s political manipulations and, frank- clan. The big question is whether he will
2004 and 2010, and conducted briefings 2008, dealing with the formation of coali- ly speaking, have no desire to interfere in continue to do so, or oust the oligarchs to
on Ukraine’s election law and guidelines tions. Legally, nothing had changed that process. Of course, the West would
for international observers. except for the government, and the sud- like to have Ukraine develop as a demo- (Continued on page 21)
10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 No. 5
No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 11

Ukraine's Unity Day... $17.50 by the Party of Regions (led by Mr.


Yanukovych) to attend the maidan rally and
separate rally.
“There’s a moral
(Continued from page 1) wave national flags. aspect to the meet-
Fesenko said indicated an interest in merg- Alcohol occasionally works as well. The ing on St. Sophia
ing forces with the Front of Change for the Ukrainian Weekly’s correspondent Square, which was
next parliamentary elections, which are like- Volodymyr Musyak reported that an alarm- to a certain extent
ly to occur in 2012. ing number of participants were intoxicated supposed to
On the “maidan” (Independence Square), at the maidan concert. become moral sup-
thousands of Ukrainians waved blue-and- The Party of Regions’ dirty practices port for the opposi-
yellow flags and listened to a concert orga- were displayed on the Internet for the world tion that’s under
nized by the Kyiv City State Administration, to see that night after more than 150 partici- pressure from the
which is led by Oleksander Popov of the pants gathered at the party headquarters in government,” Mr.
Party of Regions. central Kyiv to demand their money for Fesenko said.
Former Presidents Leonid Kravchuk and attending the rally. “From that moral
Leonid Kuchma joined President The same night, leading journalist point of view, there
Yanukovych and Prime Minister Mykola Mustafa Nayem recorded on video how is criticism.”
Azarov in attending a formal ceremony and Party of Regions members – led by Andrii Mr. Yatsenyuk
concert held at the Ukrayina Palace. The Nadosha, son of national Deputy Oleh held the separate
Yanukovych administration organized com- Nadosha – paid participants at a Kyiv café commemoration
memorations throughout Ukraine on afterwards with the help of lists. strictly as a politi- Volodymyr Musyak
January 22. Meanwhile, the Batkivshchyna Party cal tactic to pro- On St. Sophia Square (from right) are: Batkivschyna Party
“The government is trying to find its own reported their buses of supporters were yet mote his new polit- Chair Yulia Tymoshenko, For Ukraine Party Chair
format of humanitarian policy in order to again stopped by traffic police and prevent- ical force to the Viacheslav Kyrylenko and European Party of Ukraine Chair
neutralize the blame and criticisms,” Mr. ed from traveling to the capital from cities public and show Mykola Katerynchuk.
Fesenko said. “It’s a separate issue whether t h a t i n c l u d e d L v i v, O d e s a a n d the support he’s
that’s working.” Dnipropetrovsk. mustered, Mr. Fesenko said. It was not President Yushchenko demonstrated, the
Indeed, the Party of Regions has found Those illegal methods on the part of the intended to weaken the opposition, though Front of Change party dispatched one of its
that money works for most of its supporters. government were expected by the opposi- such accusations were made. leaders, Ms. Hrynevych, to the event on St.
Journalists in Kyiv discovered that many tion forces, which were more frustrated To prove it has none of the antagonism
participants were paid between $15 and with Mr. Yatsenyuk’s decision to hold a toward Ms. Tymoshenko that former (Continued on page 16)

Soviet-era political prisoner Lev


Lukianenko addressed the January 22
Patriarch Filaret of the Ukrainian Unity Day commemoration led by for- The administration of President Viktor Yanukovych led a Unity Day commemo-
Orthodox Church - Kyiv Patriarchate mer Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko ration on January 22 on Independence Square, which the opposition boycotted.
on St. Sophia Square in Kyiv. on St. Sophia Square. Thousands attended – many of whom were paid.

Human Rights... Barroso would bring up rights concerns dur-


ing the visit by Mr. Karimov.
vent human rights violations.”
The report also says that in Ukraine,
(Continued from page 1) “There is absolutely no question of trad-
In Ukraine, rights rights activists continue to face issues of
to Brussels on January 24 by Uzbek ing off one interest in exchange for the other activists continue censorship and pressure, despite pledges by
President Islam Karimov. as far as the EU is concerned,” she said. President Viktor Yanukovych “to protect
“And I think we’ve had many occasions to to face issues of freedom and media pluralism.”
“Meaningless dialogues” demonstrate that. Human rights is non- On Iran, it says the regime continued to
The report notes that defending human negotiable.” censorship and use torture and intimidation to pressure crit-
rights “may sometimes interfere with other Mr. Michalski notes, meanwhile, that ics and consolidate power amid what it
Western criticism tends to be more strident
pressure, despite called a “deepening human rights crisis.”
governmental interests,” adding that if so,
“they should at least have the courage to the less the country has to offer in terms of pledges by Presi- It accuses security forces in Iran of using
admit it, instead of hiding behind meaning- economic interests. torture to extract confessions, on which the
less dialogues and fruitless quests for coop- “So when it’s up to criticize countries dent Viktor Yanu- judiciary relied to sentence to long prison
eration.” like Belarus, for example, the Western pow- terms and even death people arrested during
Wenzel Michalski, the communications ers, the EU, America, all have a very strong kovych “to protect protests against President Mahmud
director for Human Rights Watch’s voice. They all expressed their concerns Ahmadinejad’s disputed reelection in 2009.
Germany office, calls this year’s report about the vote-rigging and the threatening of freedom and media It said authorities intimidated human
“forceful” in addressing diplomacy and the opposition. Why is that? Why are coun- pluralism.” rights lawyers, preventing them from effec-
rights efforts used in the West. tries like Germany talking strong, and have tively representing political detainees.
“It became very fashionable in the last a strong voice, name and shame human Human Rights Watch also criticized Iran
couple of years to prefer dialogue – so- rights abuses in countries like Belarus and despite some positive rhetoric from the for continuing to discriminate against reli-
called dialogue and silent diplomacy – to not, for example, in China?” Mr. Michalski authorities. It says President Dmitry gious minorities, including Sunnis, adher-
naming and shaming. And we think it didn’t asks. Medvedev’s “rhetorical commitments to ents to the banned Bahai faith, Sufis and
do any good for human rights worldwide,” “That is simply because we don’t deal human rights and the rule of law have not Christian converts.
Mr. Michalski says. “It showed, actually, with Belarus so much. We don’t make so been backed by concrete steps to support
that talk behind closed doors doesn’t lead to much business. Belarus doesn’t have any civil society.” Compiled by RFE/RL with agency
any improvement in this area.” natural resources which would be interest- The report says rights activists, especially reports.
European Commission (EC) spokes- ing for us. So it’s easy to name and shame those working in the North Caucasus Copyright 2011, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted
woman Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen, asked about countries like these.” region, “remain vulnerable to harassment with the permission of Radio Free Europe/
the HRW report at a news briefing in and attacks,” including legal prosecution. Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW,
“Deeply negative”
Brussels on January 24, declined to respond And despite official pledges to reform the Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org. (See
to specific criticisms. In Russia, Human Rights Watch says, the police force, the group says a draft law http://www.rferl.org/content/human_rights_
But she said EC President José Manuel rights climate remains “deeply negative” “falls short of what is necessary to best pre- watch_report_/2285529.html.)
12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 No. 5

Conductor Kirill Karabits debuts with National Symphony Orchestra


by Yaro Bihun within a matter of days, and dedicated it
Special to The Ukrainian Weekly to his father.
“Rather than coming to the NSO with
WASHINGTON – It was an excep- a bang, Karabits came with a personal,
tional debut performance for the young even intimate touch,” was how The
Ukrainian conductor Kirill Karabits with Washington Post music critic Anne
the National Symphony Orchestra, and he Midgette characterized it. 
presented himself to the Washington In her review, Ms. Midgette also point-
audience in an appropriately unique fash- ed to another unusual aspect of the
ion. Karabits debut. Long-known for having a
The first selection on the concert pro- Russian association, at least from the
gram performed at the John F. Kennedy time Mstislav Rostropovich was the
Center for three evenings, January 13-15, music director of the National Symphony,
was Valentin Silvestrov’s “Elegy for she said, “‘Russian’ is a misnomer for
Strings.”  three of the (Karabits) program’s four
Not only was it the NSO’s first perfor- innovations.” She pointed out that the
mance of any piece by this contemporary 34-year-old conductor is Ukrainian, as is
Ukrainian composer, it carried a special the composer Mr. Silvestrov, and the solo
meaning with Karabits as conductor. The violinist playing in Dmitri Shostakovich’s
origin of Silvestrov’s piece was an unfin- Violin Concerto No. 2, Op. 129, Sergey
ished musical sketch penned by compos- Kachatryan, is Armenian.
er-conductor Ivan Karabits, Kirill’s After intermission, the program con- Yaro Bihun
father. cluded with Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. Natalia Motsyk, wife of Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, greeted con-
As Kirill Karabits recalled in an inter- 1 in E minor, Op. 39. ductor Kirill Karabits with flowers after his debut series of performances with
view on the Voice of America Ukrainian The Washington audience rewarded the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington.
television program “Chas-Time” after the the performers enthusiastically and with
first performance, he and Mr. Silvestrov standing ovations throughout the three Karabits said that, of course, he is conductor with numerous European
found the sketches in his father’s note- concerts. Ukrainian. But to be successful, a orchestras, among them the London
book upon his death in 2002. Mr. Asked in the VOA interview if he con- Ukrainian artist must also become a man Philharmonic, the BBC Symphony
Silvestrov promised to complete it, did so siders himself a Ukrainian conductor, Mr.
of the world. “One must learn foreign Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic, the
languages, travel and play Ukrainian D a n i s h N a t i o n a l S y m p h o n y, t h e
music abroad, discuss it, and do so intel- A m s t e r d a m C o n c e r t g e b a u w, t h e
May we help you? ligently. Then they will become interest-
ed.”
Rotterdan Philharmonic and the Berlin
Konzerthaus.
To reach The Ukrainian Weekly call (973) 292-9800, “And who should be doing this if not Since his North American debut with the
I,” he added. Houston Symphony in 2009, he has also
and dial the appropriate extension (as listed below). Kirill Karabits, now in his second sea- conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic,
son as the principal conductor of the the Minnesota Orchestra, and – a week
Editorial – 3049, 3088 • Production – 3063, 3069 Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in before coming to Washington – the San
Britain, began studying conducting and Francisco Symphony, where the headline to
Administration – 3041 • Advertising – 3040 composition in Kyiv, at the Lysenko the review in the San Francisco Chronicle
Subscriptions – 3042 Music School and the Tchaikovsky Music characterized his appearance as a “Grand
Academy. Since then, he has been guest debut.”
No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 13

Pianist Anna Shelest: “An appealing freshness of spirit”


by Helen Smindak Early piano studies
NEW YORK – I’d been told by two or A poised, elegant
three fellow New Yorkers that Ukrainian- young woman who
born pianist Anna Shelest was an artist to spoke with a charming
watch, a musician who was on the way to accent, Ms. Shelest mod-
becoming a standout in New York music estly reviewed her early
circles. musical experiences: she
I had also heard that the Cincinnati began piano studies at
Enquirer noted she plays “with an appeal- the age of 6 when her
ing freshness of spirit,” and the Cincinnati aunt, who lived in Paris,
Post described her as “the most exciting bought a piano for her.
young pianist to have appeared in ( N o t ev er y o n e w as
Cincinnati in recent years.” The happy about it, she said,
Twentsche Courant Tubantia in the because the instrument
Netherlands called her a “keyboard lion- took up so much space
ess.” in the family’s small
I learned firsthand of Ms. Shelest’s tal- apartment.)
ents when I heard her solo performance With her mother ’s
last month at the Golden Key Music encouragement and a
Institute, interpreting Moussorgsky’s mas- piano teacher’s guid-
terful work “Pictures at an Exhibition,” a ance, she was soon ready
piano suite of 10 passages illustrating to enter the Kharkiv
sketches and watercolors created by his Special Music School
close friend, the architect and sometimes for Gifted Children,
painter Victor Hartmann. where she studied with
The piece reflects the mood of each Gary Gelfat and Sergei
painting, opening with a “promenade” Polusmiak.
theme that re-emerges throughout as a At 11, as the youngest
transition amid the changing moods of the prize-winner of the
various pictures. Through the composer’s Milosz Magin
picturesque writing, the pianist achieves International Piano
mystery, frenzy, humor and grandeur. Competition, she per-
Ms. Shelest was in her element as her formed at the winners’
fingers flew gracefully over the keyboard, concert at UNESCO
conjuring up visions of a gnome-shaped Headquarters in Paris,
nutcracker in a mad dance, a troubador her first experience on a
singing a doleful lament outside an ancient large stage. “It was the
castle, children quarreling at play in a biggest hall I had been
park, a lumbering wooden ox-cart and to, it was huge and the
peeping chicks hatching from their shells. piano seemed so little; it
With finesse and sensitivity, she por- was so unusual to be in
trayed an argument between two Jews, one the center of such a large
wealthy and vain, the other poor and gar- place, with so many peo-
rulous, shrill women vendors in a bustling ple looking at you,” she
marketplace, the eerie gloom of catacombs recalled. The following
beneath the streets of Paris and the crazed year, she made her
flight of the folklore witch Baba Yaga. orchestral debut with the
In the final movement, “The Great Gate Kharkiv Symphony
of Kiev,” Ms. Shelest re-created the blaz- Orchestra, playing
ing glory of a grand and stately procession Rachmaninoff’s Piano
passing through the archway, accompanied Concerto No.1.
by the jubilant pealing of church bells. When her family
The offspring of a Ukrainian mother moved to the U.S. in
and a Ukrainian-Russian father, Ms. 1999, she enrolled at
Shelest gained her consummate piano art- Northern Kentucky
istry through studies in prime schools in University, where she
Ukraine and the U.S., outstanding teach- won numerous scholar-
ers, an active concert career and daily ships and awards, Cathy Lions

practice sessions. She graduated from including the Regent’s Anna Shelest
New York’s prestigious Juilliard School in Award, and recognition
the spring of 2010 and made her New as an outstanding senior in the College of Ms. Shelest is delighted that her piano nape of her neck “so it won’t fly into my
York debut the same year in recitals at Arts and Sciences. Upon graduation with a expertise has taken her to some of the face and eyes when I’m playing.”
Alice Tully Hall and Stern Auditorium at Bachelor of Music degree, she moved to world’s greatest stages, including Carnegie Coincidentally, the sophisticated hairdo
Carnegie Hall. Cincinnati to study privately for a year Hall, the Palacio de Bellas Artes in and stylish gowns admirably flatter her
Her repertoire of solo, concert and with professors from the Cincinnati Mexico City and the Great Hall of slender, 5-foot-10 figure.
ensemble works, from baroque to contem- Conservatory of Music, Elizabeth and Moscow Conservatory. Her career encom- Whenever there’s time, she likes to
porary, includes a gamut of composers – Eugene Pridonoff. passes solo performances with some of the cook. “I find it very relaxing, and it’s very
Bach and Beethoven pieces to Ms. Shelest and Mr. Sarnov were close world’s most renowned orchestras – the satisfying to blend various ingredients and
Tchaikovsky études and the “Ukrainian friends and classmates at Northern Netherland Symphony, the St. Petersburg come up with a finished product,” she
Rhapsody” of composer Oleksandr Zhuk. Kentucky University; in fact, they’ve Philharmonic and the Montreal Symphony commented. But trying to duplicate dishes
She won first prize at several interna- known each other since middle school. – as well as orchestras in Cincinnati, her grandmother frequently served is
tional competitions in recent years, includ- Over the years, their friendship blossomed Corpus Christi, Florida, Kentucky and sometimes frustrating. “Grandma used to
ing the 2009 Bradshaw-Buono into romance, and they were married in California. say, a little bit of salt, a little bit of sugar –
International Piano Competition in New March 2007 in the U.S. In July 2010, they She said she likes to perform “in as my mom is the same – but I need to know
York, the 2005 Kawai American travelled to Ukraine for a traditional many kinds of music as I can; solo recitals exactly how much in order to make the
Recording Contest and the 2005 Louisiana church wedding, with all family members are probably my favorite, because you dish.”
International Piano Competition. present for the celebration. really have enormous freedom when Currently awaiting the release of a new
She has recorded two CDs – an all- Now making their home on you’re on a stage by yourself, but there is CD that includes Moussorgsky’s “Pictures
Rachmaninoff CD featuring his “Études- Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the couple so much great music written for piano in at an Exhibition” and Tchaikovsky and
Tableaux, Op. 39, and Moments- enjoys a vibrant lifestyle. Ms. Shelest con- an orchestra and collaborative piano, as Glinka pieces, Ms. Shelest said she was
Musicaux, op.16,” and “Beyond tinues her appearances as a performing art- well as chamber music, that I like to take also looking forward to her next perfor-
Oblivion,” a collaborative recording with ist, attends rehearsals and teaches private- part in everything.” mance, a January 23 collaboration with the
Cleveland Symphony Orchestra trombon- ly. It’s a constantly changing schedule, Preparation for performances calls for winners of a vocal competition at
ist Cristian Ganicenco. always something new, she said. Mr. some practical decisions in selecting Carnegie Hall’s Weill Auditorium.
All of this came to light as she and her Sarnov is president of DSW Worldwide, stage apparel, Ms. Shelest said, because Mr. Sarnov said a recital at a distin-
handsome husband and manager, Dmitri an organization specializing in career “I try to choose a gown that matches the guished New York venue is in the offing,
Sarnov, chatted with me over lunch at a management for classical musicians. mood of a piece, or the formality of the but this is still a nebulous event that
cheery midtown restaurant, a pleasant They travel to Ukraine each summer to occasion, and I also need to be comfort- requires serious thought and planning.
interlude from the frenzy of a metropolitan visit their families. “We’d like to go more able while I’m seated at the piano.” For When it happens, it will undoubtedly be
city dealing with the aftermath of the bliz- often, but our schedules don’t allow it,” all performances, she likes to wear her another triumph in Ms. Shelest’s burgeon-
zard of 2010. Mr. Sarnov said. hair up and arranged in a chignon at the ing career.
14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 No. 5

NEWSBRIEFS port projects in the field of human rights


throughout the world. And, if Ukraine
power in Ukraine.” Mr. Lutsenko said
that the goal of the current authorities is
lunch will be dedicated to the holding of
the Euro-2012 European Football
(Continued from page 2) submits good projects, then I assume this “to destroy their political opponents and Championship. (Ukrinform)
is one of top priority items on the agenda year, like the last year, we will be ready establish an atmosphere of fear in order
to support these projects,” the diplomat to rob the country and the people without Ukrainian school faces closure
of Ukrainian-Russian relations. On the
instruction of Foreign Affairs Minister said. He added that Germany supports all any obstacles.” Mr. Lutsenko called on DONETSK, Ukraine – One of the old-
Kostyantyn Gryshchenko, the Ukrainian organizations that are doing everything Ukrainians to unite, and added that “the est Ukrainian-language schools in
Embassy in Russia is working toward possible to ensure that basic human rights resistance of people is the only thing the Donetsk is facing closure, RFE/RL’s
normalizing as soon as possible the situa- principles are strengthened. Mr. authorities are afraid of.” He said, “The Ukrainian Service reported on January
tion surrounding the Library of Ukrainian Heimsoeth reported that in 2010 pendulum of Ukrainian history has 20. Donetsk city authorities say they are
Literature; investigatory actions held by Germany supported four projects in swung into a dark time. It all depends on closing the school in the Petro district
Russian law-enforcement bodies do not Ukraine, allocating a total of 104,000 the ability of Ukrainians to protect their because many schools in the city are only
hinder the use of the library funds. In euros. (Ukrinform) families, their souls and their history. half full and some shutdowns were need-
December 2010 over 50 books were Don’t lose your heart! Don’t be silent! ed. But teachers and parents of students
Lutsenko: I am a political prisoner We are united!” he said. On December
withdrawn from the Ukrainian library in enrolled at the Ukrainian-language school
Moscow for psychological-linguistic KYIV – Former Ukrainian Internal 13, 2010, Mr. Lutsenko and his former have asked officials why it, and not a
expert examination. On January 12 Affairs Minister Yuriy Lutsenko, who driver Leonid Prystupliuk were charged Russian-language school, was chosen to
Ukraine’s MFA stated that the Library of leads the People’s Self-Defense Party, with large-scale embezzlement of state be shut down. School principal Svitlana
Ukrainian Literature in Moscow had fully said he is innocent and described himself property worth 360,000 hrv, as well as Babenko told RFE/RL that closing the
resumed its normal work. On January 14 as a political prisoner. “I swear before the abuse of power and the use of forged school has been under discussion for four
authorities conducted a new search in the documents. On December 26 Mr. months. She said it was very likely her
God and people that I am not guilty of
library, during which the library’s servers Lutsenko was detained near his house. school would be closed as it is operating
what I’m being accused of at the highest
were seized. (Ukrinform) On December 27 the Pecherskyi District at only 51 percent of capacity and is near
command of the Procurator General’s
Court of Kyiv ordered Mr. Lutsenko to be two other schools that also have low
Germany to support rights in Ukraine Office. The only reason for my imprison-
jailed for two months. On December 28 it enrollment. Former principal Ivan
ment in a condemned cell at Lukianivka
became known that Mr. Lutsenko had Zhuravka told RFE/RL the school had
KYIV – Germany is ready to earmark jail is to deprive me of any chance to
been moved from a Security Service of just marked its 90th anniversary and that
nearly 100,000 euros in 2011 to support speak out about the resumption of bandit Ukraine (SBU) prison to Lukianivka
human rights projects in Ukraine, democracy in Ukraine,” the press service former graduates include parents and
Prison No. 13. On January 17 Lutsenko’s grandparents of many current students.
Germany’s Ambassador to Ukraine Hans- of the People’s Self-Defense Party on lawyer Ihor Fomin filed a complaint to
Jurgen Heimsoeth told reporters on January 19 quoted Mr. Lutsenko as say- He expressed hope that local authorities
the European Court of Human Rights would reverse their decision. Meanwhile,
January 26. “This year, the German gov- ing. He also said that he had become “a charging that Mr. Lutsenko’s arrest was
ernment will provide more funds to sup- prisoner of war of criminals who seized teachers and parents have signed an open
illegal. (Interfax-Ukraine) letter to the Donetsk municipal authori-
Investigator denies Tymoshenko’s request ties urging them not to close the school.

CLASSIFIEDS
Of the more than 200 schools in Donetsk,
KYIV – An investigator with the only 36 provide instruction in Ukrainian.
Procurator General’s Office (PGO), said In the last 30 years of the Soviet Union,
on January 25 that the request of the ex- all schooling in Donetsk was conducted
TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL MARIA OSCISLAWSKI (973) 292-9800 x 3040 in Russian. Although there is an almost
prime minister and leader of the
or e-mail adukr@optonline.net Batkivschyna party, Yulia Tymoshenko, equal number of ethnic Russians and
for permission to travel to Brussels was Ukrainians in Donetsk, use of the
denied since she presented the invitation Russian language predominates in the
SERVICES PROFESSIONALS without proper clearance. “Allowing exit city, which has a population of about 1
to a person who is under house arrest is million. (RFE/RL)
not a duty but a right of the investigator,
Two bombings rock Makiyivka
that is, his direct procedural compe-
tence,” the liaison department of the KYIV – Ukrainian officials said two
Procurator General’s Office reported. The explosions that rocked Makiyivka in the
investigator also did not grant Ms. Donetsk region early on January 20 were
Tymoshenko’s appeal to close the crimi- criminal acts, and that more bombings
nal case opened against her on charges of have been threatened. Police say the two
committing a serious crime under Part 3, simultaneous, early-morning blasts near a
Article 365 of the Criminal Code (abuse coal company building and a central mar-
of power or official authority, resulting in ket in Makiyivka damaged nearby build-
grave consequences). The department ings, but that no one was hurt. The
also noted that Ms. Tymoshenko’s charg- Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said a
es against prosecutors are nothing but an note was found near the scene demanding
attempt to put pressure on the investiga- $5.4 million and threatening five more
tion and to discredit it. Investigators of bombings later in the day if the sum was
the PGO on January 17 reopened the not paid. The note said bombs had
criminal case against Ms. Tymoshenko at already had been placed around the city.
her request and on the appeal of her attor- Investigators said they were not ruling
FOR SALE ney. In December 2010 the PGO filed out the possibility that the attacks were
charges that Ms. Tymoshenko, as prime acts of terrorism. (Voice of America)
minister, “acting intentionally, in her own
CONDO For Sale: 55+ Ukrainian Com- interests,” decided on the use of funds Ukraine is IMF’s second largest debtor
munity. First floor end unit 4 rooms 1
received from the sale of quotas for KYIV – Ukraine remained the second
bedroom. Quiet setting. Close to shop-
greenhouse gases for specific purposes to largest debtor of the International
ping and major highways. Central New
cover state budget revenues, primarily to Monetary Fund (IMF) as of January 6,
Jersey location Call 908-227-6254
pay pensions. The total amount of alleg- after Romania (with special drawing
edly misused funds was 380 million rights of 9.8 billion) in terms of funds
euros. (Ukrinform) disbursed under the current stand-by
OPPORTUNITIES
Yanukovych heading to Davos loans, with its liabilities being SDR 9.25
billion (about $14.2 billion U.S.). The
Karpaty Construction Company Earn extra income! KYIV – President Viktor Yanukovych IMF’s third largest debtor is Greece with
All work, large or small: complete home will visit Switzerland to attend the World SDR 9.13 billion. The IMF Executive
renovations, bathrooms, basements, The Ukrainian Weekly is looking Economic Forum (WEF), which will be Board on December 22, 2010, decided to
roofs, masinry work, exterior and for advertising sales agents. held in Davos on January 26-28, the head allocate to Ukraine a second tranche
interior painting. Call Vasili Cholak: For additional information contact Maria of the Presidential Administration, Serhiy under the Stand-By Arrangement at $1.5
718-392-0138; cell 347-515-5437. Oscislawski, Advertising Manager, The Lyovochkin, said. He said that the billion. The funds could be transferred to
Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. Ukrainian president was expected to meet Ukraine after the launch of pension
with heads of international organizations, reform. The program of cooperation
MERCHANDISE as well as with the leaders of some coun- between Ukraine and the IMF, which was
tries, particularly members of the Group approved in July 2010, foresees the pro-
of Eight. Mr. Yanukovych is also to meet vision of a $15.15 billion loan to Ukraine
with the leaders of the World Bank, the for two and a half years. (Ukrinform)
WANT IMPACT? International Monetary Fund, the
European Bank for Reconstruction and More movement across western border
Run your advertisement here, Development and Secretary-General of KYIV – On the western sector of
in The Ukrainian Weekly’s the United Nations Ban Ki-moon. In Ukraine’s border, the passenger flow of
CLASSIFIEDS section. addition, a Ukrainian-Polish lunch is to Ukrainians in 2010 as compared to 2009
be held in Davos with the participation of grew by almost one-fourth. In 2010, 23.5
President Yanukovych and Polish
President Bronislaw Komorowski; the (Continued on page 15)
No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 15

NEWSBRIEFS Most important political events of 2010 were signed by the heads of 12 academic
institutions, including the Institute of
fidence that they will keep their jobs, and
10 percent said they were unemployed. At
KYIV – Just over 40 percent of the peo- Geochemistry, Institute of Electric the same time, the majority of the respon-
(Continued from page 14) ple surveyed in December 2010 by the
million persons crossed the western sector Welding, Institute of Microbiology, dents remain confident that the welfare of
Sofia social research center believe that Institute of Applied and Theoretical their families will not deteriorate and
of the border, 1.5 million more than in the most important event in the political
2009, the State Border Guard Service of Physics, and others. According to the Kyiv might even improve. Of those polled, 29
life of Ukraine in 2010 was the election of University rector, Leonid Hubersky, the percent said they expect the same state of
the western region reported. The number Viktor Yanukovych as president of
of Ukrainians, who crossed the border in creation of the Science Park Kyiv Taras well-being in 2011, while 38 percent have
Ukraine. Respondents were asked to Shevchenko University in association with hope for an improving financial situation.
2010, increased by 22 percent, and the choose from a proposed list the three
number of foreigners fell by 8 percent. As the National Academy of Sciences of Researchers have concluded that the most
events they considered most important in Ukraine will facilitate the most efficient optimistic are young people. The study
the head of the State Border Guard press political life. The results: 40.3 percent
service, Volodymyr Sheremet, noted on use of the university as an international involved more than 700 people age 18 to
cited Mr. Yanukovych’s election; 20.2 per- scientific and educational center. The sci-
January 17, this trend most likely is related 65. The survey was conducted via Internet
cent cited the protests against the adoption ence park will also help create new jobs,
to the active issuance of cards for local questionnaires. (Ukrinform)
of the tax code; and 17.6 percent pointed and facilitate employment of university
border movement by the consulates of to the election of local authorities. Another graduates, development of innovation Most popular children’s names
European countries bordering Ukraine. As 14.3 percent believe the most important
concerns foreigners, the reduction in their infrastructure, and improve conditions for KYIV – Children in Ukraine were
event was signing of the agreement with attracting investment. (Ukrinform)
number at ground checkpoints is explained Russia on the extension of the Russian most often named Oleksander, Anastasia
by the fact that there is no need for them to Black Sea Fleet’s lease in Sevastopol until Kraft Foods investing $40 million and Sofia in 2010, Justice Minister
travel to Ukraine for Ukrainian goods as 2042; 13.8 percent – adoption of the tax Oleksander Lavrynovych said on January
Ukrainians now bring the goods into their code; 13.5 percent – visits to Ukraine by KYIV – The closed joint stock compa- 4, referring to his ministry’s civil regis-
countries. At the same time, at airports, the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev; 12.4 ny Kraft Foods Ukraine is investing $40 tration bodies. According to Mr.
number of foreigners increased, testifying percent – an international audit of the pre- million in the development of productive Lavrynovych, these names have not lost
to an increase in tourism and business, vious government of Yulia Tymoshenko; capacities at the Trostianets chocolate fac- their popularity in Ukraine for at least the
border guards reported. (Ukrinform) 10.9 percent – adoption by the Verkhovna tory. A new biscuit plant will open in the last decade. Also popular in 2010 were
Rada of the law on the principles of third quarter of 2011, said the factory’s such female names as Maria, Hanna,
Tymoshenko on library in Moscow director, Ihor Kharchenko. CJSC Kraft
domestic and foreign policy; 6.8 percent – Daria (Daryna), Viktoria, Polina,
KYIV – Former Ukrainian Prime renewal of the 1996 Constitution; 6.6 per- Foods Ukraine, which employs 865 peo- Kateryna, Yelyzaveta, Alina, Oleksandra,
Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who is the cent – creation of a political coalition in ple, is part of the Kraft Foods corporation, Krystyna and Solomia, and such male
leader of the Batkivschyna Party, said on parliament and government formation; 6.3 one of the world’s top food producers. The names as Maksym, Artem, Danylo,
January 19 that Ukrainian authorities percent – other events. The survey results Trostianets factory manufactures chocolate Mykyta, Vladyslav, Denys, Andrii,
should be concerned about the fate of the were released on December 31, 2010. under the brand names Korona and Milka, Dmytro, Kyrylo, Ivan, Nazar and
Library of Ukrainian Literature in Moscow (Ukrinform) Vedmedik Barnі and Tuk biscuits, Lux Bohdan. Among other names that were
and protect the interests of Ukrainians in potato chips, and Jacobs, Carte Noire and often given to children in Ukraine in
Russia. “We are very concerned that the Yanukovych named politician of the year Maxwell House coffee. About 80 percent 2010 were such female names as
new Ukrainian authorities humiliate the of the products are imported into neigh- Veronika, Diana, Marharyta, Yulia, Olha,
KYIV – President Viktor Yanukovych boring countries. (Ukrinform)
spirituality of the people and humiliate Ariana, Tetiana, Kyra, Yana, Yeva and
was the most popular politician of 2010,
national shrines... This, in fact, is a blow to Ukrainians afraid of losing jobs Maryna, and such male names as
according to an experts’ poll conducted by
the heart of our nation. One of these unfor- Bohdan, Roman, Mykhailo, Yehor,
the Democratic Initiatives Foundation.
tunate cases is our Ukrainian library, which KYIV – Forty-seven percent of Yaroslav, Tymofii, Yevhen, Mark,
DIF director Iryna Bekeshkina told report-
our authorities should now protect, in Ukrainians polled expressed uncertainty Volodymyr, Serhii, Matvii, Hlib, Vitalii,
ers that second and third place, according
another state. It seems to me that claims by about their employment in 2011. These are Davyd, Yurii, Oleksii, Tymur and
to the poll, were taken by the chief of the
the authorities that it’s not our library are the results, released on January 4, of the Mykola. Rare names in 2010 included:
Presidential Administration, Serhiy
just unacceptable,” she told journalists in 13th annual survey of consumer senti- Herman, Rodion, Vlas, Lev and Myron
Lyovochkin, and the leader of the Svoboda
Kyiv on January 4, before her latest round ments conducted by Deloitte. Forty-two for boys, and Anzhelika, Nonna, Yuliana
party, Oleh Tiahnybok. Meanwhile,
of interrogation at the main investigation percent of the respondents expressed con- and Neonilla for girls. (Ukrinform)
according to Ms. Bekeshkina, the least
department of the Procurator General’s
successful politicians in 2010, according
Office. Ms. Tymoshenko said that opposi-
to experts, was the leader of the
tion groups would by all means defend the
Batkivschyna party, Yulia Tymoshenko,
interests of the Library of Ukrainian
former President Viktor Yushchenko, and
Literature in Moscow and provide support
and assistance. During an interview with Vice Prime Minister Sergey Tigipko. The
Channel 5 TV on January 18 Prime survey was conducted on December
Minister Mykola Azarov said the Ukrainian 15-23, 2010, with 45 Ukrainian experts
government proposed opening a library in participating. (Ukrinform)
Moscow that would be Ukrainian property. Russian paper hails Yanukovych
Mr. Azarov said that the current library is
owned by the Russian government. “I KYIV – The Russian newspaper
Maria Olijnyk
thought about this [the possibility of pro- Vedomosti recognized President Viktor
Yanukovych of Ukraine as 2010 89, a long term resident of Pittsburgh PA, and most recently of Mountain
posing to Russia to build a Ukrainian
library in Moscow as the property of Politician of the Year. The publication Lakes, NJ, entered into eternal rest and joy on December 12, 2010, after
Ukraine], and we, I think, will consider this stressed that, after coming to power, Mr. a 5 year battle with lung cancer.
question and resolve it soon,” Mr. Azarov Yanukovych proved himself not only as a
Born in Oszmiana, Lithuania, she witnessed first hand as a young woman
said. (Interfax-Ukraine) businessman, but also as a diplomat. In
April he signed the Kharkiv treaty with the devastation of war in Ukraine and Germany during the 1940’s. After
Kravchuk predicts acute situation Russia on the extension of lease for the the war, she was a civilian employee of the US Army in Ansbach,
bases of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Germany, and then immigrated in 1948 with her husband and daughter to
KYIV – Leonid Kravchuk predicts an the US, where they settled in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1949.
acute political situation in Ukraine in the Crimea from 2017 to 2042 in
2011 due primarily to the continuation of exchange for a discount on Russian gas Maria, along with her husband and brother-in-law, was a founder of
constitutional reform. Referring to the to $40 billion over 10 years; the contract
Olijnyk Brothers Meat Packing Co., which for many years was well-known
opinion of the Venice Commission and removed the reasons for gas and Crimean
w a r s , t h e n e w s p a p e r n o t e d . M r. for its custom meats, especially their highly popular kielbasa. She was
the foreign political elite, Mr. Kravchuk very active and strongly supported various Ukrainian American causes;
said that constitutional reform in Ukraine Yanukovych did not quarrel with Europe
and the U.S. either, the newspaper noted. Maria valued her membership in the Ukrainian National Women’s League
is incomplete and not quite legitimate,
And, although he declined to seek entry of America and was a long-term parishioner at St. John the Baptist
therefore, whether the president wants
this or not, he will have to continue into NATO, he sought EU membership Ukrainian Catholic Church in Pittsburgh, PA.
reforming the political system in Ukraine for Ukraine. The authors of the article in
Maria was a woman who impressed all whom she met with her great
based on the country’s Constitution. It is the popular Russian newspaper pointed
out that Mr. Yanukovych has an authori- patience, courage and selflessness, and will be missed by many. She is
also necessary to continue reform of the survived by her husband of 68 years, Michael, her brother-in-law, Basilus,
economy and judicial systems, the former tarian style, which is seen from the tight-
ening of the law on elections, closed her daughter, Helena Mazur, and son-in-law, Leonard, of Mountain Lakes,
president added. Upcoming parliamenta-
ry elections, the date of which is still information policy and reprisals against NJ. She is also survived by 3 grandchildren, Maria, Michael and Irene,
under debate, will add urgency to the sit- Yulia Tymoshenko and her allies. Yet, her great grandchildren, Walter, Helena and Evelyn, and a great-great
uation. According to Mr. Kravchuk, they added, Mr. Yanukovych is able to granddaughter, Alicia. Other survivors include her nephew Janusz Szydlo,
“Most politicians believe that the elec- compromise with opponents. He has a and numerous family members in Ukraine and Poland.
tions should be held in 2011, others cite surprisingly good command of the art of
the possible, the art of politicians taking Funeral services were held on December 14, 2010, at St. John the
the year of 2012. But the issue is that
power seriously and for the long haul, the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Whippany, NJ, followed by interment
everything must proceed under the valid
Constitution, rather than the one that was publication noted. (Ukrinform) in St. Mary’s cemetery in Jenkintown, PA.
effective in the past. We must respect the Shevchenko U. to have scientific park In honor of Maria, donations to St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic
rules of the Constitution.” Mr. Kravchuk Church Building Fund, 60 N. Jefferson Rd., Whippany, NJ 07981 would
made his comments in a January 3 inter- KYIV – A scientific park will be estab- be greatly appreciated.
view with InterMediaConsulting. lished at Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko
(Ukrinform) University. Documents on the new venture
16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 No. 5

Chicago program focuses on the reality of human trafficking


by Ivanka Bryan for students during school vacations. In a
country racked with a high unemployment
CHICAGO – The Alla Horska branch of percentage, this is an attractive proposition.
the Women’s Association for the Defense of The film helps educate young people by
the Four Freedoms for Ukraine (WADFFU), creating awareness and outlining the specif-
hosted a community awareness evening ic requirements for working abroad so that
about human trafficking on October 9, they can ensure that offers they entertain are
2010. This event was held under the auspic- legitimate.
es of the Blue Heart Campaign of the Orysia Sushko outlined the efforts of the
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Blue Heart campaign and what Chicago’s
(UNODC), whose goal is to increase the community organizations can do to combat
understanding of, and to create urgency this atrocious crime against humanity. Mrs.
around the issue in order to motivate coordi- Sushko is a Ukrainian Canadian community
nated efforts to fight this horrendous crime, activist, chair of the Anti-Trafficking
which affects more than 4 million men, Commission of the World Federation of
women and children annually. Ukrainian Women’s Organizations
The audience ranged in age from univer- (WFUWO), appointee to the prestigious
sity students to those in their golden years. Order of Canada, and immediate past-presi-
Among the participants were clergy of the dent of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
Chicago metropolitan area as well as repre- Rachel Durschlag, founder and executive
sentatives of various community organiza- director of the Chicago Alliance Against
tions, including: Sister Luisa Tsupa, director Sexual Exploitation (CAASE), continued
of the Catechetical Institute of the Ukrainian the discussion from a local perspective. Ms. Sue Kryzanowicz-Milanez
Catholic University and vice-chair of the Durschlag made the startling revelation that Members of the Alla Horska branch of the Women’s Association for the Defense
Patriarchal Catechetical Commission; trafficked women pass through our very of Four Freedoms for Ukraine with guest speakers (seated, from left) Orysia
Andrij Filipchuk, vice-consul of the own neighborhoods and that we must reach Sushko, Victor Malarek and Rachel Durschlag.
Consulate General of Ukraine in Chicago; out to advocacy groups like CAASE, an
Vera Eliashevsky, chair of the Chicago-Kyiv organization that works to eliminate sexual ence asked questions of the panel of speak- exploitation, harvesting of human organs,
Sister Cities Committee; and David Pavlik, exploitation through litigation and advoca- ers. Finally, a basket generously donated by involuntary servitude, illegal migrant work,
a candidate for Alderman from Chicago’s cy, organizing and policy reform, and pre- The Body Shop was raffled off as a door mail-order brides and mercenaries.
32nd ward. vention and resource development, to help prize. Representatives from The Body Shop The Alla Horska branch is encouraging
The evening’s program began with a these victims. were on hand throughout the evening to col- other WADFFU branches and Ukrainian
clip from a public service film in the Victor Malarek, a Ukrainian Canadian lect signatures for a petition that calls on National Women’s League of America
Ukrainian language that was produced with journalist and author of two internationally governments throughout the world to give (UNWLA) branches throughout the U.S. to
sponsorship from the U.S. Agency for published books about the travesty of sexual children greater protection against traffick- take up this issue and inform the public of
International Development (USAID), in ing and to increase “safe harbor” laws. the crimes committed against women and to
enslavement of women, “The Natashas” and
cooperation with various Ukrainian anti- Earlier in the day, WADFFU hosted a reach out to their local organizations to help
“The Johns,” gave the closing remarks. Mr.
trafficking organizations and the luncheon with Mrs. Sushko and Mr. stop the “traffick.” Adding a link to the Blue
Malarek travels the globe speaking out
International Organization for Migration. Malarek to discuss what the Ukrainian com- Heart campaign on organizational websites
against the epidemic of modern-day slavery
Many people are unaware of the trafficking munity at large can do to combat human also helps raise awareness.
and chastises governments for their lack of
epidemic and those who are informed don’t trafficking. Among those in attendance were Readers can find more information about
action on the matter. He does not sugarcoat
Chrystya Wereszczak, head of the national the Blue Heart Campaign by visiting the
think that they could become victims them- the human rights violations endured by traf-
executive of WADFFU, and Olya Kolody, websites of the World Federation of
selves. The threat usually comes in the guise ficked persons.
president of the Alla Horska WADFFU Ukrainian Women’s Organizations (www.
of an opportunity to work abroad, especially After the program, the enthusiastic audi-
branch in Chicago. wfuwo.com/Projects-Serdenko.html) and
The day’s events were a success in that the United Nations Office on Drugs and
they educated people on the issue of human Crime (www.unodc.org/blueheart/index.
trafficking and all of its forms – sexual html).

The Board of Directors of the Ukrainian Institute of America


cordially invites you to meet the artist and view the exhibition

URBAN LANDSCAPES
by
Valery Tsarikovsky Sue Kryzanowicz-Milanez
Orysia Sushko, Victor Malarek and Rachel Durschlag field questions from the
audience.

Artist’s reception on Friday, February 11, 6 - 8 PM


The exhbition continues through March 6, 2011
Ukraine's Unity Day... said.
“It’s incorrect to think there’s one opposi-
(Continued from page 11) tion, and everyone else is against
Exhibition hours are Tuesday - Sunday, 12 - 6 PM Sophia Square. Tymoshenko and on the side of the govern-
“There’s a significant portion of opposi- ment,” he said. “I don’t support monopoliz-
tion voters who don’t trust either ing the status of opposition, or the notion
Tymoshenko or Tiahnybok,” Mr. Fesenko that if Tymoshenko’s under attack, then
said. “That’s a potential electorate for she’s the only true opposition.”
“Art at the Institute” is presented by the Among the redeeming events of Unity
Yatsenyuk. From his own political interests,
Ukrainian Institute of America Day was a human chain formed across the
he’s supposed to separate himself and act Paton Bridge in Kyiv to symbolically unite
independently.”
2 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 both sides of the Dnipro River, which are
For doing that, however, Mr. Yatsenyuk typically divided on geo-political issues.
T 212.288.8660 • F 212.288.2918 has drawn suspicion from other opposition Hundreds of Ukrainians of all ages and
leaders who say he’s cooperating with the backgrounds waved Ukrainian flags, paint-
Programs@UkrainianInstitute.org Party of Regions to act as a controlled oppo- ed their faces blue-and-yellow, sang folks
www.UkrainianInstitute.org sition. Those claims are baseless when con- songs and locked their arms across the
sidering Mr. Yatsenyuk’s sharp and vocal bridge in unity and love for Ukraine.
criticism of the 2011 budget, Mr. Fesenko No political parties were involved.
No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 17

Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art prepares to mark 40th anniversary


by Andrij Hudzan
As another productive and eventful
year comes to an end, we look forward
with excitement to celebrating the 40th
anniversary of the Ukrainian Institute of
Modern Art. Much as for individuals, 40
years of an institution’s existence is a
remarkable threshold, which validates the
ideas and efforts of those who founded it.
During the past 40 years, UIMA has
hosted hundreds of cultural events that
include countless modern art exhibitions,
concerts of classical and experimental
music, literary programs, creative meet-
ings, theatrical plays, international artistic
and educational programs, and political
lectures and discussions.
Early on, the Institute outgrew its orig-
inal mission of serving as a gallery where
artists of Ukrainian origin with experi-
mental and unconventional vision could
exhibit their works as well as propagate The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art in Chicago.
modern Ukrainian art. contains over 800 pieces by well-known America and settled in Chicago. He lived skilled professionals and students.
The UIMA enlarged its commitment to artists of Ukrainian origin, and prominent modestly, studied in the Ukrainian com- Particularly memorable was an evening
modern art by exhibiting the works of artists from Chicago and around the munity, and remained completely devoted interview with Ms. Nillson during which
diverse artists and trends in contemporary she shared her recollections and revealed
globe. Its permanent collection has been to his muse until his death in 1989.
art by trying to cover a larger sphere of
international talents.
praised often by noted critics and collec- While some regarded him as a some of her artistic secrets.
tors. But for the UIMA, its valuable col- reserved, quiet, almost hermit-like per- “Neosymbolism – Bridges into the
Now the UIMA is well respected
lection is of far greater significance as an son, others recognized him as a man with Unknown: brought together a group of
among Chicago artists and throughout
invaluable and irreplaceable repository of international artists: Tom Besson, Klaus
America, and has earned international a good heart and an intellectual frame of
memories that define our roots and Aytinh, Thor Detviller, William Platz,
recognition as one of the leading artistic mind. The exhibit revealed his wide-
institutions in our city. achievements, our community, our coun- ranging craftsmanship – early watercol- (Continued on page 21)
The UIMA is truly unique. While try and our voice. ors and oils created in
many institutions in the United States and As the anniversary year approaches, Europe reflecting the influ-
internationally were founded by let’s take a moment to assess 2010 and ence of Cubism and made
Ukrainian immigrants who were active the many events mounted at the UIMA with the use of “found
collectors and exhibitors, none of them that attracted a wide range of visitors who objects.” Viewers were
are fully focused on modern, contempo- were introduced to bold, young and even impressed by his multi-
rary and experimental art of multiple unknown talents. technical abilities and
artistic forms. Let us recall some of them. The retro- unique, emotional and
The UIMA’s permanent collection is spective exhibit of Andriy Kovalenko, a unconventional vision.
notable for its quality and quantity; it relatively unknown artist, showed us a The exhibit of the well-
multi-faceted world. He was born in 1913 known Chicago artist
Andriy Hudzan is administrator of the in Ukraine, lived from 1947 to 1956 in Anatoly Kolomayets, in
Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art. Belgium, and then immigrated to contrast, presented works
by an artist of considerable
experience and professional
excellence. His works stand
out for the richness of tech-
nique and impressive color-
ism. Some viewers were
surprised to see the works
“not in his style.”
Even as every person
experiences some kinds of
changes in their life, artists
radiate on canvas or paper Icon by Andriy Kovalenko created with found
their particular concerns objects.
and feelings. Especially
memorable in this sense
were two works by Mr.
Kolomayets that were cre-
ated shortly after the death
of his father, and they evi-
A view of the exhibit “Synchronized Combination of the Three Artists: Corinne dence the emotional dis-
Peterson, Anna Antonovych and Malgorzata Niespodziewana.” tress this loss meant to him.
The anniversary exhibit
of Gladys Nillson’s work
was a joint collaboration by
UIMA and the Illinois
Committee for the National
Museum of Women in the
Arts. Her work is well-
known in Chicago’s art
world, as well as through-
out America, and the exhib-
it at the UIMA resonated
with our viewers.
In the late 1960s, she
became a member of the
artistic group, Hairy Who,
which was linked to the
Chicago Imagists. Ms.
Nillson was instrumental in
winning national attention
for Chicago-based artists.
Her works are filled with
humor and rich imagina-
tion. The exhibit served to “African Motif 1” by Chicago artist Anatole
“Dialog III” by Vasyl Yarych of Lviv. bring together numerous Kolomayets.
18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 No. 5

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE

Greater Boston celebrates extended Christmas (Rizdvo) season


by Peter T. Woloschuk was joined by those in attendance who
caroled along.
BOSTON – On the first two Sundays in A week later the sung liturgy at Christ
December 2010 the Ukrainian Catholic the King in Boston was followed by a
community of greater Boston kicked off presentation of a Christmas play written
the traditional Christmas season with visits in Ukrainian by the students of the
by St. Nicholas and Santa Claus to St. “Ridna Shkola” (School of Ukrainian
John the Baptist Parish in Salem, Mass., Studies) in the parish house and a visit by
and St. Nicholas to Christ the King parish St. Nicholas who came bearing gifts.
in Boston while the Ukrainian Orthodox That same day, the parishioners of St.
community of Boston celebrated its patro- Andrew’s gathered in their church hall
nal feast of St. Andrew the First Called following the sung liturgy for their annu-
with a traditional fish dinner at the same al commemoration of the parish’s patron
time. They continued the festivities on with a fish dinner prepared by the men of
January 1, 6 and 16 with festive dinners. the community under the supervision of
After a sung liturgy which used chef Michael Maggiani (a non-Ukrainian,
Ukrainian, English and Old Church non-parishioner) who has been volunteer-
Slavonic, the Salem community gathered ing for the event for a number of years.
in the parish hall for a festive buffet that The ambitious menu included lobster
was prepared by the parishioners and bisque and filet of sole. During the din-
then watched a play, delivered in English, ner, the youth of the parish put on a play
which featured Santa Claus meeting St. in English titled “Charlie Brown’s Vsevolod Petriv
Nicholas in heaven and discussing Salem Christmas Dilemma.” St. Andrew Parish youth present “Charlie Brown’s Christmas Dilemma.”
and the good people of St. John’s. Each of the two New Years – old and
The play was written and produced by new calendar – was celebrated with pot marking Epiphany and St. Andrew’s pre- Christ the King follows the new calendar
Eva Sacharuk, who also played an angel. luck luncheons in the appropriate parish- Christmas vespers, which were followed and yet has numbers of Fourth Wave
Stephanie Wolfe provided a musical es. On Epiphany (Theophany/Yordan) up with the traditional “Sviata Vechera” immigrants who follow the old calendar,
interlude, playing both American and evening, January 6, both Boston parishes (Holy Eve Dinner) for parishioners who its meal marked both Epiphany and
Ukrainian carols on the piano, and she held services; Christ the King a liturgy opted not to celebrate at home. Because Christmas.

Vsevolod Petriv Tania Mychajlyshyn-D’Avignon


The men of St.Andrew’s Parish cook dinner. Little angels who welcomed St. Nicholas to Christ the King Parish.

Trenton UAYA donates $100,000 to campground in Ellenville, N.Y.


by Oksana Bartkiv national board and information of the fund
raising campaign was quickly disseminated
NEW YORK – A meeting of the Trenton, to all the UAYA branches throughout the
N.J., members of the Ukrainian American country.
Youth Association with UAYA national The UAYA oselia in Ellenville has been
board members, Andriy Bihun (president) operating for over 50 years. It has allowed
and Bohdan Harhaj (former president), was summer and occasionally winter camps to
held on January 13 at the home of Mychajlo be held on its premises for UAYA youth.
and Daria Laszyn. The oselia also holds several other year-
Trenton UAYA Branch members present round functions such as jamborees, con-
included Mykhajlo Dzubas (branch presi- gresses, sporting events, festivals, family-
dent), Daria Lashyn (recording and finance oriented events and other Ukrainian com-
secretary), Nadia Lytwyn, Mykhajlo Lashyn munity events.
and Volodymyr Lytwyn. The branch pre- The feedback towards the Capital
sented a donation of $100,000 for the Improvement Project Campaign has been
Capital Improvement Project Campaign at positive. Foremost, generous contributions
the UAYA camground in Ellenville, N.Y. have been obtained by UAYA members and
The main focus of this meeting was to branches throughout the entire United
update the branch on the latest progress, States, as well as financial institutions such
infrastructure projects and updates that are as SUMA (Yonkers) Federal Credit Union,
being done at the UAYA grounds in Self Reliance New York Federal Credit Mykhajlo Dzubas (right), president of the Trenton, N.J., branch of the Ukrainian
Ellenville, which are known as “Oselia.” Union, Self Reliance Ukrainian American American Youth Association, presents a $100,000 donation to UAYA National
Within the past two years, the UAYA Federal Credit Union, Ukrainian Legacy President Andriy Bihun (second from right). Looking on are (from right): Daria
national board and the UAYA Oselia board, Foundation of Chicago, as well as members Lashyn, Volodymyr Lytwyn, Nadia Lytwyn and Mykhajlo Lashyn.
who under the direction of Roman Kolinsky of the Ukrainian community throughout the
(director) and Andrij Stasiw (administrator), country. the UAYA National Board.” throughout the years. He acknowledged that
put in place a main goal to raise $1 million The UAYA Trenton branch understood UAYA National President Bihun humbly the branch’s efforts and generous donation
towards capital improvements and restora- the dire need for campaign funds and there- accepted the donation, thanking and recog- was made possible by all prior members of
tions of the Oselia. fore pledged and donated $100,000, earning nizing the founders and members of the the branch and thanked them for their years
The plan was approved by the UAYA them the title and status of “Visionaries of UAYA Trenton, branch for their hard work service.
No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 19

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE

St. Nicholas Parish of Passaic celebrates its centennial


by Tom Hawrylko ed with a commemorative pysanka by the
Rev. Dudkevych.
PASSAIC, N.J. – St. Nicholas UkrainianSelf Reliance (NJ) Federal Credit
Catholic Church of Passaic, N.J., celebrated
Union made a $10,000 donation to the
its 100th anniversary on October 24, 2010,
church at the gala.
with a liturgy celebrated
by Archbishop-
Metropolitan Stefan Soroka
of the Archeparchy of
Philadelphia; Bishop Hlib
Lonchyna, Eparchy of
Great Britain; Bishop Basil
Losten, eparch emeritus of
Stamford, Conn.; Bishop
William Skurla, Ruthenian
Diocese of Passaic; and St.
N i c h o l a s p a s t o r, t h e
Rev. Andriy Dudkevych.
Afterwards, a centenni-
al program and gala din-
ner, with over 300 guests
attending, was held at the
At the centennial gala of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church (from left) are: Royal Manor in nearby
Dr. Michael Lewko, the Rev. Andriy Dudkevych, Ken Wanio, and Vice-President Garfield.
in charge of operations Jaroslaw Fedun and CEO Val Bogattchouk of the Self Among the distin-
Reliance (NJ) Federal Credit Union. guished guests present
were local officials and
U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell The Rev. Andriy Dudkevych presents a commemo-
(D-N.J.), who was present- rative pysanka to Rep. Bill Pascrell.

Making contact with The Weekly


Readers/writers who send information to The Ukrainian Weekly
are kindly asked to include a daytime phone number and a complete
mailing address. Please note that a daytime phone number is essential
in order for editors to contact correspondents regarding clarifications.

Youth of the parish offer a traditional Ukrainian greeting.

Wilmington parish holds “Prosfora” presents


WILMINGTON, Del. – On Sunday, tor, the Rev Volodymyr Klanichka as well
January 16, over 250 parishioners and as former pastor, the Rev William Gore. The

UTRECHT STRING QUARTET


friends gathered in the church hall of St. occasion also marked the first birthday of
Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Father Klanichka’s twins. Marko and
Wilmington, Del., for “Prosfora” Christmas Deanna.
dinner. At St. Nicholas the parishioners gath- Also in attendance were longtime secre- from the Netherlands
er several times throughout the year for vari- tary of Ukrainian National Association
ous events to celebrate as a church family. Branch 173 Peter Serba, along with his son,
Guests of honor included the current pas- UNA Auditor Eugene Serba.

performing:
Schubert - String Quartet No. 8 in B Flat Major
J. P. Sweelinck/Ch. Meijering - Mein junges Leben hat (k)ein End.
Tchaikovsky - String Quartet No. 2 in F Major

on February 12 at 8 pm

at the Ukrainian Institute of America


2 East 79th Street, New York City

Admission: $30, UIA members and Seniors $25, students $20


Concert will be followed by a reception

Eugene Serba
The Rev. Volodymyr Klanichka, his wife, Natalia, and their year-old twins, For tickets or information please call 212-288-8660
Marko and Deanna, at the “prosfora” of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church
in Wilmington, Del.
20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 No. 5
No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 21

Ukrainian pro sports update: vintage football


by Ihor Stelmach

Mike Ditka: More than a Hall of Fame player


Mike Ditka was a rugged competitor was a vital part of the Cowboys’ first toward the end of his stint with Chicago. play. He was truly a player’s coach.
on the gridiron and a disciplined coach Super Bowl championship team in 1971. Being the testy, temperamental type,
Ditka’s relationship with the Bears’ front No Saintly move
on the sideline. In many ways Ditka per- The time he spent in Dallas provided him
sonified the vintage years of yesterday’s with additional benefits, serving as office deteriorated and he was ultimately Ditka’s two biggest career gambles
football. He had a quick temper, usually Ditka’s introduction to coaching. After fired. Thirty-plus years in the NFL as a came late in his coaching career and nei-
showing up everywhere in a nasty mood. Ditka retired following the 1972 season, player and coach came to an end – but ther one paid off. His 1997 return from
He was Mr. No-Nonsense as a coach, yet head coach Tom Landry hired him as an only for five years. Ditka was hired by retirement to coach the horrendous New
very respected by his players. assistant coach, in Dallas where he duti- the struggling New Orleans Saints fran- Orleans Saints were, by his own admis-
For the Hall of Fame tight end coach- fully worked for nine years. The assistant chise in 1997, the final entry on his sion, “the three worst years” of his life.
ing was the next obvious step, given he coach was part of Landry’s second Super coaching resume, which lasted three His drafting of running back Ricky
had a great understanding of the X’s and Bowl winning team in 1977. years. A hugely controversial trade more Williams in 1999 was his bottoming out
O’s of the game. His coaching success or less sealed his destiny during those moment.
Coaching da Bears three losing years. After the Saints job,
paralleled that of his playing career – the Williams was an all-time NCAA rush-
highlight being winning the 1985 Super Ditka departed Dallas in 1982, when Ditka returned to Chicago to babysit his ing record breaker at the University of
Bowl, the ultimate reward in a football his dream job was realized with an oppor- famous restaurant and resumed a success- Texas in 1999, a superstar NFL prospect.
player’s or coach’s life. Ditka’s love and tunity to return to Chicago as head coach. ful broadcasting career he had begun a He was still available at No. 5 in the first
passion for the game of football has He went on to coach the Bears for over few years back. round of the NFL draft, and Ditka went
earned him a permanent spot in National 10 feisty and quite controversial years. His tendency to freely speak his mind all out to get him for the Saints. He made
Football League history. He suffered through several disputes with made him a natural for the bright lights of an offer the Washington Redskins could
the NFL and many controversies with the television. While on NBC with Bob
Old-school attitude not refust for their fifth overall pick. The
media, and his temper got him into trou- Costas, his personality injected humor
Redskins received all of New Orleans’
Coach Ditka was a perfect example of ble with his own players. The 10 year and insight to the game of football. These
draft picks that year and an added bonus
the classic football coach – the meaner training program under Landry in Dallas days he speaks of football on ESPN,
of the No. 1 and No. 3 picks in 2000. The
the look, the more fearsome the team. did not smooth out Ditka’s rough edges. offering an encyclopedia of knowledge
gathered over the course of 50-plus years football world was stunned.
During his run with the Chicago Bears Ditka’s coaching personality was more
involved with the sport. Promoting the deal as a new page in
the mustachioed mastermind expected maniacal, like George Halas, his first
Have fun and win. Be loose, enjoy the Saints history, Ditka wore a dreadlock
perfection from his players. Any doubts coach as a player, than the stoic demean-
regarding the high level of expectations or of Landry. competition, but show your grit. Ditka’s wig on TV (mimicking Williams’ look),
was met with a frightening look on the Ditka’s coaching highlight was the Chicago Bears were part of a brother- then later posed with Williams on a mag-
sidelines that promised immediate ramifi- 1985 season, when his Bears lost only hood, inspired by their head coach. His azine cover wearing a wedding dress
cations for poor play. Ditka ruled with an one game all season before thoroughly 1985 Super Bowl Champions even (symbolizing a marriage made in heav-
iron fist as a football authority from a routing the New England Patriots in one recorded a best-selling song, “The Super en).
prior era of old-school warriors who of the most lopsided Super Bowls ever. Bowl Shuffle,” strictly for the fun of it. In his rookie year, Williams rushed for
commanded respect. Ditka became just the second person ever This was all part of the coach’s let’s have 884 yards with two touchdowns and six
Ditka’s coaching philosophy mirrored to win Super Bowls as a head coach, fun, let’s win mentality that made him a fumbles. The Saints went 3-13, and Ditka
his style as an active player: defensively assistant coach and player. The first, Tom winner. was fired.
stingy, relentless in pursuit of the opposi- Flores, didn’t play in a Super Bowl, but One of his greatest strengths was Today, he’s still involved, mixing his
tion; offensively conservative, preferring dressed as a third-string quaterback in the Ditka’s ability to understand his players serious attitude and wealth of intelligence
to grind it out by running the ball. He 1969 game. and eliminate stress. As an ex-player, he with his funny, low-key approach as an
believed in detailed preparation, always After 1985 the Bears turned in strong completely understood the preparation, analyst and occasional commentator.
having his team on a search-and-destroy seasons and were perennial contenders, techniques and motivation from the point When it comes to football, Ditka, the son
mission. The 1985 Bears defense was but never made it back to the Super of view of a player, and was good at shar- of a Ukrainian coal miner from Carnegie,
built out of the Ditka mold, one of the Bowl. Time eventually took its toll on ing his expertise with them. Most NFL Pa., has done it all. He played, he
best ever. Ditka as the physical punishment from coaches were not blessed with great suc- coached and he continues to cover his
Ditka played the final four years of his his playing days caught up to him. He cess on the gridiron. Ditka knew what it sport in the broadcast media.
career with the Dallas Cowboys where he had a noticeable limp on the sidelines was to get hurt and to be part of a big One might say he’s a triple threat.

Ukrainian Institute... and thereby capture the essence of cre-


ative execution.
Antonovych and Malgorzata
Niespodziewana” was the UIMA’s con-
UIMA will continue with fund-raising to
support its programs and to complete the
(Continued from page 17) A significant event for the UIMA as cluding exhibit in 2010. Each of these renovations of its building. The second
Stanislav Grezdo and Christina Katrakis. well as the city was an exhibit of imprints artists has had different life experiences phase of renovation involving the muse-
Through their creativity, they responded titled, “Anchor Graphics and Chicago and works with different materials and um’s main entrance and office is com-
to the psychological, social and political Print Makers Collaborative – 20 Years of techniques. Yet in the gallery they were pleted, and the new space is light and
forces of a rapidly changing culture in the Printmaking,” which emphasized the united by a harmony of space, composi- airy.
20th and 21st centuries. commonalities among the best masters of tion, color and philosophical thought. Future plans will focus on the creation
In their figurative and conceptual art this craft in Chicago. This exhibit also Ms. Peterson did not initially choose of an educational-research center, a
they use both simple and sophisticated caught the interest of both professionals the artistic life. As a student of Carl Jung, sculpture garden, and the expansion of
symbols and images, revealing their artis- and students who jointly benefited from she became interested in analyzing her storage space for the museum’s holdings.
tic and humanistic position in today’s the art on view. own dreams and decided that she should (We’d like to know that our members and
global society. The exhibition encouraged “Synchronized Combination of the work with clay. The rest, as they say, is benefactors support these expansion ideas
history. Today, she occupies a worthy and we invite everyone to comment and
viewers to engage in serious discussions Three Artists: Corinne Peterson, Anna
place among Chicago’s sculptors. share their thoughts.)
Ms. Antonovych, on the other hand, The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art
traveled the physical world and discov-
In the press... My suspicion is that he will do so,
because Yanukovych has appointed
ered beauty in everything she saw – in
the cracked walls of old buildings and the
was pleased with the success of its
December 4, 2010 event, “Members of
(Continued from page 9) Sergei Arbuzov as chairman of the the Institute Invite New Friends!” – a
debries of wrecked roads.
build his own power hierarchy. … National Bank of Ukraine and two other reception during the beginning of the
Ms. Niespodziewana, a Polish artist,
“The Ukrainian government has just young loyalists as heads of the State Tax had always been fascinated by the human UIMA’s 40th anniversary.
been changed and slimmed down. In Administration and the tax police. … body, and its depiction by the culture and During 2011, the UIMA will kicks off
terms of structure, this makes much more “Yanukovych undermined Azarov by philosophy of India. The graciousness of a series in which we reflect on specific
sense. The bal ance between the vetoing the tax code and changing it sub- forms, compositions and colors presented periods in UIMA’s its history, We’ll be
RosUkrEnergo camp (billionaire co-own- stantially. Azarov has repeatedly objected by her art served to created a perfect profiling major donors and supporters,
er Dmytro Firtash, Energy Minister Yurii to raising the retirement age, which background for a contemporary music highlighting groundbreaking exhibits
Boiko, presidential chief of staff Serhiy Yanukovych supports publicly. … concert by the Maverick ensemble. from the past, while striving throughout
Lyovochkin and Security Service of “If Azarov would be ousted, I think Creative work can also be collabora- to encourage enthusiasts to become mem-
Ukraine chief Valeriy Khoroshkovsky) that Deputy [Vice] Prime Minister Sergiy tive, as evidenced by the artistry of bers by joining us in volunteer activities
and the Donetsk group (wealthy and Tigipko is likely to take his place, not Svitlana and Vasyl Yarych, a married that support our its mission to present
influential businessmen Rinat Akhmetov, because he is strong but because he is couple from Lviv. They are connected innovative art from the Ukrainian and
Andriy Kliuyev and Borys Kolesnikov) weak. Yanukovych wants a prime minis- and inspired in both their married and larger American communities.
appears to be maintained… ter who is a moderator rather than a force artistic lives. Their works are filled with And the UIMA will cap off the year
“With Yanukovych supremely in in his own right, and he does not have warmth and color, and reflect the eternal with a gala banquet in October celebrat-
charge, one question is whether he will any person purely of his own to appoint themes of life and love. ing its 40th anniversary and heralding the
remove Prime Minister Mykola Azarov. as yet. …” During this anniversary year, the next 40 years.
22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 No. 5

New volume... volume, Dr. Fedoruk considers issues of for-


eign policy, as well as the larger problem of
Toronto Ukrainian festival (Continued from page 8) national historiographies and their limita-
tions with regard to the highly complex
He concludes with an assessment of the het-
set for September 16-18 man and his age that has long been contro-
versial in Ukrainian historiography.
European situation. Dr. Sysyn analyzes
Hrushevsky’s assessment of Khmelnytsky’s
TORONTO – The annual Bloor West The festival features world-class The volume shows how Ukraine’s rela- rule in Chapter 13 as a polemic with the con-
Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival will entertainment, savory traditional tions with Muscovy were strained by the servative historian Viacheslav Lypynsky
be held Friday, September 16, through Ukrainian cuisine and international del- Muscovites’ failure to help fend off devastat- (1882-1931).
Sunday, September 18. Located on Bloor icatessens, awe-inspiring musicians and ing Polish and Crimean attacks, which Volume 9, Book 2, Part 2 of “History of
Street West between the Runnymede and dancers in costumes that dazzle, a mid- prompted Ukrainian leaders to seek support Ukraine-Rus’ ” is available in a hardcov-
Jane TTC stations, this event in 2010 way filled with games for children, a elsewhere. Tensions were exacerbated by the er edition for $119.95 (plus taxes and ship-
attracted 514,000 people eager to experi- colorful parade, and vendors offering Ukrainian-Muscovite dispute over ping; outside Canada, prices are in U.S. dol-
ence a new culture, get in touch with their cultural treasures, jewelry and many Belarusian territory. lars). The full set of the history is available at
roots or just be part of one of the city’s other goods. Each evening ends with a When Charles X of Sweden attacked the a subscription price of $1,100. Volumes 7 to
best annual street events. “zabava” during which visitors can Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1655, 10 (in six books), representing the “History
With its goal of being bigger and dance under the stars to a live band while Khmelnytsky was seeking to recover of the Ukrainian Cossacks,” are available at
better every year, the 2011 festival will right on the street. the western Ukrainian lands, a Swedish- a subscription price of $600.
be especially grand, as it celebrates the For more information, readers may Ukrainian alliance seemed to be in the mak- Orders can be placed via the secure on-
120th anniversary of Ukrainian settle- call 416-410-9956, e-mail info@ukrai- ing. A military convention was concluded, line ordering system of CIUS Press at www.
ment in Canada as well as its own 15th nianfestival.com or log on to www. but Charles, under pressure from his allies ciuspress.com or by contacting CIUS Press,
anniversary. ukrainianfestival.com. among the Polish nobility, would not cede 430 Pembina Hall, University of Alberta,
western Ukraine to the Kozaks. Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2H8; tele-
After the Vilnius accord between phone, 780-492-2973; e-mail, cius@ualber-
Selective justice... covert defection to the opposition camp. So,
we are likely to witness more clampdowns Muscovy and the Commonwealth ta.ca.
on the opposition and the independent (November 1656), Khmelnytsky sought to
(Continued from page 6) form a Swedish-Transylvanian-Ukrainian ***
leaders. media, disguised as a “fight with corrup-
league and supported the abortive effort by The Canadian Institute of Ukrainian
The selective application of law is the tion” and “restoring order” and, of course,
György Rákóczi II of Transylvania to gain Studies (CIUS) is a leading center of
main feature of the system they have built. It “reforms.”
the Polish throne. Hrushevsky’s exhaustive Ukrainian studies outside Ukraine that con-
is at the heart of the institutionalized black- The red line, however, that separates
discussion of diplomatic affairs greatly ducts research and scholarship in Ukrainian
mail whimsically employed as a tool of state Ukrainian authoritarians from their Russian,
advances understanding of the role of and Ukrainian-Canadian studies. For more
domination. The system was correctly ana- Belarusian and Central Asian counterparts
Ukraine and the countries of East Central information on the institute, readers may
lyzed more than 10 years ago by Keith has not yet been crossed. So far, the govern-
Europe in the political crisis of the mid-17th visit the website www.cius.ca, phone Dr.
Darden as consisting of three major ele- ment in Ukraine, unlike elsewhere in the
century. Bohdan Klid at 780-492-2972; or e-mail
ments: (1) widespread corruption that is tol- Commonwealth of Independent States
In a comprehensive introduction to the cius@ualberta.ca.
erated and even encouraged by the authori- (CIS), can be changed peacefully, in more
ties; (2) tight surveillance that enables the or less democratic elections.
authorities to collect compromising materi- Mr. Yanukovych and his associates seem
als against everyone and keep each subject
on the hook; (3) selective punishment of any
to be rather reluctant to cross that line
despite a very strong temptation. Moscow moves... zation secretary wanted to know why Mr.
Portnikov, who is Jewish, was involved with
politically disloyal subject for seemingly Remarkably, all the criminal accusations (Continued from page 3) a Ukrainian club.
non-political wrongdoings. against their predecessors and political “I somewhat angrily noted,” Mr.
13, insisted that “no one has closed the
Former President Leonid Kuchma had opponents concern some misuse of funds library of Ukrainian Literature.” But he Portnikov recalls, “that until recently for the
gradually constructed such a model. The (which was actually typical for all Ukrainian added that “there really were seized several study of Hebrew, Jews had been sent to the
Orange Revolution shook the system, but governments, with traditionally low budget books which are now being studied on the camps, and now Jews are being blamed for a
failed to dismantle it and replace it with discipline), but not their appropriation and basis of our legislation which prohibits the knowledge of Ukrainian. ‘Ukrainians are
functional democratic institutions based on personal enrichment. This means that the distribution of nationalistic ideas.” worse than the Jews,’ the secretary respond-
the rule of law. Hence, the old system did punishment for these crimes, if they are In discussing both these cases, Grani.ru ed. ‘Jews will at least leave, but Ukrainians
not work because it required the full control proven, would be rather mild, with the sen- commentator Vitaly Portnikov says that “in want to destroy our great land.’”
of all branches of power by the executive tences probably suspended. contemporary Russia one must not be sur- At the time, Mr. Portnikov says, he “did
that neither President Viktor Yushchenko They may reflect an informal agreement prised by anything.” But in order to make not devote importance to this insane dia-
nor Prime Minister Tymoshenko had. Yet, among Ukrainian elites to avoid harsh pen- sense of what Russian officials are now logue because I could not imagine that
no new system was introduced in its place. alties against their opponents, simply doing against Ukrainians, he recalls an event Ukrainians in Russia could find themselves
So, the country became, as a result, virtually because of a fear that the wheel may turn in which he was a participant at the end of in the position of Jews of the 1940s and
unmanageable. around and today’s opponents might the 1980s (grani.ru/opinion/ 1950s, that [Moscow officials] would stomp
President Yanukovych has successfully become tomorrow’s authorities who would portnikov/m.185343.html). on their books with dirty boots” or close
monopolized power, subordinated all the implement the same harsh measures against At that time, the Moscow city Komsomol Ukrainian institutions as they had done earli-
branches of government, the Parliament and them for the same misdeeds. Not a single organization summoned representatives of er with Jewish ones.
the judiciary to his office, and re-established Ukrainian top official has been imprisoned the recently founded Jewish, Ukrainian and But as the latest events show, he con-
a kind of order. He has made institutions over the past two decades, no matter what Belarusian youth groups in the Russian capi- cludes with obvious sadness, “it turns out
more or less manageable, but this has meant accusations of theft, embezzlement or mon- tal to a meeting. The Komsomol city organi- that even this is possible.”
moving back towards Kuchma-era authori- ey-laundering have been raised.
tarianism than any step forward toward If we happen to see this informal agree-
functioning democracy. Stagnation, back- ment broken, it would mean that Ukraine
wardness, lawlessness and rampant corrup-
tion are likely to be preserved and
has become either a full-fledged democracy
based on the rule of law, or a full-fledged
Russia Black Sea... On January 20 in Strasbourg, the
European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs
entrenched in such an environment. authoritarian state with a firmly entrenched (Continued from page 2) Committee adopted a resolution on the full
The only conclusion Mr. Yanukovych repressive regime that would never step addition, one Mistral-class amphibious range of security challenges in the Black Sea
seems to have made from Mr. Kuchma’s down peacefully. The first development attack ship (out of four planned for procure- region. Inspired by Romanian members of
failure is that the system was not repressive under the current regime looks unlikely. The ment from France) is supposed to be allocat- the European Parliament, and intended for
enough. Indeed, Mr. Kuchma lost because second is possible but still uncertain. The ed to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. submission to the European Parliament’s
he had not completely marginalized the sentences given to Ms. Tymoshenko and her Russia’s naval presence in Ukraine under- plenum, the resolution expresses particular
opposition – as Russia’s Vladimir Putin or associates will probably signal the real polit- scores the Ukrainian government’s lax inter- concern about the extension of the Russian
Belarus’ Alyaksandr Lukashenka did – and ical ambitions – and perspicacity – of pretation of the country’s non-bloc status. Black Sea Fleet’s lease on Ukrainian territo-
had not prevented his allies from overt and today’s rulers. Ukraine’s current authorities have legislated ry.
for this status, and drastically curtailed the The resolution suggests that the
country’s cooperation with NATO, without EU should develop a conflict-prevention and
developing a clear definition of the non-bloc early-warning system. This would serve to
Friends mourn... relatives, her writing was often humorous.
Her friends say Ms. Yablonska, who
status, or an international legal-political build confidence throughout the region
and help prevent threat of force, its use or
framework to ensure its observance. Within
(Continued from page 2) leaves behind a 3-year-old daughter, may escalation. Such a system would focus on
this grey area, Russia suggests that it would
ing ideas and helped other playwrights with have had an ominous feeling ahead of her consider modernizing and operating the arms transfers and naval activities. The pro-
advice.” flight to Moscow. Ukrainian radars in Sevastopol and posal regards Russia as a desirable partner in
On December 21, 2010, she wrote in her Mukachive, as contribution to a common such a system, alongside the EU and the
Ominous feeling LiveJournal blog: “It seems to me that I anti-missile defense system (Hryhory Black Sea region’s countries (members or
Ms. Yablonska’s fame had started spread- have very little time left.” Perepelitsya, “Ukraine’s Non-Bloc Status non-members of the EU). This area today
ing beyond the former Soviet Union. The Evolution,” Diplomatic Academy of faces key challenges that the EU cannot
Royal Court Theater in London plans a Copyright 2011, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted Ukraine International Weekly, December 28, ignore (European Parliament press release,
reading of “The Pagans” in April. with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ 2010). January 20).
The play tells the story of a young Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Russia’s entrenchment in Crimea has
woman who slowly regains a taste for life Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org. (See caught NATO, the United States and the The article above is reprinted from
after a failed suicide attempt. Although her http://www.rferl.org/content/moscow_air- European Union distracted and wrong-foot- Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from
work largely focused on the difficulty of port_bombing_domodedovo_ukraine_play- ed. Some other actors now seek to develop a its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation,
human relations, particularly between close wright/2287944.html.) soft-security answer. www.jamestown.org.
No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 23

OUT AND ABOUT


January 31 Seminar by Yohanan Petrovsky-Shtern, “Blanks
Cambridge, MA from Starokonstantinov: Lenin’s Jewish Roots?”
Harvard University, 617-495-4053

February 1 Lecture by Yohanan Petrovsky-Shtern, “Between


Cambridge, MA Exile and Redemption: The Case of the Ukrainian
Jewish Poet Moisei Fishbein,” Harvard University,
617-495-4053

February 4-27 Art exhibit, featuring works by Volodymyr


Chicago Ilchyshyn, Ukrainian National Museum,
312-421-8020

February 5 Malanka, featuring music by Hrim, The Lantana,


Randolph, MA Ukrainian American Educational Center of Boston,
Skostecki108@comcast.net or
www.ukrainiancenter.org

February 5 Presentation of debutantes and ball, featuring


Philadelphia music by Fata Morgana, Ukrainian Engineers’
Society of America – Philadelphia Chapter, Hyatt
Hotel at the Bellevue, 610-277-1284 or
215-635-7134

February 5 Movie night, “John Wayne ‘The Early Years,’”


Lehighton, PA Ukrainian Homestead, 610-377-4621

February 5 Lecture by Valerii Zemba, “Edificatory Prose of


New York the Kyivan Metropolitanate Between the Union of
Florence and the Union of Brest,” Shevchenko
Scientific Society, 212-254-5130

February 6 Super Bowl viewing party, Ukrainian American


Whippany, NJ Cultural Center of New Jersey, www.uaccnj.org

February 7 Roundtable discussion, “Undoing Ukraine’s Orange


Cambridge, MA Revolution? The First Presidential Year of Vktor
Yanukovych,” Harvard University, 617-495-4053

February 10-11 Film screenings, hosted by Yuri Shevchuk, “New


Stanford, CA Films and New Names from Ukraine,” Stanford
University, http://creees.stanford.edu

February 12 Valentine’s Day dance, featuring music by Anna-


Perth Amboy, NJ Maria Entertainment, Assumption Ukrainian
Catholic Church, 732-826-0767

February 12 Valentine’s Day dinner and dance, Ukrainian


Lehighton, PA Homestead, 610-377-4621

February 12 Valentine’s Day dinner and dance, featuring music


Whippany, NJ by Grupo Yuri Jazz, Ukrainian American Cultural
Center of New Jersey, 973-867-8855

February 12 Valentine’s Day dinner and dance, St. Michael


New Haven, CT Ukrainian Catholic Church, 203-865-0388 or
stmichaels@snet.net

February 14 Lecture by Viktor Ostapchuk, “Toward the


Cambridge, MA Roksolana / Hurrem Sultan Quincentenary, In
Search of Roksolana / Hurrem’s Origins: The
Source of Evidence,” Harvard University,
617-495-4053

February 19 Winter ball, featuring music by Hrim, L’Enfant


Washington Plaza Hotel, zabavadc@gmail.com or 800-635-5056

February 20 Geneology presentation by Mike Buryk, Ukrainian


Lehighton, PA Homestead, www.buryk.com or
Michael.Buryk@verizon.net

February 26 Debutante ball, featuring music by Hrim and


Parsippany, NJ Vorony, Ukrainian American Youth Association,
Sheraton Hotel,
http://cym.org/us/archives/Deb2011/2011Deb.asp

February 28 Lecture by Jessica Allina Pisano, “Stalinism and the


Cambridge, MA Tyranny of the Houshold Cow in Post- War
Transcarpathia: Exploring Critical Alternatives to
Concepts in Social Research,” Harvard University,
617-495-4053

March 5 Pre-Lenten dance, featuring music by Chervona


Pittsburgh Kalyna, Ukrainian Community of Western
Pennsylvania, Best Western Parkway Center Inn,
412-897-0741 or www.ucowpa.org

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
from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors
and as space allows. Please send e-mail to mdubas@ukrweekly.com.
24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 No. 5

ARE YOU A FORMER MEMBER PREVIEW OF EVENTS


OF THE NEWARK BRANCH Saturday, February 5 Ukrainian American family researcher,
OF PLAST? NEW YORK: The Shevchenko  Scientific
Society invites all to a lecture by Valerii
will offer a workshop on Lemko and
Ukrainian genealogy focused on the Sanok
Zema, research fellow, Institute of Ukrainian region of Poland. The talk will cover local
The Newark Plast branch will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a History, National Academy of Sciences of historical background, how to research
jubilee campfire and get-together on March 26, 2011, Ukraine on the subject “Edificatory Prose of your family tree, archives, online resourc-
at its new home, the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey the Kyivan Metropolitanate Between the es, and software and hardware tools. This
session takes place at 1-4 p.m. at the
(located in Whippany, NJ). Union of Florence and the Union of Brest.”
Ukrainian Homestead on Sunday,
The speaker is presently a visiting Fulbright
Scholar at the Ukrainian Research Institute, February 20. Snow date is February 27th.
Current and former members of the Plast “stanytsia” will be invited to Harvard University.  The lecture will take For travel directions:  http://www.
attend this jubilee celebration. In order to be included on the invitation place at the society’s building, 63 Fourth ukrhomestead.com/directx.html . For a
list, former members are asked to e-mail or call event organizers: Avenue (between Ninth and 10th streets) at 5 flyer: http://www.buryk.com/our_patch/
p.m.  For additional information call 212- docs/ukrlemkogentoolkit022011.pdf . An
254-5130. exhibit of books and maps is included.
Christine Kochan, chrystia@optonline.net
There is a $10 workshop fee. For addition-
Zoriana Stawnychy, 973-283-0024. Sunday, February 20
al information contact michael.buryk@
LEHIGHTON, Pa.: Mike Buryk, a verizon.net.
Group photos of Newark Plast debutante balls are being sought for a photo
display. Anyone having such photos is asked to contact the organizers.
PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES
Preview of Events is a listing of community events open to the public. It is a
service provided at minimal cost ($20 per listing) by The Ukrainian Weekly to the
Ukrainian community.
 
To have an event listed in Preview of Events please send information, in English,
written in Preview format, i.e., in a brief paragraph that includes the date, place, type
of event, sponsor, admission, full names of persons and/or organizations involved,
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information. Items should be no more than 100 words long; longer submissions
are subject to editing. Items not written in Preview format or submitted without all
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publication. No information will be taken over the phone. Items will be published
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the item is to appear and indicate date(s) of issue(s) in which the item is to be
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