Taras Shevchenko commemorated

The Southwest Florida Ukrainian American community commemorated one of the greatest, if not the greatest, son of Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko (18141861) last Sunday with a special program at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center (the “Oseredok” to Ukrainians). In his “Zapovit” (My Testament) Shevchenko wrote: “And in the great new family, the family of the free, with softly spoken, kindly word remember also me.” Ukrainians all over the world do this every year during March.
Professor Vira Bodnaruk of Venice, who chaired the committee organizing the affair, professionally emceed the program. It consisted of recitations of Shevchenko’s poems and singing of his songs, in addition to a brief but comprehensive keynote address by Neonilia M. Lechman of Venice. She managed to convey the greatness of Shevchenko, who was born a serf, yet rose to become professor of Imperial Academy of Arts, and, most importantly, he gained eternal love and admiration of Ukrainians thanks to his art, poetry, patriotism and his prophetic vision which resonates even now.
The United Choir directed by Lubow Ingram of Venice began the program with the singing of Shevchenko’s “Zapovit,” while the public, as is the tradition, was standing with respect.
Later the choir sang two more of Shevchenko’s songs. The thunderous applauses were accorded the very young performers, 6-year-old Sofiya Tkach and 9-yearold Roksolana Tkach, students of Pine View School in Osprey, and North Port’s Glenallen Elementary School students Anastasia, 11, and Natalia Kudelko, 8, who recited Shevchenko’s poems and sang his songs to the delight of the audience.
Other participants of the program were Petro Fridrich, Roma Steckiw-Long and Anya Rejnarowycz.
The attendees also had an opportunity to view a selection of publications on display, courtesy of the Ukrainian Language Society.

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The Ukrainian Easter Bazaar sponsored by St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, at 4100 S. Biscayne Drive. There will be a Ukrainian arts and crafts exhibit, pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs) decorating, traditional Ukrainian food and pastries, and a special attraction: Ukrainian dancers at 2 p.m.
Food and refreshments can be consumed onsite, or ordered for takeout.
It is recommended that “kovbasa” (kielbasy),” varenyky” (pierogies) and “babkas” (special Easterbreads) for takeout be preordered by calling 941-786-5256.

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The Fundraising Committee of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, as part of its campaign to raise funds for the continuous improvements of the church properties, will sponsor a Fundraising Brunch at 11 a.m., Sunday at the Parish Center located next to the church, 1078 N. Biscayne Drive, at the corner of West Price Boulevard. All are invited.
The 10 a.m. Divine Liturgy (Mass), celebrated in the traditional Byzantine-Ukrainian rite, is open to all, and Catholics will fulfill their Sunday attendance obligation by attending the Liturgy, prior to taking advantage of the Fundraising Brunch.

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My wife Katrusia and I wish all our Irish friends and neighbors, and all who will declare themselves Irish for a day, a happy and healthy St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow. 



Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians
by Atanas Kobryn (atanask@aol.com)

Global Day ‘Free Nadiya Savchenko!’

The third and, according to one of Savchenko’s defense lawyers Mark Feygin, the final Global Day to free Nadiya Savchenko is today. The previous one was held on May 11, 2015, Nadiya’s birthday. Attorney Feygin hopes this will be “the last worldwide action prior to her freedom.”
Nadiya Savchenko, 34-year old Ukrainian Air Force lieutenant, was captured by the Russian-supported terrorists in eastern Ukraine June 17, 2014, driven across the border to Russia and turned over to the Russian authorities. She is being tried for complicity in killing two Russian journalists and illegally crossing the border to Russia. Moving a prisoner of war across international borders is prohibited by international law, but Russia contends Savchenko sneaked into Russia pretending to be a refugee and was arrested on Russian soil.
By 2015, Savchenko was being labeled Joan of Arc, and was elected in absentia to “Verkhovna Rada” (Ukraine’s parliament). President Petro Poroshenko awarded her Ukraine’s highest award for bravery.
Her case became cause celebre across Europe and North America, including in Canada. Resolutions and statements, including one by the U.S. State Department calling on Russia to free herunconditionally, are being ignored by Russia. Russia is proceeding with all charges against Savchenko, even though all agree that the decision whether to sentence or to free her is being made by Russian President Putin, and not by any court. While Savchenko was expected to speak during the last session, March 3, the court adjourned unexpectedly, and in protest she began her second hunger strike.

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The traditional pre-Easter Bazaar of Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God (St. Mary’s) Ukrainian Catholic Church is planned Friday and Saturday at 1078 N.
Biscayne Dr., North Port. Popular Ukrainian food and pastries, for on-site consumption or for take-out, Easter breads, and other gift items will be available.
Oksana Lew of Venice chairs this year’s Bazaar Committee.

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The Southwest Florida Ukrainian American community will commemorate the 202nd anniversary of the birth of Taras Shevchenko (1814-1861), an artist, poet, and revolutionary, at 4 p.m. Sunday, at St.
Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, known as “Oseredok” (the center) to Ukrainians.
The event is being sponsored by the “Hromadskyi Komitet” (coordinating committee of Ukrainian American Clubs and Organizations), headed by Romana Guran of Venice.
Taras Shevchenko, who was born a serf, obtained his freedom in 1838 at the age of 24. He became a celebrated painter, a poet, and a member of the Brotherhood of St. Cyril and Methodius, which advocated liberalization of despotic czarist Russia, for which he was arrested in 1847, and sentenced to 10 years of banishment while serving as a private in the Russian Army.
His first book of poems, “Kobzar,” was published in 1840. It is treasured by Ukrainians all over the world on par with the Bible.
Many of his poems, including the world famous “My Testament” were translated into almost all civilized languages of the world.
Atanas Kobryn covers the Ukrainian community for the North Port 

Sun. He can be emailed atanask@aol.com.
 
Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians
by Atanas Kobryn

Meetings, bazaars and war news

The monthly membership meeting of North Port’s Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, headed by Post Commander Col. Roman Rondiak, USA Retired of Osprey, will be at 3 p.m., Friday at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian American Religious and Cultural Center in North Port, the “Oseredok.”

Finance Officer Oleh Sawkiw reminds members, who did not submit their dues, to either mail the checks to him, or to bring the dues to Friday’s meeting.

 Annual membership meeting of the Oseredok and election of “Uprava” (president, board members, and auditing board) is planned for 2 p.m., Monday at the Oseredok. Reports of officers, including the financial report, will be presented for approval.

 President Victor Lisnyczyj of North Port wishes to remind members that all membership dues must be paid before the meeting.

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The traditional Pre-Easter Bazaar of Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God (St. Mary’s) Ukrainian Catholic Church will be held, for the first time, over two days, March 11 and March 12. More information, including hours of operation, will be provided in next week’s column.

The Pre-Easter Bazaar of the Oseredok is planned March 19.

 The Ukrainian American Greek-Catholic and Orthodox faithful, who follow the Julian (“Old”) calendar, in Southwest Florida and in Ukraine will begin the annual Lent (known in Ukrainian as “Velykyi Peest,” or “great fast”) on March 14. Tradition and church regulations mandate a strict fast (no meat and dairy products) on the first day of Lent and on Good Friday, known to Ukrainians as “Great Friday.” Dances, including weddings, and other “boisterous” entertainment, are forbidden during the Great Fast.


This year’s Easter will be observed May 1. Eastern, or Byzantine tradition does not allow the Easter celebration prior to the Jewish Passover, which this year will be observed from sundown of April 22 through April 30.

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All observances within the Southwest Florida Ukrainian American community, including all church services, are with full knowledge of and in sympathy with the problems of the Ukrainian homeland, especially the defense of Ukraine from the Russian military invasion. In addition to occupying Crimea, Putin’s Russian Federation introduced some 30,000 troops into parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine where it encourages local terrorists, who are trained and commanded by Russian military officers, to continue to attack Ukrainian military units in spite of the so-called “Minsk Accord” calling for cease-fire.


The officials of the Donetsk oblast announced recently that 49 children were killed and 138 wounded since the start of hostilities. No information was provided by Luhansk oblast.


Over 9,000 individuals were killed, and over 20,000 injured in the area according to the United Nations release.


Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko announced that, as of Jan. 31, a total of 2,269 members of Ukrainian Armed Forces were killed by the terrorists and Russian military personnel.

To contact Atanas Kobryn, call 941-423-9499 or email: atanask@aol. com Atanas Kobryn, North Port, FL

Ukrainian American Club membership meeting

The monthly membership meeting of Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, headed by Daria Thomashefsky of North Port, will take place at 6 p.m., today at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, known to Ukrainians as “Oseredok,” in North Port.
At the meeting there will be reports of officers, an interesting speaker and, after the adjournment, there will be a pastries and coffee social. All meetings and socials are open to all: guests and potential members are always welcome. There is no admission charge, and the parking is free.
Membership in the club is open to all: one does not need to be Ukrainian or of Ukrainian descent to become a member. Membership dues are $15 for an individual, and $25 for a family.
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Rosary prayers are being held every Wednesday, including today, at 4:30 p.m., for peace and God’s blessings for Ukraine and Ukrainian people at Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God (St. Mary’s) Ukrainian Catholic Church at Biscayne and W. Price Blvd.
Ukraine is defending itself against the Russian aggression for over two years now, with thousands of people killed, including civilians and children, and over a million had to flee their homes. Many are kept by the invading Russians in prisons either as hostages or accused of trumped-up charges, for example the Ukrainian Air Force Lt. Nadiya Savchenko, who was kidnapped in Ukraine, taken against her will to Russia, and is now being tried, among other charges, for crossing the border illegally.
•••
Rev. Vasyl Petriv, pastor of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, has appointed a fundraising committee with a goal of raising funds for the continuous improvements of the church properties.
The committee is holding its first Fundraising Campaign Kick-off Brunch at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Parish Center located next to the church, Biscayne Drive and W. Price Boulevard. Cost is an $8 donation, and all are invited.
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The traditional Ukrainian American dinners are being served on Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m., with takeout meals available from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The kitchen staff would appreciate advance calls when expecting a large amount of food items for takeout.
Takeouts of varenyky (pierogis) and sausages are also available on Fridays at the “Oseredok.”
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The monthly membership meeting of North Port Branch #56 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, known as “Soyuz Ukrayinok” (union of Ukrainian Ladies), headed by Ann-Marie Susla of Englewood, will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Parish Center of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church.
Prior to the meeting, at 9 a.m., a solemn Divine Liturgy Mass and “Panakhyda” (Requiem service) for the repose of souls of departed members of Branch 56 will take place in the church.

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The monthly membership meeting of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, headed by retired Col. Roman Rondiak, USA of Osprey, will take place at 3 p.m. March 4, at the “Oseredok.”
Atanas Kobryn covers the Ukrainian community for the North Port Sun. He can be emailed atatanask@aol.com.

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

by Atanas Kobryn

Ukrainian American Club plans scholarship lunch, other activities

The Board of Directors of the Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, headed by Daria Tomashosky of North Port, met Monday at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center (known as the “Oseredok”), to hear the reports of secretary Doris Horbachevsky, treasurer Nancy Wosny and other officers, and to outline plans for activities over the next several months.
Professor Victor Lisnyczyj’s report as chairman of club’s Scholarship Committee included plans for the Scholarship Awards Fundraiser Luncheon, which will take place at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club in North Port at noon April 12, and the deadline for scholarship application submissions from North Port High and Port Charlotte High school seniors (March 24)n.
The club’s charitable and other activities, including a tapestry project and planned art exhibit, were discussed at length, following presentations by Halya Lisnyczyj, Lieda Boyko, Klara Szpiczka and Katya Steciuk.
President Daria presented two proposals — a bus trip to Tarpon Springs on April 6, and a “mystery dinner train” ride on May 19. The Tarpon Springs bus trip will include a boat ride and luncheon, all for $81 per person. A minimum of 30 people will have to register for the trip. The mystery dinner train, originating from Fort Myers, will cost $80 per person.
The next membership meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Oseredok, which will include a guest speaker and coffee and pastry social after the meeting. There is free parking and no admission charge. All are invited.
•••
Last Saturday’s 25th anniversary celebration of North Port Branch 56 of Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, known as “Soyuz Ukrayinok” (union of Ukrainian Ladies), was a resounding success. The celebration committee, headed by Ann-Marie Susla, branch president, did a superb job in organizing and promoting the affair, resulting in a full house of members, their spouses and guests from St. Petersburg, Naples and other communities. All enjoyed the program and delicious dinner prepared and served by “Nasha Kukhnya” (our kitchen), and danced to the tunes of the Syzonenko Brothers Orchestra.
The program was opened by Ann-Marie Susla, who greeted all and introduced several distinguished guests, followed by the singing of the Soyuz Ukrayinok anthem.
A program authored by Lidia Bilous and masterfully MC’d by her and Katya Steciuk included songs, recitations and passages of history of Branch 56 and was warmly applauded by the public. Singers and readers participating in the program were Olya Hron, Oksana Lew, Halya Lisnyczyj, Lida Mychalowych, Lieda Boyko, Anya Rejnarowycz, Ulana Stadnyk and Lida Kramarchuk. Ulana Rondiak was the music coordinator, and Vladimier Szpczka provided accordion accompaniment.
All past presidents of Branch 56 (Maria Nawarynsky, Marika Bilynsky, Orysia Swystun, Chrystyna Lazor, Iwanna Holowaty and Oksana Lew), honorary members (Nadia Iwanczuk, Lubow Ingram, Neonilia Lechman, Slawa Maluk and Roxolana Yarymowych) and honorary national members (Maria Nawarynsky, Iwanna Martynetz, Dr. Iwanna Ratych, Orysia Swystun and Lidia Bilous) were introduced and presented with flowers.
The address by special guest Marianna Zajac, national UNWLA president, included greetings on behalf of the National UNWLA Executive Committee, congratulations and thanks to members of Branch 56 for their successful quarter-century of dedicated work and raising nearly a quarter-million dollars for charities and scholarships.
Atanas Kobryn covers the Ukrainian community for the North Port Sun. He can be emailed atatanask@aol.com.


Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians
by Atanas Kobryn

Soyuz Ukrayinok celebrates 25 years

Twenty-five years ago, a group of Ukrainian American women in North Port and vicinity decided to organize a branch of the widely known and highly respected national organization, Ukrainian National Women’s League of America,” commonly referred to as “Soyuz Ukrayinok” (union of Ukrainian Ladies).

The first meeting of the group took place Feb. 25, 1991, with 15 interested women in attendance. Maria Nawarynsky of North Port was elected president, and Nadia Iwanczuk of Warm Mineral Springs vice president. The new branch was given number 56.

This branch, with 98 active members, now headed by Ann-Marie Susla of Englewood, after raising and donating over $170,000 to various educational, humanitarian and charitable causes, will celebrate its 25th anniversary at 5 p.m. Saturday at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Parish Center, 1078 N. Biscayne Drive, North Port. The celebration will consist of a dinner prepared and served by “Nasha Kukhnya” (our kitchen), entertainment, dancing to tunes popular in the Ukrainian American communities here and in northern states as performed by the Syzonenko Brothers orchestra, and other surprises.

Two longtime and very active members, including membership in the “Uprava” (executive) of the branch, Neonilia “Nela” M. Lechman of Venice and Roxolana “Lana” Yarymovych of Osprey, will be honored with the Honorary Membership Award.

Tickets, at $40 per person, must be ordered in advance from Nela Lechman at 941-496-8593 or Tanya Silecky at 941-302-6054. Tickets will not be available at the door.

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The first 2016 monthly membership meeting of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, held last Friday at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, (known as the “Oseredok”), was chaired by UAV National Commander and past post commander Ihor W. Hron of Osprey. After the traditional opening ceremonies (salute and Pledge of Allegiance, opening prayer by post Chaplain The Rev. Roman Badiak of St. Petersburg, and a moment of silence for departed comrades), NC Hron welcomed guest Vasyl Bystrianyk, visiting New Haven, Conn., UAV Post 33 member, brother-in-law of PPC Jerry Zinycz and my “war buddy” from service in the 525th Military Intelligence Group at Fort Bragg, N.C., during the Korean War.
Following the presentation and approval of reports by Adjutant John Czerkas and Financial Officer Oleh Sawkiw, NC Hron outlined some of the upcoming activities and events for Post 40 and on the national level.

The election of Post 40 officers for the next year will be held at the first meeting in September. The installation will take place at a fundraiser luncheon at noon Nov. 16 at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club in North Port.

The UAV 69th National Convention will take place Oct. 1315, 2016 in Chicago, Ill.
UAV National Adjutant Col. Roman Rondiak will be mailing information and registration forms to all members.

Discussion of various items of interest, including visiting ill members, veterans’ discounts at Home Depot and Lowe’s, etc., took place prior to adjournment of the meeting.
The next membership meeting will be held at 3 p.m. March 4 at the Oseredok.

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians
by Atanas Kobryn

‘Soyuz Ukrayinok’ re-elects president

The North Port Milena Rudnycka Branch 56 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, known as “Soyuz Ukrayinok” (union of Ukrainian Ladies), one of the largest branches of the national organization, held its annual membership meeting Jan. 26, and again re-elected University of Buffalo alumna Ann-Marie Susla of Englewood as president.
Branch 56 will celebrate its 25th Jubilee at 5 p.m. Feb. 13 at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church Parish Center with a dinner, entertainment and presentation of awards. Tickets, at $40 per person, can be obtained from Branch 56 members.
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The monthly membership meeting of the Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, headed by Daria Tomashosky of North Port, was held Jan. 28 at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center (known as the “Oseredok”). After opening the meeting, Daria welcomed special guests Vira Andrushkiw, chair of the Detroit Regional Council of UNWLA branches and vice president of U.S.Ukraine Foundation, and the Rev. Vasyl Petriv, pastor of the local Ukrainian Catholic parish.
After the customary reports of officers (secretary Doris Horbachevsky, treasurer Nancy Wosny, correspondence secretary Halya Lisnyczyj, scholarship committee chair Victor Lisnyczyj and special projects coordinator Klara Szpiczka), president Daria made several program announcements, including the membership of the Nominating Committee (Ihor W. Hron, Oksana Lew and Klara Szpiczka), and introduced the guest speaker, the honorable Bohdan A. Futey.
Judge Futey, a familiar face in the Ukrainian American community, is a federal judge now serving on senior status for the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and spoke about the current situation in Ukraine. His topic was “Two years after the Revolution of Dignity — Strengths and Weaknesses.” After relaying events leading to the “Revolution of Dignity” (the refusal of former president Yanukovych to sign an agreement with the European Union, and the brutal attempt to suppress the peaceful demonstrations, which resulted in his fleeing the country in February 2014), Judge Futey spoke about the democratic elections of pro-western “Verkhovna Rada” (parliament), the election of President Petro Poroshenko, slow but continuous progress in the westernization of the judicial system, the rebirth of the Ukrainian Army that was neglected by Yanukovych, and the new patriotism of Ukrainians as the positive aspects and strengths of Ukraine.
He also went over the weaknesses and negative aspects, such as corruption, the old post-Soviet legal system in need of modernization, and domestic refugees from Crimea and the Donbass region.
Many questions posed by the audience were adequately answered by Judge Futey, who was approached with questions even after the meeting’s adjournment, during the traditional coffee- and-pastry social hour.
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The monthly membership meeting of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, the first in 2016, will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at the Oseredok.
Vice Commander Col. Roman Synychak, USAF (Ret.), will chair the meeting because Post Commander Col. Rondiak will be out of town.
UAV National Commander Ihor W. Hron will be the special guest.
Finance officer Oleh Sawkiw wishes to remind members that he will accept payments for current dues at the meeting.

Atanas Kobryn covers the Ukrainian community for the North Port Sun. He can be emailed atatanask@aol.com

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians
by Atanas Kobryn