‘Oseredok’ is not a church

     St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center Inc., known to Ukrainian Americans as the “Oseredok” (the Ukrainian word “oseredok” translates as “center”) in North Port is a not-for-profit, nondenominational, non-political cultural and educational institution incorporated in the state of Florida. It was established by and for the Ukrainian American and Ukrainian Canadian residents of North Port and vicinity. The building and land is owned by the dues-paying members and cannot become property of an individual, a religious entity or political party.

    Several entities have their “home” at the Oseredok: Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, Milena Rudnycka Chapter 56 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, commonly referred to as “Soyuz Ukraynok” (union of Ukrainian ladies), the Senator Paul Yuzyk Ukrainian Library (reportedly the largest Ukrainian library in the state), and St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Church. The Coordinating Committee of Ukrainian American Organizations of North Port and vicinity (“Hromadsyi Komitet”), and other clubs and organizations hold their meetings at the Oseredok. Cultural affairs, exhibits, parties, dances, weekly get- togethers of seniors, etc. are some of the activities there.

    St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Church was established in one of the wings of the Oseredok’s structure to serve permanent and seasonal residents,who are of Ukrainian Greek Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox faiths. Visiting clergy of those denominations, with approvals of their respective bishops, conducted services on Sundays and holidays until the decision was made to form a parish and build the Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God (St. Mary’s) Ukrainian Catholic Church. Consequently, St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Church is now being used by the Ukrainian Orthodox, even though legally it can be used by Greek Catholics also.

    The existence of St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Church and the fact that it now serves only the Ukrainian Orthodox faithful leads some to assume that the Oseredok is a Ukrainian Orthodox institution, which is incorrect.

                                                           • • •

    The annual membership meeting of the Oseredok and election of officers took place March 19. The meeting was opened by Oseredok president, professor Victor Lisnyczyj of North Port, who, after brief introductory remarks and greetings, proceeded to present the report of activities during the past year. Other reports and discussion followed.

    The members re-elected professor Lisnyczyj to serve as president for another year. Also re-elected were vice president Daria Tomashosky, secretary Dr. Bohdan Bodnaruk, treasurer Maria Bojduj, membership chair Klara Szpiczka, property manager Eugene A. Tomashosky, cultural committee co-chairs professor Vira Bodnaruk and Halya Lisnyczyj, social service co-chairs Anastasia Fatenko and Maria Nikitin, and members-at-large Victor Kapij, Orysia Swystun, Roman Swystun and Vladimier Szpiczka.

    Auditing Committee members Iwanna Holowaty, Doris Horbachevsky, Victor Kapij and Mykola Weremijenko were also re-elected.

    The traditional pre-Easter Bazaar will be held at St. Andrew’s from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 4. More details next week.

    One of the surprises of the meeting was the unanimous election of Maia Bojduj, longtime Oseredok treasurer, as honorary member of the Oseredok. Congratulations, Mrs. Bojduj!

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

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

by Atanas Kobryn

 

When and where WWII started

It is universally accepted that World War II began Sept. 1, 1939, with Hitler’s Wehrmacht attacking the Polish Republic (Rzeczpospolita Polska). However, the actual shooting war, with Hitler’s blessing, began nearly six months earlier when the modern, superbly equipped army of one of Hitler’s satellites, Hungary, attacked a newly established democratic state, Carpathian Ukraine, a Ukrainian land which after World War I became a part of Czechoslovakian Republic, often referred to as the most democratic state in Europe.

    Following the infamous Munich agreement, Czechoslovakia was forced to surrender to Germany the German-populated Sudetenland, which resulted in the hastening of the breakup of the heretofore one republic in three autonomous entities. Soon thereafter, the Germans occupied the territory, which they named “Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia,” while the Slovaks (Oct. 6, 1938) and Ukrainians (Oct. 11, 1938) had formed autonomous states which eventually (March 14, 1938) became independent. Hitler had allowed “Independent” Slovakia to exist, but he long before had agreed to the occupation of Carpatho-Ukraine by the Hungarians.

    It is interesting to note the comparison of events in March 1938 and in March 2014, both involving Ukraine.

    Immediately upon the declaration of independence of Carpatho-Ukraine, the Hungarian government issued an ultimatum demanding that the government of Carpatho-Ukraine stop anti-Hungarian propaganda (no such propaganda had been conducted), release Hungarian political prisoners (there were none) and arm the Hungarians residing in Carpatho-Ukraine. The first two demands were without basis in fact. When the third demand was rejected, the Hungarian army invaded. The defense of the newly proclaimed Ukrainian state depended on the 5,000 poorly armed members of the hastily formed Carpathian Sitch. Within days, the Hungarian army, assisted by well-trained and armed saboteurs sent ahead, had occupied most of the important strategic points in the state, in spite of the heroic efforts of the young and militarily inexperienced defenders, many of whom were killed in battles, and others taken prisoners (many summarily executed).

    Partisan battles continued until mid-April.

    From an international point of view, the Carpatho-Ukrainian-Hungarian battles were the first battles of WWII, for the Czechs surrendered their state to Hitler without firing a shot.

    The territory of the 1938-1939 Carpatho-Ukraine is now the “Zakarpatska” (Transcarpathian) oblast of Ukraine, which Ukrainians call “Sribna Zemlya” (silver land). It, together with the rest of Ukraine, is now defending itself against “modern-day Hitler” Putin, who makes outlandish and withoutbasis-in-fact accusations of persecutions of the Russian-speaking minority in Ukraine, and other anti-Ukrainian propaganda, in preparation for an attack on Ukraine.

                                                        • • •

    The solemn commemoration of the Taras Shevchenko bicentennial will be held at the ECOSOC Chamber of the Organization of United Nations in New York City on March 27. The elaborate program will include remarks from U.N. General Secretary Ban Ki-moon, President of the U.N. 68th General Session H.E. John

W. Ashe, and other dignitaries.

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

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

by Atanas Kobryn

 

Shevchenko’s bicentennial commemorated

    The commemorative assembly honoring the 200th anniversary of the birth of Ukrainian artist, poet, revolutionary and national prophet Taras Shevchenko (March 9, 1814-March 10, 1861), sponsored by the Coordinating Committee of Ukrainian American organizations in North Port and vicinity, headed by Romana Guran of Venice, took place last Sunday at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Parish Center in North Port. The Jubilee Committee, responsible for the organization and production of this very successful affair, consisting of singing and recitations of Shevchenko’s poems, was headed by Halya Lisnyczyj of North Port.

    The festive commemoration began with the United Choir conducted by Lubow Ingram singing “The Zapovit” (“My Testament”), followed by welcoming and introductory remarks by Neonillia Lechman, mistress of ceremonies. As is the custom, attendees stood during the singing of this very personal Shevchenko poem, which was translated into more than 50 languages (including English), which Ukrainians regard as one of their most sacred national treasures. Two very young piano players, sisters Ariana and Mia Allen, wearing beautiful national Ukrainian costumes, played “Dumy Moyi” (“My Meditations”) to the delight of the more than 150 attendees.

    Two songs by the choir of the local branch of “Soyuz Ukrayinok” (union of Ukrainian ladies), also directed by Lubow Ingram, sang two Shevchenko poems, followed by a group recitation of a lengthy poem, “Nevolnyk” (“Captive”) by Lieda Boyko, Julia Danylovych, Olya Hron, Bohdan Lechman, Halya Lisnyczyj, Ostap Macilynsky and Lesya Popel.

    The United Choir’s song “Dumy Moyi” was followed by the recitation by Bohdan Bodnaruk and Halya Lisnyczyj of “Rozryta Mohyla” (“The Plundered Grave”). The final item was a song by the United Choir about the river Dnipro, followed by the Ukrainian national anthem, sung by all.

    The stage was tastefully decorated by Klara and Vladimier Szpiczka. The success of the affair was the result, to a large degree, of Daria Tomashosky’s advertising posters and leaflets. Lidia Bilous designed the artwork and printed the evening’s program.

    Attendees were able to view a display of a large selection of publications of Shevchenko’s works, including some archival pieces.

    It should be noted that Shevchenko’s bicentennial is being commemorated worldwide, including at the United Nations, and in some countries on the national level. In the West Ukrainian city of Lviv last Sunday, some 2,500 students had formed a human chain from the “Ukrainian Bookstore” to the Shevchenko monument at the Prospect of Freedom. From the stage at the monument the students then read a selection of popular poems, then read Shevchenko’s “Zapovit” in 16 languages, including Armenian, Azerbaijani, Belarusian, Chinese, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Polish, Russian and Spanish, in addition to Ukrainian.

                                                             • • •

    The Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, headed by Commander Eugene A. Tomashosky held its March monthly membership meeting last Friday at the Military Heritage Museum at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda, which included viewing the exhibits and socializing with the museum’s staff and volunteers.

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

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

by Atanas Kobryn 

Community activist, Nazi concentration camp survivor honored

 The children of Iwanna “Jean” Holowaty of Venice — an active member of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in North Port, past president of the North Port chapter of Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (“Soyuz Ukrayinok,” union of Ukrainian ladies), an active member of several other organizations and a Nazi concentration camp survivor
— arranged for a special celebration of her 90th birthday. The children, Christine Schlesinger and David Kotok, Marta and George Garcia, Alexandra and Kent Hildebrand, and George and Margie Holowaty, invited more than 100 friends of their mother to a dinner March 1 at Boca Royale Golf & Country Club in Englewood.

    The invitation, made expressly for Jean by Lidia Bilous, was very specific: “Please help us honor our mother’s wishes that no gifts be part of His celebration. In their place, please consider a contribution in her honor to one of the charities listed.” There were two charities — the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (checks to be made payable to the UNWLA Scholarship Program) and the Ukrainian Catholic University (checks to be made payable to the Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation). My wife Katrusia, who is a member of the UNWLA, and I made a contribution in honor of Jean’s 90th birthday to the UNWLA Scholarship Program, and wish her many more years of good health and happiness and continuous productive community activities, which she enjoys very much.

    The delicious dinner, including dessert and wine, all expertly served by the friendly Boca Royale staff, began with an invocation by the Rev. Dr. Severyn Kovalyshin, pastor of St. Mary’s Church, and continued with the traditional singing of “Mnohaya Leeta!” (many, many years), a slide presentation of the birthday girl’s life and her family, and the introduction of all members of her family — children and their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses, and great-grandchildren. It was a truly classy, wonderful, enjoyable and memorable affair.

                                                     • • •

    We are very proud of our youngest son, Maj. A. Ihor Kobryn, U.S. Army Reserve, a St. John University alumnus and a veteran of “Operation Iraqi Freedom,” who recently received a master of science degree from New York University after completing his required studies while supporting his family and attending all scheduled USAR meetings.

    Congratulations and best wishes for continued success in all your endeavors, dear son!

                                                      • • •

    Sixty years ago, on March 4, 1954, while on active duty as a corporal with the 530th Military Intelligence Platoon of the 3rd U.S. Army at Fort Bragg, N.C., I was made a citizen of the United States of America. My naturalization certificate, after the swearing-in ceremony, was presented to me personally by Maj. Gen. Joseph P. Cleland, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg post commander, in the Fort Bragg sports arena while the XVIII Airborne Corps orchestra played military and patriotic songs.

    There were more than two dozen individuals naturalized in that ceremony, mostly soldiers. The largest group was made up of soldiers born in Ukraine who arrived in the U.S. after World War II, who were in the country for only a short time. For example, I was inducted after being here only eight months.

    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

Club guests will share their trip to Western Ukraine

    Members of the Greater Boston chapter of the Friends of Ukrainian Catholic University will report and show slides about an unforgettable seven-day journey to Western Ukraine at the monthly membership meeting of the Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida at 6 p.m. tonight at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center (Oseredok) in North Port. Presenters are Ulana Sos, Alicia Szendiuch and Tania Vitvitsky.

    The itinerary of their Sept. 15-21, 2013, trip included the UCU in Lviv, cultural capital of Western Ukraine, with its magnificent churches, monasteries, museums, Ploshcha (Place) Rynok, opera, and cafes; Krekhiv Monastery, the oldest in Western Ukraine, and the Renaissance city of Zhovkva; ancient castles in Volyn region, Lesia Ukrainka Museum near Kovel, and icons in Lutsk, Dubno (city featured in Gogol’s “Taras Bulba”) and Ostroh.

    At the UCU, the trip participants had the opportunity to interact with UCU students and faculty, tour the new campus, and participate in the unveiling of the Boston Seminar Room plaque (the focus of the fundraising project of the Greater Boston Chapter of the Friends of UCU). They were housed in the Sheptytsky Collegium on the new UCU campus located next to Stryysky Park.

    The presentation will follow a brief business meeting which will include the mandatory reports of President Daria Tomashosky, other officers and committee chairs, and other business matters.

    At the conclusion of the presentation, there will be a reception including coffee and home-baked pastries.

    Mr. Alexander B. Kuzma, Chief Development Officer of the Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation, Chicago, Ill., will be a special guest.

    All are welcome.

 Special Prayers for the Heroes of Maidan.

    At the conclusion of last Sunday’s Divine Liturgy (mass) at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in North Port there were special prayers for the fallen heroes of Maidan in Kyiv, Ukraine, and for their families. The Rev. Dr. Severyn Kovalyshin, pastor, read the names, ages and home cities/ towns of the known 82 individuals killed by police sharpshooters during what began as the peaceful demonstration against the corrupt and dictatorial pro-Russian regime of (now former) president Yanukovych.

    One of the altar servers rang a bell after each name and two other children lit candles on the “tetrapod” (an altar in the middle of the church).

    After all names were read, Rt. Rev. Mitrate Archpriest Wolodymyr Woloszczuk, pastor- emeritus, and The Rev. Dr. Kovalyshin celebrated “Panakhyda” (special requiem service) for the repose of souls of all murdered heroes, with the church choir under the direction of Lubow Ingram singing beautifully responses. After singing “Veechnaya Pamyat” (eternal memory), the Rev. Dr. Kovalyshin led the congregation in special prayers for the bereaved families of the murdered heroes.

 Upcoming Events

    The monthly membership meeting of “Soyuz Uikrayinok” will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 4.

    The monthly membership meeting of Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, March 7, at the Military Heritage Museum at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda. Please note: This is a one-time only change from the regular meeting place at the Oseredok.

    The festive assembly to commemorate the 200th birthday of Taras Shevchenko, Ukraine’s outstanding poet, artist, revolutionary and prophet will be held Sunday, March 9.

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

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

by Atanas Kobryn

Ukrainian heroines honored at dinner

      The North Port Chapter 56 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, UNWLA, known as “Soyuz Ukrayinok,” (union of Ukrainian ladies), headed by Ann-Marie Susla of Englewood, held a dinner with a special program honoring women- heroines of Ukraine with a special emphasis on the “Women of Maidan.” The affair, attended by more than 120 members and guests, organized by a committee headed by the chapter’s Cultural Affairs Chair Ulana Rondiak, was held last Saturday at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center (“Oseredok”) in North Port. The proceeds from the dinner were designated for humanitarian aid to the protesters at the Maidan, the Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine, who have been demonstrating there since November 2013, against the corrupt, criminal, pro-Russian regime of President Yanukovych.

    The program, with Larissa Shpon of Warm Mineral Springs as mistress of ceremonies, consisted of a prayer and three songs by the chapter’s choir (the only UNWLA choir in the United States) under the direction of Lubow Ingram of Venice, the song “Chuzhyna” (foreign land), a duet by husband and wife Wolodymyr and Neoninilia Lechman, recitation “Heroyiniyam UPA” (to heroines of UPA) by Lesya Popel, and the screening of two videos, “Mothers of Maidan” and “Ode to Women of Maidan,” courtesy of Viktor Lisnyczyj.

    The keynote address by Lidia Bilous, chapter vice president and member of UNWLA National Board, covered the history of Maidan and the role of women of various ethnic groups of Ukraine. A large segment of her address dealt with the activities and personal involvement at the Maidan and on behalf of Maidan of the world-renowned composer, performer and singer Ruslana. The program was designed and printed by Lidia Bilous included on the last page the as yet unofficial, proposed new national anthem of Ukraine.

    Upcoming meetings, other affairs

    The regular monthly membership meeting of Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida will be held at 6 p.m., on Feb. 26, at the “Oseredok.” Scholarship Committee Chair Viktor Lisnyczyj reminds all potential applicants for scholarships that the deadline for submission of complete applications is Friday, March 14.

    Monthly membership meeting of “Soyuz Ukrayinok” Chapter 56 will take place at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 4. The place of the meeting will be communicated to the members via email and/ or telephone in advance of the meeting.

    The March monthly membership meeting of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, March 7 at the Military Heritage Museum at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda. Commander Tomashosky suggested that members who would like to share a ride should meet at 2 p.m. at the “Oseredok.”

Taras Shevchenko Bicentennial

    The festive assembly to commemorate the 200th birthday of Taras Shevchenko (March 9, 1814 – March 10, 1861), Ukraine’s poet, prophet, artist and revolutionary, whose monuments are located in over 1,200 towns and cities worldwide, including one in Washington, D.C., will be held Sunday, March 9. It is being sponsored by the Coordinating Committee of Ukrainian American Clubs and Organizations of North Port and vicinity, headed by Romana Guran of Venice.

    More details, including time and place, in next week’s column.

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

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

by Atanas Kobryn

Ukrainian ladies to honor heroines

     The North Port Chapter 56 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League (UNWLA), known as “Soyuz Ukrayinok” (union of Ukrainian ladies) headed by Ann-Marie Susla of Englewood, canceled the dinner/dance known as “Vyshyvani Vechernytsi” (embroidered ball) traditionally held in the middle of February in respect for the dead and injured heroes of Maidan in Kyiv.

    The UNWLA chapter will hold a dinner and program honoring heroines of EuroMaidan in Kyiv, Ukraine, at 6 p.m. Saturday at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center (“Oseredok”) in North Port. This is a fundraiser for humanitarian aid for the demonstrators at Kyiv’s Maidan. A special program will follow the dinner. Tickets are $15 per person and proceeds will go to the UNWLA Humanitarian Aid Fund for Maidan.

    Additional donations are welcome. Please write a check to “UNWLA Br. 56,” with notation “Humanitarian Aid for Maidan.” The funds are needed to aid the wounded and sick demonstrators.

    Monthly membership meetings of UNWLA Br. 56 take place at 10 a.m. every first Tuesday of the month, with the exception of July and August. For information and/or membership application, contact Membership Chair Olya Hron at 941-966-2845.

UAV Post 40 inducts new members

    Three new members were inducted by UAV National Commander Ihor W. Hron of Osprey at the conclusion of last Friday’s monthly membership meeting of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans. NC Hron was assisted by Post Commander Eugene

A. Tomashosky and Post Vice-Commander and National Adjutant Col. Roman Rondiak, U.S. (ret.).

    The new members are: Bohdan P. Hirniak, P.E., of Naples; Erik Nakonechnyj, of Hudson, Fla.; and George Steciuk, of Venice. A brief reception followed the induction ceremony.

    The meeting included the customary reports of Post Adjutant Roman Kilar and Finance Officer Col. Roman Rondiak as well as reports of other offi- cers and the financial review committee. NC Hron provided a lot of information about the nationwide organization and plans of activities of the National Executive Board, including the status of fundraising for the national monument honoring all veterans of all branches of service in all wars, UAV website, etc.

    Monthly membership meetings of Post 40 are held at 3 p.m. every first Friday of the month at the “Oseredok.” Veterans of the United States Armed Forces who are of Ukrainian descent or whose spouse is of Ukrainian descent are invited to join our Post, the only UAV post in our Sunshine State.

    English translation of ‘Kobzar’ presented

    Peter Fedynsky, translator of the first-ever complete English translation of Taras Shevchenko’s “Kobzar,” was introduced by Daria Tomashosky, president of the Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, last Sunday afternoon at the “Oseredok.” In addition to speaking about his “labor of love” and reading excerpts of Taras Shevchenko’s poems, Fedynsky was also busy signing the copies of books, which were sold out with many, including yours truly, having to order and await the future shipments.

    This was indeed a very nice and proper introduction of worldwide (including the United Nations) celebrations of the 200th anniversary of Shevchenko’s birth.

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

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

by Atanas Kobryn