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.
•••
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.
•••
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.”
•••
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.

•••
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.

•••
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.
•••
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.
•••
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 

Federal judge to speak on Ukraine situation

The monthly membership meeting of the Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, headed by Daria Tomashosky of North Port, will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center (known as the “Oseredok”). This is a change from the traditional meeting day of Wednesday.
The Honorable Bohdan A. Futey, a federal judge now serving on senior status for the U. S. Court of Federal Claims, will be the guest speaker. His topic will be “Two years after the Revolution of Dignity— Strengths and Weaknesses,” an overview of the progress and the current situation in Ukraine.

Judge Futey’s presentation will follow a brief business meeting.
All are invited to the meeting and to hear Judge Futey’s presentation. There is no admission fee.

The Board of Directors of the club met last Monday at the Oseredok, chaired by President Daria. It reviewed recent activities (the Christmas party, “Kolyada”, et al), and discussed plans of activities for the next several months, including the Scholarship Fundraiser Luncheon tentatively scheduled for April 12 at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club, art exhibit (date, place and other details to be determined at a later date), the club’s charitable activities and planned social activities.

President Daria announced the club’s nominating committee consisting of Ihor W.Hron of Osprey, Oksana Lew of Venice and Klara Szpiczka of North Port.

•••
The 97th anniversary of the unification of two states, Ukrainian National Republic and West Ukrainian National Republic, into one Ukrainian National Republic on Jan. 22, 1919, was celebrated in Ukraine and in all Ukrainian communities throughout the world.
In Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, in addition to many parades and commemorative concerts, a live chain across the Dnieper River was created in honor of the unification and in commemoration of a live chain with nearly 3 million taking part 25 years ago, stretching from L’viv and Ivano-Frankivsk to Kyiv.

The North Port and Southwest Florida Ukrainian American community commemorated the historic eventat the assembly last Sunday at the Oseredok.

The event was sponsored by “Hromadskyi Komitet” (Coordinating Committee of Ukrainian American Organizations) headed by Romana Harasymiak-Guran, who opened the ceremony and introduced master of ceremonies Dr.Orest Bilous of Osprey, who introduced Lidiya Mychalowych (who recited the poem “Bells in Ukraine”), Ostap Macielinski (who recited the moving “Poem from Maydan”) and the United Choir under the direction of Lubow Ingram of Venice, which sang “O Ukraine,” “Oy u Luzi ...,” a historic song that was a favorite of the Ukrainian Sich Riflemen of World War I — which the public always listens to while standing with respect — and the hymn-prayer “O Great and Only God.”
The guest speaker, introduced by Dr.Bilous, was Vira Andrushkiw, vice president of the U.S.Ukraine Foundation and chair of the Detroit Regional Council of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, whose topic was “Independence and Unification of Lands,” a comprehensive and professionally presented historic overview of world events affecting Ukraine since the start of WWI.

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

Ukraine’s unification to be commemorated

At 4 p.m. Sunday at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center (known as the “Oseredok”), 4100 S.Biscayne Drive, North Port, there will be a concert commemorating the 97th anniversary of the unification of all Ukrainian lands into one independent Ukrainian National Republic. The event is being sponsored by the “Hromadskyi Komitet” (Coordinating Committee of Ukrainian American Clubs and Organizations), headed by Romana Harasymiak-Guran of Venice.

The Act of Unification joined two heretofore separate Ukrainian states into one. Unfortunately, due to the overwhelming forces of Russian Communists, as well as the so-called Russian “White Armies” supported by western powers, as well as attacks by neighboring countries, the truly democratic Ukrainian National Republic eventually became, for many years, the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, a de facto colony of Communist Russia, until Aug. 24, 1991.

                                                 •••
The one-year anniversary of the “Battle of Donetsk Airport,” described by author Peter Dickinson of Business Ukraine Magazine as the “Ukrainian Alamo,” was observed in Ukraine on Sunday.
Peter Dickinson’s article about the Battle of Donetsk Airport includes the following: “After over 240 days of defiant and againstall- odds defense, the airport finally fell to the combined Russian-separatist forces. Dozens of Ukrainian defenders died in the last days of the battle … By this stage, the airport itself was an uninhabitable lunar landscape, reduced to ruin by some of the most intense fighting witnessed in Europe since the fall of Nazi Berlin in 1945.

“Much as the doomed 19th century defenders of the Alamo have come to be seen as flag bearers of America’s national identity, the Cyborgs of Donetsk Airport are destined to be icons of the new Ukraine,” Dickinson wrote.

“Heroes never die!” is the common expression of modern Ukrainians.

                                                       •••
The annual membership meeting of Branch 56 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, commonly called “Soyuz Ukrayinok” (union of Ukrainian Ladies), headed by Ann-Marie Susla of Englewood, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Parish Center, 1078 N. Biscayne Drive, North Port.

The very successful Christmas/New Year/ Epiphany social, held earlier this month, will be discussed, and Roxolana (Lana) Yarymovych of Osprey, who chaired the event committee and was responsible for the superb organization of the event and for the exemplary cooperation of the committee members, will be thanked again for her efforts.

Her name was inadvertently omitted in last week’s description of the event.

The participation of Branch 56 members in the “christening” of the recently formed new branch of Soyuz Ukrayinok in Naples on Jan. 31 also will be discussed.

                                                 •••
The first in several years traditional “Malanchyn Vechir” (Melanie’s Evening”), or simply “Malanka,” held Jan. 13 at the Ukrainian Catholic Parish Center, was a successful affair, with delicious refreshments, food and desserts, music and dancing. The event was advertised as open to all, and the result was an attendance of many nonparishioners. All had a wonderful time and at midnight toasted the beginning of “old new year” 2016, according to the “old” Julian calendar.

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

‘Malanka’ and the ‘old’ new year

After several years of omission due to a lack of organizers, the traditional “Malanchyn Vechir” (Melanie’s evening), or simply “Malanka,” commemorating the feast day of St. Melanie (383-439 A.D.), will take place tonight at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church Parish Center. It will start at 9 p.m., and end at 1 a.m.
Thursday. There will be food, refreshments, singing and dancing, plus some surprises. 

This is just a variation from the customary observances of Malanka in Ukraine. 

These observances in Ukraine are more than a dinner/dance and a few hours of socialization. In Ukraine, groups of carolers wander, singing carols from house to house all night, and when invited into the house they wish the residents health and prosperity, recite special verses and sing more carols. 

When visiting relatives’ or close neighbors’ homes after midnight or early in the morning on Jan. 14, it is customary to throw some wheat grains on the floor and recite a special short verse wishing the homeowners a healthy and prosperous year — a custom almost completely abandoned outside of Ukraine. Jan.14 is known as the “old” new year, because it is Jan. 1 according to the “old” Julian calendar.
                                                •••
The Christmas/New Year/Epiphany social of the North Port branch of “Soyuz Ukrayinok” (union of Ukrainian Ladies), held Friday at the Ukrainian Catholic Parish Center was a resounding success. Over 110 members and their guests enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres, a tasty buffet dinner and popular home-baked pastry with coffee. 

Many expressions of thanks and admiration to the culinary staff, consisting mostly of the executive board members, and especially for Christyna Sheldon, were spoken. 

New members who joined the branch during 2015 were introduced, and a choir of female carolers led by Lieda Boyko, who carried the Christmas star, marched into the hall singing Ukrainian carols. Not to be outdone, a male choir was quickly organized by Orest Bilous to sing a special version of carols glorifying the culinary staff and all the organizers of the event. 

President Ann-Marie Susla made two announcements: The annual membership meeting of the branch will take place at 10 a.m. Jan. 26 at the Parish Center, and the “christening” of the new Soyuz Ukrayinok branch in Naples will take place Jan. 31 in Naples, to which all are invited.
                                                  ***
On Tuesday, the two local Ukrainian American congregations, Catholic and Orthodox, will celebrate the Feast of Epiphany, commemorating the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by St. John the Baptizer. The celebrations include special divine liturgies in both churches, St. Andrew’s and St. Mary’s, to be followed by the blessing of water outside the churches, weather permitting.
The blessed “Jordan water” is believed to have miraculous healing powers. 

Parishioners and guests take this water home and, after sprinkling some on their homes or apartments, preserve it until the following year. 

In my youth in Ukraine it was a well-known fact that some Jews had asked their Ukrainian neighbors to share the water with them.
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