‘Oseredok’ leadership re-elected

Members of St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, known to Ukrainians as the “Oseredok” (center), at last week’s annual membership meeting re-elected most of the officers and members of the Executive board.
Re-elected were Victor Lisnyczyj – president, Daria Tomashosky – vice president, Dr. Bohdan Bodnaruk – secretary, and Mykola Kompanijec – treasurer, Vira Bodnaruk and Halya Lisnyczyj – Cultural Affairs co-chairs, and Eugene Tomashosky – property manager.
Former Membership Committee Chair Klara Szpiczka was elected cochair of Social Services, with Maria Nikitin, who was re-elected, and Maria Kompanijec was elected Membership Committee Chair.
Members at-large are Orysia Swystun, in charge of twice-weekly card and domino socials, Anna Macilynska, and Natalie Newmerzhycky.
Auditing Board members are Victor Kaplijchairman, and Odarka Horbachevsky and Mykola Weremijenko - members.
Financial Committee members are Orest Bilous and Ihor Hron.

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The Ukrainian Easter Bazaar sponsored by the Oseredok on Saturday was a resounding success. The Bazaar Committee, chaired by Oseredok Vice President Daria Tomashosky, really worked hard several days prior to and during the bazaar, but the result of their efforts was a well-organized affair, superb entertainment, and delicious food prepared and served fresh all day.
Food items, baked goods (babkas and other pastries) were available for on-site consumption and for takeout. Many gift items, jewelry, pysanky — Ukrainian Easter eggs — along with embroidery and publications were also available.
The highlight of the bazaar was the appearance of the youthful Ukrainian Dancers from St. Petersburg, Fla,, a duet of Roma Long playing bandura, the Ukrainian national instrument, and Anya Rejnarowycz, who sang a popular Ukrainian folk song, and a mini-concert of singers of the local Ukrainian Pentecostals congregation.

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The judge began reading the verdict in the Russian “kangaroo” trial of kidnapped and illegally transported to Russia Ukrainian Air Force pilot Nadiya Savchenko on Monday. At this writing it is not known if he completed the reading.
The ruling will not be official until the judge finishes reading the verdict. The Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported that “Judge Stepanenko’s words pointed to a guilty verdict. {…} The judge also accused her of being part of a ‘criminal group’ and of aiming to kill an ‘unlimited number of people.’” Russian authorities ignored repeated calls from the international community, including U.N. and U.S. governments, for her immediate release from the illegal detention.
The prosecutors are ignoring the documentary evidence of the defense about Savchenko’s innocence of all charges, and relying on false witnesses (typical of Stalin’s period!) and are asking for a 23-year prison term. Savchenko is protesting her illegal detention and the “kangaroo” trial by declaring a hunger strike, which is seriously affecting her health.
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This Sunday, the overwhelming majority of world Christians will celebrate Easter, commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus.
The Ukrainians call the day “Velykden” which means great day.
My wife Katrusia and I wish all our relatives, friends, and neighbors a happy and healthy Easter.

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