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)