Meetings, parties, bazaar and St. Andrew’s holiday

The monthly membership meeting of Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, headed by Daria Tomashosky of North Port, was held Wednesday at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious & Cultural Center — the Oseredok.
After a brief business meeting, members and many guests were treated to an extraordinary speaker, Global Investigative Group President Walter Zalisko, retired chief of police, who spoke about human trafficking worldwide with an emphasis on our country’s human trafficking problem.
Zalisko’s presentation, which included many specific case descriptions he encountered during his many investigations, was of great interest to all.
The next membership meeting will be Jan. 25, 2017 at the Oseredok. The guest speaker will be the Honorable Bohdan A. Futey, judge of the U.S.Court of Federal Claims, now serving in senior status for the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C.

•••
The very successful Christmas Party of the Ukrainian American Club was held Saturday at the Oseredok. After an introduction by club President Daria Tomashosky and an invocation by Rev. Vasyl Petriv, pastor of the Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church, the well over 100 members and guests enjoyed a sumptuous delicious buffet of home prepared goodies and pastries, with background holiday tunes played by accordionist Vlad Szpiczka.
The impromptu organized antlered male choir gathered outside the hall and marched in singing Christmas carols, both Ukrainian and American, accompanied by accordionist Szpiczka. They concluded their concert by singing “Silent Night” in English, Ukrainian and German, with a new member of our community, Oksana Kyva, with a beautiful voice sang it in Portuguese. Party guests joined in singing of most of the carols.

•••
A festive sumptuous and delicious dinner was enjoyed by many parishioners and guests at the celebration of parish feast day of the Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church on Sunday, following the Divine Liturgy (Mass) celebrated by Rev. Vasyl Petriv, pastor, and Right Rev. Mitrate Archpriest Wolodymyr Woloszczuk, pastor-emeritus.
The guests included Ukrainian Orthodox priests Rt. Rev. John Fatenko, Rev. Oleh Saciuk, both of North Port, and Rev. Volodymyr of Utica, New York, their families and many Ukrainian Orthodox faithful.
The dinner was professionally organized, prepared and served by a team of volunteers under the direction of Christyna Bodnar-Sheldon of Englewood.
•••
The traditional Christmas Bazaar-Festival of the Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God parish is planned for Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ukrainian food and baked goods for onsite consumption or for takeout will be available, as well as many sales tables featuring Ukrainian crafts, Easter eggs and other items.

•••
St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center — the Oseredok — at 4100 S. Biscayne Dr., North Port, will celebrate the Feast of its Patron Saint, Apostle St. Andrew, at noon, Sunday.
Dinner tickets at $20 can be ordered from Maria Nikitin at 941-423-1092. All are invited.
 

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Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians
by Atanas Kobryn

Ukrainian American Club meeting tonight

The monthly membership meeting of Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, headed by Daria Tomashosky of North Port, will be held at 6 p.m., tonight, Nov. 30, at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center/Oseredok.
The guest speaker at tonight’s meeting will be Global Investigative Group President Walter Zalisko, retired chief of police who served with several police departments. He will present a program on human trafficking. Many women from Ukraine who came to work here in the United States have been exploited, some forced into prostitution, and many others forced into involuntary labor with little or no pay.
This should be a very interesting presentation. The meeting, as always, is open to all, free of charge.
Mr. Zalisko’s presentation will follow a brief business meeting, including reports of officers and committee chairs. Following the presentation and questions-and-answers period there will be the traditional coffeeand- pastries social hour.
As it is a tradition every year at this holiday season, the club will be collecting canned and packaged nonperishable food for the local Salvation Food Pantry. Mrs. Halya Lisnyczyj of North Port, chair of club’s social services committee, is appealing to the members (and guests) “to bring your share and help out someone less fortunate than you.”
•••
The traditional and very popular Christmas Party of the Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida will take place at 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2, at the Oseredok. This year’s party will have some traditional holiday segments as well as some new surprises.
Mrs. Halya Lisnyczyj, chair of club’s social services committee, is asking the members to take a new unwrapped toyto the club’s Christmas Party which will be delivered to Social Services here in North Port for distribution to the needy children. The club received a letter requesting toys for the needy children in our community. There is a great need. Your support and help will be greatly appreciated.
•••
The Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God (St. Mary’s) Ukrainian Catholic Church in North Port will celebrate the Parish Feastday on Sunday, Dec. 4. The Parish Feastday Dinner will be held at noon immediately after the Divine Liturgy (Mass). Parishioners, visitors and guests are cordially invited to come and share this celebration with your parish family. For reservations and tickets at $20 per person, please contact Christyna Bodnar-Sheldon at 941-460-9890, or Ann-Marie Susla at 941-474-4930.
The traditional Christmas Bazaar-Festival of the parish will be held Friday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Featured will be Ukrainian food and baked goods; lunch, dinner and takeouts, offering varenyky (pierogis), borsch, stuffed cabbage, blintzes, potato pancakes, sausage and sauerkraut plates, as well as homebaked pastries, breads, poppy seed rolls, walnut rolls and “pampushky” (Ukrainian doughnuts). There will also be sales tables featuring Ukrainian crafts, including wood carvings, ceramics, embroidery, jewelry, Easter eggs, books and other items.
The Christmas Bazaar-Festival will take place at 1078 N. Biscayne Drive (corner of W. Price) North Port. For more information, call 941-423-2427 (Parish Hall) or 941-4267931 (Rectory).
•••
St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center will observe the Feast of St. Andrew, its patron saint, on Sunday, Dec. 11. More information in next week’s column.
 

Email: atanask@aol.com 
Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians
by Atanas Kobryn

There was an erroneous date for the Ukrainian American Club's CHRISTMAS PARTY

in today's (Wednesday's) column "Our Neighbors - The Ukrainians"

he Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida's traditional CHRISTMAS PARTY

will take place at 5:00 p.m., SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016 

at St. Andrew's Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center ("Oseredok"), 

4100 S. Biscayne Drive, North Port, FL

I apologize for the misinformation.

See you at the party!

New UAV Post 40 officers installed

The popular Heron Creek Golf & Country Club never before saw as many Ukrainian American Veterans as it did last Wednesday.
In addition to members of North Port’s Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40, many visiting veterans from out of state came to enjoy the camaraderie, delicious buffet luncheon, and, most of all, to witness formal installation of the new slate of officers of Post 40.
After the opening remarks by outgoing Post Commander Col. Roman Rondiak, opening ceremonies (posting of colors and singing of national anthems) conducted by PPC and UAV National Chaplain Marian Bojsiuk, introduction of guests, new members, past national commanders Atanas T. Kobryn and Ihor W. Hron, commemoration of departed Post 40 members, and invocation and blessing by Rev. Roman Badiak, post chaplain, it was time to enjoy the delicacies presented by the famous Heron Creek Golf & Country Club buffet.
The installation and swearing in ceremony was professionally conducted by PPC Marian Bojsiuk, UAV national chaplain. Installed were: PNC Ihor W. Hron, of Osprey, post commander; PPC Eugene (“Gene”) A. Tomashosky, vice commander; John Czerkas - post adjutant, Oleh Sawkiw, finance officer; Dr. George Baranowskyj, judge advocate; Rev. Roman Badiak, chaplain; Mykola Kompanijec, quartermaster; Bohdan Hirniak, public relations officer; PPC Marian Bojsiuk, welfare officer, and Col. Roman Rondiak — immediate past post commander.
Two special awards were also presented. A plaque was presented to Vladimier “Vlad” Szpiczka, of North Port, for his many years of service to the community and to Post 40. He provided background music at the luncheon.
A second plaque was presented to Kenneth A. Miller, commandant of Marine Corps League, Detachment 948, for Detachment’s exemplary community service and several yearslong cooperation with and support of UAV Post 40.
Two special guests, Ukrainian Army colonels Bodnar and Cholovskyi, currently serving as liaisons with the U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, were presented with UAV medallions.
The winner of the 50/50 drawing amounting to several hundred dollars was Rev. Vasyl Petriv, pastor of Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church in North Port, who attended the ceremony with his wife, Luba. He donated the entire amount back for support of UAV Programs.
Members of Post 40, led by Col. Rondiak, and the color guard, attended the traditional Veterans Day observance Friday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Park in North Port.

•••
The Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, headed by Daria Tomashosky of North Port, will have its membership meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov.
30 at the Oseredok.
Halya Lisnyczyj, chair of Social Services Committee, reminds members to take to the meeting unwrapped children’s toys and nonperishable food items.
•••
To commemorate the victims of HOLODOMOR, an artificial famine created by Stalin and his cohorts in 1932-1933 in Ukraine resulting in millions of Ukrainian peasants, women and children starving to death in the richest food-producing country in Europe, an ecumenical “Panakhyda” (requiem service) was celebrated last Sunday at the Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church.


The celebrants were: Rev. Vasyl Petriv, pastor, and Rt. Rev. Mitrat Archpriest Wolodymyr Woloszczuk, pastor-emeritus, with two Ukrainian Orthodox priests, Rt. Rev John Fatenko and Rev. Oleh Saciuk, who were accompanied by several dozen Ukrainian Orthodox faithful.
 

Email: atanask@aol.com 
Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians
by Atanas Kobryn

Post installs new officers today at Heron Creek

Post installs new officers today at Heron Creek

Today at noon at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club in North Port, there will be a formal installation of officers of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, an organization of United States armed forces veterans of Ukrainian descent.
Officers to be installed were elected at the last monthly membership meeting Friday, Nov. 4.
The installation formality will be followed by a delicious buffet luncheon, presentation of awards and other activities. Music by very popular “Vlad” will make the luncheon more enjoyable.
Inasmuch as all tickets are already sold, there will be no tickets sold at the door.
••• The Most Rev. Bohdan J. Danylo, bishop of Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy (Diocese) of St.
Josaphat in Parma will visit the Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God (St. Mary’s) Ukrainian Catholic Church in North Port on Saturday. This parish serves the Ukrainian Catholic faithful of Southwest Florida. The Rev. Vasyl Petriv is the pastor.
The announced purpose of the visit is to meet with individual parishioners (the meeting will take place at the Parish Center located next to the church), to provide information about the state of affairs of the Eparchy, and to outline his vision and plans for the continuous growth of the Eparchy, including the Missions, Missionaries and Ministries.
Bishop Bohdan was consecrated by Patriarch Sviatoslav (Shevchuk) of Kyiv, head of the worldwide Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, and installed as Bishop of Parma Eparchy on Nov. 4, 2014. He is the second Bishop of Parma Eparchy, and the youngest U.S. Catholic bishop. He was born May 27, 1971, ordained a priest on Oct. 1, 1996, after completing his studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
Eparchy of St.
Josaphat in Parma is one of four Ukrainian Catholic Eparchies (Dioceses) in the United States. The other three are the Archeparchy of Philadelphia, Eparchy of Stamford, Connecticut, and St.
Nicholas Eparchy of Chicago.
••• The Ukrainian Language Society and St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center (Oseredok) co-sponsored a very successful, well-organized and professionally presented commemorative program in honor of a great Ukrainian poet, writer, publicist and political activist Ivan Franko (1856-1916) on Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Oseredok.
••• The Board of Directors of Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, headed by Daria Tomashosky of North Port, met Monday. After approving minutes of the last meeting, read by secretary Doris Horbachevsky, financial report presented by Nancy Wosny, correspondence secretary and social services coordinator Halya Lisnyczyj, the meeting devoted much time to discuss the upcoming projects.
Discussed were the Christmas party (Dec. 2), tapestry project,(presented by Klara Szpiczka), tapestry exhibit at Selby Library (presented by Katya Steciuk), and bus trip to Tarpon Springs (presented by President Daria).
This monthly membership meeting will take place at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 30, at the Oseredok. Members are being asked to take to the meeting nonperishable food items and unwrapped children’s toys.
 

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Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

November’s historic dates for Ukrainians

Three important events took place Nov. 1 which Ukrainians in Ukraine and throughout the world commemorate.
When World War I was close to the official end (many bloody skirmishes, especially in Ukraine and surrounding areas continued for many more years), the Ukrainians in L’viv declared the lands inhabited by Ukrainians in the Austro-Hungarian Empire will henceforth become an independent West Ukrainian National Republic with L’viv as its capital city. That day was also the beginning of a lengthy Polish-Ukrainian war. Poland eventually became the master of the largest portion of the new republic (portions were taken over by Czechoslovakia and Romania) with a mandate to grant the territory an autonomy, which Poland never fulfilled.
One of the most prominent religious and civic Ukrainian leaders for nearly half a century, Metropolitan Archbishop of L’viv Andrey Sheptytskyj (1865-1944) died on Nov. 1, 1944. He was a descendant of an old, wealthy and prominent noble family who decided to become a monk. Soon he became a Bishop, and then Archbishop and Metropolitan of Ukrainian Greek Catholic Diocese of L’viv, thus becoming the head of the worldwide Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. His life was devoted to serving his people.
He contributed large sums for charities (he funded a hospital, museum, turned over his villa for use by Boy Scouts, etc.).
He did not exclude from his attention other ethnic and religious communities, especially saving many hundreds if not thousands of Jews, mainly children, during the Nazi German occupation of Ukraine.
Metropolitan Andrey is considered a saint by most Ukrainians, including my family, notwithstanding the fact that the Vatican, for political reasons, refuses to recognize his sainthood.
The Ukrainian Liberation War hero, a prominent military leader (Chief of Staff of the Army of Ukrainian National Republic), political activist (second head of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists), and prisoner of occupational regimes, including Nazi Sachsenhousen concentration camp, Col.mAndriy Melnyk (1890-1964) died while living in exile in Luxembourg on Nov. 1, 1964.
He was also a close friend and confidant of Metropolitan Sheptytskyj, and my late father’s cousin and boyhood playmate.

•••
Members of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans met Friday at the Oseredok to hear reports of delegates to the recently held UAV 69th National Convention and to elect a new slate of officers for the next two years. Past National Commander and Past Post Commander Ihor W. Hron of Osprey was elected post commander, and Past Post Commander Eugene Tomashosky was elected vice commander.
Both of them and all other post officers who were re-elected will be formally installed at the Installation/ Fundraiser Luncheon at noon, Wednesday, Nov. 16, at Heron Creek Golf and Country Club in North Port. On Friday.
Post 40 members will participate, with its color guard, at 11 a.m., Fri., Nov. 11, in the Veterans Day observance at Veterans Park next to the North Port Area Public Library. Members’ uniform: summer, with blue scarf.

•••
A literary evening honoring Ivan Franko (1856 - 1916), a great Ukrainian writer and poet, will take place at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Oseredok.
Sponsors are St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center headed by Professor Victor Lisnyczyj, of North Port, and Ukrainian Language Society headed by Professor Vira Bodnaruk, of Venice.

 
 Email: atanask@aol.com 
Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

Month busy for veterans, others

Members of Cpl Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, headed by retired U.S. Army Col. Roman Rondiak of Osprey, will meet at 1 p.m. Friday at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center — the Oseredok.
The main items on the agenda: election of post officers and finalization of plans for the Installation of officers at the fundraiser luncheon at noon, Wednesday, Nov. 16, at Heron Creek Golf and Country Club in North Port.
The list of candidates for post commander and other officers was presented by the nominating committee at last month’s meeting.
At Friday’s meeting, the members will have an opportunity, as provided by the constitution and bylaws, to submit other candidates’ names. The election will follow, and the elected/reelected post commander and other officers will be formally installed at the Installation Fundraiser luncheon on Nov. 16.
Tickets for the Brunch Buffet, at $25 per person, must be ordered in advance. There will be no tickets available at the door.
Other items on the agenda, in addition to the reports of officers including Finance Officer Oleh Sawkiw, will be the traditional participation of Post 40 in the community Veterans Day observance at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 11 at Veterans Park next to the North Port Public Library (U.S. 41 and South Biscayne Drive).
UAV Post has 40 participated in both Veterans Day and Memorial Day public observances since its formation and often it is the largest veteran contingent at the observances. Members of the local Ukrainian American community are being urged to join, as in the past, our veterans at this year’s observance to honor men and women who served and defended our country.

•••
St. Petersburg members of Post 40, including Post Chaplain Rev. Roman Badiak and Post Adjutant John Czerkas, are inviting North Port veterans and members of the Southwest Florida Ukrainian American community to the 36th Ukrainian AutumnFest at Epiphany of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church in St. Petersburg from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m.5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13.
Attendees will enjoy traditional Ukrainian food, imported Ukrainian beer, arts and crafts, entertainment, music by “Cathy and the Lorelei Band” and beloved “Kalyna” Ukrainian Dancers.
Admission is only $3.
For additional information, call John at 727576-0400, or Father Badiak at 727-576-1001.

•••
The Ukrainian Language Society, headed by Professor Vira Bodnaruk, of Venice, and St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, headed by Professor Victor Lisnyczyj of North Port, are sponsoring a literary evening in honor of a great Ukrainian writer, publicist and poet Ivan Franko (1856-1916) at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Oseredok.
The program will consist of poetry readings and songs on favorite Franko’s poems. The program will be in Ukrainian language.

•••
The Most Reverend Bohdan J. Danylo, Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy (Diocese) of St.Josaphat in Parma, Ohio, will visit the Southwest Florida Ukrainian Catholic congregation to meet with parishioners and to attend the eparchial “fundraising” on Saturday, Nov. 19, at Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church in North Port, where Rev. Vasyl Petriv is pastor.
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Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians
by Atanas Kobryn

Ukrainian American Club meeting tonight

Members of the Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, headed by Daria Tomashosky of North Port, will meet tonight at 6 p.m. at St.
Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, known as “Oseredok” (center) to Ukrainians. This will be the first meeting after a long hot summer.
Guests and potential members are always welcome, and there is no admission charge — unless one signs up to become a member.
Delicious pizza to welcome in the new season will be served before the business meeting.
The business meeting will include the usual reports of Secretary Doris Horbachevsky, Treasurer Nancy Wosny,Correspondence Secretary and Social Services Committee Chair Halya Lisnyczyj and other committee chair heads. The traditional and very popular Christmas Party, scheduled to be held Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Oseredok, will be discussed at length and the party committee will be selected.
Other planned activities will be discussed and approved, including planned Tarpon Springs tour on Thursday, Feb. 16, club’s picnic on Wednesday, March 8, and Scholarship Awards Luncheon Fundraise at Heron Creek Golf and Country Club on Wednesday, April 5, 2017.
Nominating Committee Chair Klara Szpiczka will present a slate of candidates for the Board of Directors for the next term, to be voted on by the members.
Featured speaker will be our own Lieda Boyko of Port Charlotte who will speak about her visit of Ukraine during the last summer, including her visits with families of soldiers fighting Russian armed aggression at the eastern border of Ukraine.
Some families she visited lost their family members in the war, other members were disabled due to war activities.

•••
The first post vacation meeting of the Executive Committee of Branch 56 of Ukrainian National Women’s’ League of America, known as “Soyuz Ukrayinok” (Union of Ukrainian Ladies) headed by Ann-Marie Susla of Englewood, was held Tuesday at the Oseredok. There were many important issues to be discussed and voted on.
Two members of Branch #56, Lidia Bilous of Osprey, and Orysia Zinycz of Venice, members of the UNWLA National Board, will be attending the UNWLA, Inc. National Board Meeting at Soyuzivka, New York, on Oct. 7 – 9.
•••
Retired U.S. Army Col. Roman Rondiak, the commander of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post #40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, reminds all post members of the next meeting at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Oseredok.
All post members are strongly urged to attend as we will be holding the election of Post Officers for the coming year.

•••
The traditional and very popular Ukrainian American dinners will be served from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 30, at the Ukrainian Catholic Parish Center located next to the Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God (St. Mary’s) Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1078 N. Biscayne Dr. (corner of W. Price Blvd.), North Port.
For more information, please call Parish Hall at 423-2427, or Rectory at 426-7931.
Email: atanask@aol.com
 

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians
by Atanas Kobryn

Welcoming Ukrainian armed forces hero

Ukrainians throughout the world, including the Southwest Florida Ukrainian American community, are intimately familiar with life in Ukraine, including the heroic struggle of the Ukrainian Army against the Russian invaders in the eastern regions of Ukraine, after illegally annexing Ukrainian Crimean peninsula. All this in view of the solemn declaration of Russian Federation, together with the United States, Great Britain, and other nations, to respect the integrity of Ukrainian borders, by signing the Budapest Accord on Dec. 5, 1994.
It should be kept in mind that, as a result of the assurances provided in said agreement, Ukraine, at that time the third or fourth largest nuclear power in the world, signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and disposed of its nuclear arsenal.
It is no wonder that members and visitors at this month’s monthly meeting of the Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida held Wednesday, at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center (Oseredok) enthusiastically welcomed highly decorated Ihor Petruk, Ukrainian Army veteran, who was severely wounded (grenade and small arms wounds, including crushed pelvic bone) while fighting the Russian invaders in the Donetsk-Luhansk region of Ukraine.
After undergoing surgeries in Germany and rehabilitation in the Kyiv Military Hospital, he is in the U.S. to enter one of the orthopedic rehabilitation centers in Chicago.
Before going to Chicago, Mr. Petruk is visiting Florida, including Warm Mineral Springs, and North Port as a special guest of Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida.
After being introduced by Daria Thomashosky, club president, who described Ihor Petruk as a war hero and defender of our freedom against the Putin’s hordes, Mr. Petruk briefly introduced himself and provided information about his war service.
He then asked the public to ask questions, and there were many, to which he provided his answers. The interaction lasted longer than the normal meeting time with a featured speaker. A reception which included wine, coffee, finger sandwiches and home-baked pastries brought in by the club members provided additional opportunities to interact with the special guest.
•••
The local Branch 56 of Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (“Soyuz Ukrayinok” — Union of Ukrainian Ladies) headed by Ann-Marie Susla of Englewood will hold its monthly membership meeting Tues., Nov. 1, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at the Oseredok.
In addition to the customary meeting agenda, this meeting will also include commemoration of Month of November historic events: establishment of Western Ukrainian National Republic in L’viv on Nov. 1, 1918, and commemoration of “Holodomor” – artificially created famine in 1932-1933 by Stalin and his henchmen resulting in millions of Ukrainians, including women and children dying from starvation.
•••
The monthly membership meeting of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, headed by retired U.S. Army Col. Roman Rondiak of Osprey, will take place at 1 p.m., Friday, Nov. 4, at the Oseredok.
The agenda will include reports of delegates to the UAV 69th National Convention held last week in Chicago, and election of Post 40 officers for the next year. Also the matter of Veterans Day observances and Installation Fundraiser luncheon at Heron Creek Golf and Country Club on Wednesday, Nov. 16, will be discussed.
Email: atanask@aol.com 
 

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians
by Atanas Kobryn

Ukrainian-Russian War veteran speaks tonight

Ihor Petruk, severely wounded soldier of the Ukrainian Army fighting Russian aggression on the eastern border of Ukraine, will speak tonight at the monthly membership meeting of Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida. The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. tonight, at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center - Oseredok.
All are welcome.
Mr. Petruk received a medal for courage in the war. He was severely wounded by grenade and several bullets in his arms and legs. His pelvic bone was crushed. He went to Germany for medical treatment, then returned back to Kyiv for rehabilitation. A year after he was wounded he is still at the Kyiv Army Hospital. Currently, he is in the United States to enter one of the orthopedic rehabilitation centers in Chicago. Thanks to the efforts of “Revived Soldiers Ukraine” organization headquartered in Winter Park, Florida (www.rsukraine.org).
Before going to Chicago, Mr. Petruk is visiting Florida, including our Warm Mineral Springs. He will be an honored guest at tonight’s meeting of Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida where he will speak about the war, about his involvement and will answer questions.
Preceding Mr. Petruk’s presentation there will be a brief business meeting chaired by Daria Tomashosky of North Port, club president, including the customary reports of officers and committee chairs. A traditional coffee and home-baked pastries reception will follow.
Next month’s membership meeting will be held at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 30. Members are being asked to take to the meeting nonperishable food items and unwrapped toys for children for the club’s annual non perishable food and toys drive. Items will be turned over to the local Salvation Army.

•••
The North Port Branch 56 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, commonly known as “Soyuz Ukrayinok” (Union of Ukrainian Ladies) is inviting all to attend their traditional fall picnic. It will take place at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 25, at Maxine Barritt Park Pavilion, next to Sharkey’s on the Pier Restaurant in Venice. A donation of $10 will cover a delicious and tasty buffet luncheon, entertainment, games, surprises and fellowship.
Mrs. Larissa Shpon of Warm Mineral Springs chairs the picnic committee. She can be contacted for additional information at 941-423-9457.

•••
Ukrainian specialties “varenyky” (perogies), “kovbasa” (kielbasay) and kishka will be available for takeout at the Oseredok, 4100 S. Biscayne Drive, North Port, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., starting Friday, Oct. 21, and every Friday thereafter.

•••
Traditional Ukrainian American dinners are being served between 4 and 6 p.m., Fridays at the Ukrainian Catholic Parish Center located next to the Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God (St. Mary’s) Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1078 North Biscayne Drive, North Port, for $12 per person. The dinner includes varenyky, cabbage rolls, chicken or fish, borshch (beet soup), pastries and beverages.
Takeout is also available.
For more information, call 941-423-2427, or the rectory at 941-426-7931.
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Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians
by Atanas Kobryn

Holy Days and other activities

The 10-day period of genuine, heart-driven atonement/repentance, which began 10 days ago on Rosh Hashanah, culminates today, on Judaism’s holiest day, Yom Kippur, which commenced at sundown yesterday and will end at nightfall today.
Yom Kippur is a day of forgiveness for sins committed against God, as well as sins committed against fellow human beings. It is a day of hope and optimism, in addition to a solemn soul searching. We wish all our Jewish friends and neighbors good health and God’s blessings on this holiday season andafterward.
•••
The monthly pre-convention membership meeting of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor of Ukrainian American Veterans, headed by retired U.S. Army Col. Roman Rondiak of Osprey, who is also UAV National Adjutant, was held Friday at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center — the “Oseredok” (center) to Ukrainians. After the opening ceremony, post members commemorated recently departed charter member of Post No. 40 Rostyslaw Ratycz (1930-2016), Korean War veteran, honorably discharged as corporal in 1960 after serving two years on active duty and six years in the USAR.
Discussions of the 69th UAV National Convention, which will take place Oct. 13-15 in Chicago, including instructions for the post’s delegates to the convention, took up most of the meeting’s time. Also discussed was post’s participation in Veterans Day observances next month, election of officers, and the Officers Installation/ Fundraiser Luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at Heron Creek Golf and Country Club in North Port.
Tickets for the luncheon are $25 must be ordered by Nov. 9.
As provided by the bylaws, a list of proposed officer’s candidates was presented by yours truly on behalf of the nominating committee, to be voted at the next membership meeting at 1 p.m. on Nov. 4.
Col. Rondiak encourages all post members to attend that very important meeting which will also include reports of delegates to the 69th UAV National Convention.
•••
The monthly membership meeting of Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, headed by Daria Tomashosky of North Port, normally held on the last Wednesday of the month, will be held this month at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 19 at the “Oseredok.”
This change was necessitated by the scheduling conflict of the interesting and important featured speaker. All are invited, free of charge, to the meeting, which will include traditional pastries and coffee or tea social hour after the meeting. All meetings are conducted in English, and membership is open to all interested.
•••
Three Ukrainians, out of the total of 12, became grand winners of 2016 Karate 1-Premier League held this past weekend in Okinawa (Japan): Kateryna Kryva (50 kg), Anastasiya Stepashko (+68 kg), and Valerii Chobotar (84 kg).
A native of L’viv, Ukraine, Kateryna Kryva was the silver medalist in Istanbul, Turkey and Rotterdam, The Netherlands is stating her status with the triumphant performance in the first-class international Karate competition.
As the top international karate league competition came to an end in the birth nation of this discipline, the biggest 12 heroes of the year were announced.
Email: atanask@aol.com 
 

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians
by Atanas Kobryn

Highlight High Holidays, veterans’ meeting

My wife Katrusia and I wish all our Jewish friends and neighbors Happy New Year 5777, Rosh Hashanah, the observance of which began at sundown on Sunday and ended at nightfall Tuesday.
Rosh Hashanah means “Head of the Year” It is also known as “The Day of Shofar Blowing” (“Yom Teruah”). It is the birthday of the universe, the day God created Adam and Eve, and it’s celebrated by candle lighting in the evening, festive meals with sweet delicacies during the night and day, prayer services that include the sounding of the ram’s horn (“shofar’) on both mornings (except when the first day falls on Sabbath), and desisting from creative work.
In Ukraine, more than 30,000 of Hassidic Jews from all over the world have gathered in a small city, Uman in the Cherkassy region, where there is one of the holiest Jewish shrines — the grave of “tsaddik” Rabbi Nachman — a charismatic founder of Breslavian Hassidim.
He moved to Uman in spring 1810. He preached his last lesson to hundreds of followers on Rosh Hashanah 1810 and passed away a few weeks later on Oct. 16, 1810, at the age of 38.
He was buried in Uman All who were fortunate to meet the New Year at the grave of tsaddik Nachman are certain that the year 5777 will be lucky for them.
The security of the pilgrims in Uman is being provided by 200 Ukrainian and 15 Israeli policemen.

•••
The monthly membership meeting of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post #40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, headed by retired U.S. Army Col. Roman Rondiak of Osprey, who is also UAV National Adjutant, will take place at 1:00 p.m., this Fri., Oct. 7, at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, 4100 S. Biscayne Dr., North Port.
United States armed forces veterans of Ukrainian descent, and others whose spouse is of Ukrainian descent, with other than dishonorable discharge are invited to join our post, thus far the only UAV Post in the state of Florida.
Col. Rondiak is urging all members to attend this meeting because one of the items on the agenda is election of post officers for the next term, and preparation for the formal installation scheduled to be held at noon, Wednesday, Nov. 16 at Heron Creek Golf and Country Club, 3401 S. Sumter Blvd., North Port.
Other important issues are also on the agenda to be discussed and approved by members.
Tickets for the Nov. 16 Officers Installation/Fundraiser Brunch Buffet Luncheon, are $25 per person and should be ordered in advance by contacting Gene at 941-786-5256, Roman at 941-445-5281, or yours truly at 941-4239499. There will be no tickets available at the door. Proceeds of the luncheon will support UAV programs (scholarships, welfare, etc.)
•••
Traditional Ukrainian American dinners are being served between 4 and 6 p.m., each Friday at the Ukrainian Catholic Parish Center located next to the Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God (St. Mary’s) Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1078 N. Biscayne Dr. (corner of W. Price Blvd.), North Port.
For more information, call the Parish Hall at 941-423-2427, or Rectory at 941-4267931.
Email:atanask@aol.com.  

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians
by Atanas Kobryn

Area artist honored for her art with fellowship

Patricia Zalisko of Estero, an active member of the North Port branch 56 of “Soyuz Ukrayinok” (Union of Ukrainian Ladies) and of the Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God (St. Mary’s) Ukrainian Catholic Church in North Port, had been awarded a fellowship by the Virginia Center for the Creative Art. The VCCA is near Sweet Briar College in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in rural Virginia.
Zalisko will be among approximately 25 Fellows focusing on their own creative projects at this working retreat for visual artists, writers and composers. Each artist is provided with a comfortable private bedroom, a private studio and three prepared meals a day The VCCA is one of the world’s most prestigious and nation’s largest year-round artists’ communities. VCCA fellows have received worldwide attention and major awards and accolades, including Pulitzer prizes, Guggenheim fellowships, National Endowment for the Arts awards, Academy Award nominations and others.
Zalisko was a successful lawyer in New York City who decided to give up her legal practice and devote her time and talents to painting. She had several successful exhibits of her paintings in various cities, including New York City.
My wife Katrusia and I, as well as all members of the Southwest Florida Ukrainian American community, including her husband, Walter, are very proud of Patricia Zalisko, and wish her continuous success and more honors.
XXXXX
The very popular traditional Ukrainian American dinners will commence to be served at the Ukrainian Catholic Parish Center on Friday, Sept. 30 between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m.
The Parish Center is near the Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God (St. Mary’s) Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1078 North Biscayne Drive (corner of Biscayne Drive and West Price Blvd.), North Port.
Volunteers will gather at 8:00 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 29, to make the traditional Ukrainian potato and cheese, and fried cabbage “varenyky” (also known as pierogis) and “holubtsi” (cabbage rolls) with rice and hamburger meat, and rice and mushrooms. The dinners also include a piece of chicken or fish, soup or compote, and home baked pastries with coffee or tea.
More volunteers are always welcome. The time spent making varenyky and holubtsi is also a wonderful time to socialize with other parishioners and friends, and making new friends. For more information call 941-426-7931.
XXXXX
The first post-vacation membership meeting of Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, headed by Daria Tomashosky, of North Port, will be held at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 28, at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, 4100 S. Biscayne Dr., North Port. In addition to the standard reports of officers, there will be an interesting presentation by Lieda Boyko of Port Charlotte, who visited for over one month Ukraine last summer.
She traveled to various parts of Ukraine, including the Sumy region, and visited with families of Ukrainian soldiers defending Ukraine from the Russian aggression in the eastern region of Ukraine, including wounded and dead.
The traditional social hour with beverages and home-baked pastries will follow. There is no admission charge and all are welcome.
 

Email: atanask@aol.com 
Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

Ukrainian American community remembers 9/11

The 15th anniversary of the most deadly attack on the U.S. soil which resulted in the loss of nearly 3,000 lives, including American Ukrainians, was commemorated last Sunday with prayers by the local Ukrainian Americans.
A special prayer of the Ukrainian Orthodox congregation of St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Church at the conclusion of the Sunday’s Divine Liturgy for the repose of souls of the 9/11 victims was led by the Rt. Rev. John Fatenko. The Rev. Oleh Saciuk’s special sermon about the tragedy and heroic dedication of many first responders and civilian volunteers followed the prayers.
The “Panakhyda,” a traditional Ukrainian requiem service, was celebrated at the conclusion of Divine Liturgy (Mass) by the Rev. Vasyl Petriv, pastor of Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God (St. Mary’s) Ukrainian Catholic Church for the repose of souls of the 9/11 victims.
The very solemn and moving service, with the church choir beautifully singing the responses ended with both the choir and the congregation singing “God Bless America.”
•••
The 15th anniversary of the tragic day is being vividly remembered by me and my wife, Katrusia.
After seeing on our TV screen the planes striking the World Trade Center towers, and knowing that our only daughter Maria Luba, an employee of Citibank, was working on the 47th floor, we did not know at first what to do.
Eventually we decided to call her home, hoping that one of her children would answer. To our delight, we heard the voice of our daughter. She informed us that her 4-month-old granddaughter Victoria had an appointment with a doctor, and because Victoria’s mother did not have any paid days off left, she volunteered to take a day off work and take her granddaughter to the doctor.
Was this a coincidence, or an act of Providence?
We believe it was the latter, and thank God for keeping our daughter alive.
•••
Last Friday, the meeting of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post #40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, chaired by Commander Col. Roman Rondiak, U.S. Army, retired, dealt with several issues, including the UAV’s 69th National Convention, election of Post 40 officers at the next meeting Oct. 7, and Post #40 Officers Installation/ Fundraiser Luncheon at noon, Nov. 16 at Heron Creek Golf and Country Club in North Port.
Tickets for the Officers Installation/Fundraiser Luncheon at $25 per person can be ordered by no later than Nov. 6 by calling Gene at 941-786-5256, or Roman at 941-445-5281.
Checks should be made payable to UAV Post 40.
•••
The Board of Directors of the Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, headed by Daria Tomashosky of North Port, met Monday at the Oseredok. Reports were presented by officers and committee chairs and decisions made regarding the following events: Traditional Club’s Christmas Party will be held Dec. 3, spring picnic i- March 8, 2017, and Scholarship Awards Luncheon - April 5.
The next membership meeting will take place at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 28, at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious And Cultural Center — the Oseredok.
Email: atanask@aol.com. 
 

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians
by Atanas Kobryn

Meetings of veterans, Ukrainian Women’s League

Members of North Port’s Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, led by Post Commander, retired U.S. Army Col. Roman Rondiak, of Osprey, who is also UAV National Adjutant, will meet at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center — the Oseredok — in North Port. This is the first membership meeting after the vacation hiatus. The meeting will include several important agenda items, in addition to the financial and other reports, including nominating candidates for officers for the next term, election of delegates to the UAV 69th National Convention which will take place in Chicago from Oct. 13–15, and planning for the traditional Veterans Day dinner dance and installation of newly elected officers in November.
One of the UAV National Convention agenda items will be election of national commander and members of the national executive board for the next two years.
In view of all this, Commander Rondiak is asking all members to attend this important meeting.
Membership in The Ukrainian American Veterans is open to all Ukrainians, Ukrainian Americans, and Americans of Ukrainian descent veterans of armed forces of the United States who did not receive a dishonorable discharge. Also eligible are individuals who are not of Ukrainian descent who are married to a Ukrainian or Ukrainian American spouse.

•••
The first post vacation membership meeting of North Port’s Milena Rudnycka Branch 56 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America — UNWLA, popularly known as “Soyuz Ukrayinok” (Union of Ukrainian Ladies), headed by President Ann-Marie Susla, of Englewood, will take place at 10 a.m. Sept. 13 at the Ukrainian Catholic Parish Center, 1078 N. Biscayne Dr., North Port.
The agenda of the meeting will include, in addition to the mandated reports of officers, discussion of plans for the traditional fall picnic (date and location to be determined at the meeting). The traditional coffee and pastry social will follow the meeting.
•••
Plans are being formulated for the popular Ukrainian American dinners, served for many years on Fridays at the Ukrainian Catholic Parish Center next to the Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God (St. Mary’s) Ukrainian Catholic Church in North Port, corner of West Price Boulevard and Biscayne Drive.
The opening date and schedule will be announced in a week or two.
•••
Last week was a special week for our family. We were visited by our son, Lt. Col. A Ihor Kobryn, his wife, Angelita, and their son and our youngest grandson S. Bohdan Kobryn. In addition to enjoying the visitors and marveling at the antics of our 6-year-old grandson Bohdan in and out of the swimming pool, we got to celebrate Ihor’s 46th birthday on Sept. 2 with a traditional birthday cake.
Our oldest son and Ihor’s brother, Alexander Zenon Kobryn of Lakeland, was able to join us also. His youngest nephew Bohdan was especially happy to see him.
Email: atanask@aol.com
 

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians
by Atanas Kobryn

Season of activities coming up

The vacation period is coming to an end. The calendar tells us that summer has about three more weeks to go, but the tradition holds Labor Day weekend as the end of summer. The local Ukrainian American community organizations are in the process of setting dates of their activities for the balance of this year and beyond.
•••
Several members of the North Port’s Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post No. 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, the only UAV post in Florida, led by Post Commander retired U.S. Army Col. Roman Rondiak, participated in the Aug. 28 ceremony in St. Petersburg commemorating the 25th anniversary of restoration of Ukraine’s independence.
National Commander Ihor W. Hron of Osprey, Post 40 past post commander, made a speech, Post 40 Color Guard (Baranowskyj, Kompanijec and Maliczyszyn) commanded by PPC Marian Bojsiuk did very well.
Other Post 40 members attending: Czerkas, Pochodaj, Popovich, Radzibaba and Tomashosky.
The ceremonies were also attended by 15 foreign officers representing their countries at the headquarters of U.S. Central Command, including three officers of the armed forces of Ukraine.
Post 40 usually meets on the first Friday of the month, but due to the Labor Day weekend the first meeting of the season will take place at 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 9, at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, known as “Oseredok” (the center) to Ukrainians. It will be a very important meeting dealing with nominating candidates for post officers for the next two years, electing delegates for the UAV 69th National Convention which will take place Oct. 13 – 15 in Chicago, and other important issues.

•••
The North Port’s Milena Rudnycka Branch No. 56 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, popularly known as “Soyuz Ukrayinok” (Union of Ukrainian Ladies), headed by Ann-Marie Susla of Englewood, which normally holds its monthly membership meeting on the first Tuesday of the month, will have its first post-vacation meeting at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept 13, at the Ukrainian Catholic Parish Center, 1078 N. Biscayne Dr., North Port.
The details of the meeting agenda are not available at this time, but the traditional coffee and pastries social will follow the meeting.

•••
News from Ukraine: The Ukrainian National Polytechnic University in Kyiv was given a name of famous Ukrainian and American pioneer in aircraft design Ihor Sikorsky. An appropriate order was signed by Ukraine’s Minister of Education and Science Lilya Hrynevych.
This National Technical University of Ukraine will henceforth be known officially as “Kyivan Ihor Sikorsky Polytechnic Institute.”
Ihor I. Sikorsky, best known for his successful development of the helicopter, was born May 25, 1889, in Kyiv, Ukraine (then part of the Russian empire), and died Oct. 26, 1972, in Easton, Connecticut. He studied engineering in Paris, and then returned to Kyiv to study at the university which now bears his name. His dream was to build a helicopter, which he eventually accomplished in the United States.
Email: stanask@aol.com 
 

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians
by Atanas Kobryn

Mnohaya Leeta, Ukraine!

Ukrainians, Ukrainian Americans, and Ukrainian Canadians join the people of Ukraine in today’s celebration of the 25th anniversary of restoration of Ukraine’s independence.
It was 25 years ago the Kyiv’s October Revolution Square — later renamed “Maidan Nezalezhnosti” (Independence Square) — was full of people with flags and posters demanding an end to the brutal Soviet Russian occupation.
The “Verkhovna Rada” parliament of the Soviet puppet state known as Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, composed mostly of Communist Party members and their sympathizers, was meeting in a special session in the aftermath of the hardline Communist coup attempt Aug. 19 in Moscow.
After a tense 11-hour session, it overwhelmingly approved the Act of Declaration of Independence.
The text of the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine:
• In view of the mortal danger surrounding Ukraine in connection with the state coup in the USSR on August 19, 1991,
• Continuing the thousand-year tradition of state development in Ukraine,
• Proceeding from the right of nation self-determination in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other international legal documents, and
• Implementing the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine, The Verkhovna Rada solemnly declares the Independence of Ukraine and the creation of an independent Ukrainian state — Ukraine.
The territory of Ukraine is indivisible and inviolable. From this day forward only the Constitution and laws of Ukraine are valid on the territory of Ukraine.
The Act passed with 321 votes in favor, two votes against, and six abstentions (out of 360 members).
The parliament also approved an act on nationwide referendum to validate the Act (which was held Dec. 1, 1991 and was approved by over 90 percent of voters), created the National Guard of Ukraine, and turned jurisdiction over all the armed forces and military installations located on the Ukrainian territory over to itself. As a result of this act Ukraine became the fourth-largest nuclear power in the world, until voluntarily agreeing to dispose of the arsenal following guarantees against threats or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine.
Annexation of Crimea by Putin’s Russian Federation in March 2014 was a breach of its obligation to Ukraineunder the Budapest Memorandum signed by Russian Federation together with the United States and Great Britain.
Canada and Poland were the first countries to recognize Ukraine’s independence, both on Dec. 2, 1991, followed by the President Boris Yeltsin of Russia. The United States did so on Dec. 25, 1991.
That month the independence of Ukraine was recognized by 68 states, and in 1992, it was recognized by another 64 states.
As Ukraine celebrates the 25th anniversary of restoration of independence, its economy is still on shaky ground, and many political and social issues are not fully implemented, as the people of Ukraine are expecting following the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity, which included over one hundred dead patriots. The Russian annexation of Crimea, the incursion of Russian military personnel and armor into the eastern part of Ukraine’s Donbas and Luhansk regions in support of local terrorists which resulted in close to 10,000 death, and the continuous subversive acts by Russian operatives on the territory of Ukraine united all people of Ukraine, regardless of cultural, ethnic and religious background, like never before.
They feel proud of their free and democratic country, and are valiantly defending it.
May God bless Ukraine and its people for many, many years: “Mnohaya Leeta, Ukraine!”
Email: atanask@aol.com 
 

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians
by Atanas Kobryn

Getting ready to celebrate

Ukrainians in Ukraine and Ukrainian communities throughout the world are finalizing their preparations for a rare celebration — the 25th anniversary of restoration of Ukraine’s independence, the longest period of independence in over a century, a week from today, Aug. 24.
On that day, 25 years ago, the parliament of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, a de facto colony of Communist Russia, declared that there will be no more “Soviet Socialist Republic,” but a sovereign, free and independent nation Ukraine.
The parliament’s resolution was solemnly signed by Chairman Leonid Kravchuk, who was elected the first president of the new nation.
The celebrations will take place in various places, from Ukraine’s ancient capital Kyiv, where a military parade will be one of the features, to all other major and smaller cities throughout Ukraine, to the Ukrainian communities in Canada, United States, Australia, etc.
The North Port and Southwest Florida Ukrainian American community will be joined by public officials at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 24, at North Port’s City Hall for a traditional ceremony of raising flags of the United States and Ukraine by members of the local Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, Inc., while the national anthems of the two nations will be played. In addition, a proclamation declaring Aug. 24 “Ukrainian Independence Day” will be read by Mayor Jacqueline Moore and Ukrainian American community “mayor,” president of “Hromadskyi Komitet” Professor Vira Bodnaruk will speak also.
At 9 a.m., Aug. 24, there will be a festive breakfast at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, 4100 S. Biscayne Dr., North Port, to which all are invited.
XXXXX
The Ukrainian American community of St. Petersburg, Florida, will hold the 25th Independence of Ukraine commemoration on Sunday, Aug. 28, starting with an ecumenical Divine Liturgy (Mass) at 10 a.m. at Epiphany of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church.
A commemorative plaque dedicated to the “Heavenly Hundred,” the more than 100 demonstrators murdered by former president Yanukovych’s thugs during the “Revolution of Dignity” (November 2013-February 2014), will be blessed and installed after the liturgy (estimated time: 11:15 a.m.).
Many other activities are planned by the organizers, which include several members of North Port’s Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans. North Port and Southwest Florida Ukrainian American community is invited to the ceremonies, and many are planning to attend.
Ukrainian armed forces officers now stationed at CENTCOM will attend. Officers of NATO countries are invited also.
XXXXX
Congratulations to Pat Zalisko, of Estero, member of the local UNWLA Branch (“Soyuz Ukrayinok” — Union of Ukrainian Ladies), and parishioner of North Port’s Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church, for having her art displayed in the August issue of Gulf Shore Life magazine, which is widely available in Southwest Florida.
Pat Zalisko, a successful lawyer from New York City, took up painting after retiring and had several successful exhibits of her art in various New York City and other galleries during the past several years.
Email: atanask@aol.com 
 

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

The Ukrainian American community organizations

Last week’s brief coverage of North Port and the Southwest Florida Ukrainian American community is being followed today by a brief description of genesis and description of activities of some nonreligious organizations active in our area. There are now three most active organizations — Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, commonly known as‘Soyuz Ukrayinok” (Union of Ukrainian Ladies), Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida and Ukrainian American Veterans.
The UNWLA, a 501(c) (3) tax exempt organization, is the largest and oldest Ukrainian women’s organization in the United States. It was established in 1925 by five Ukrainian women's associations in New York City and vicinity. The goal of the newly formed organization was to inform the free world about the events in Ukraine, then occupied by Communist Russia, masquerading as the USSR, and to promote the preservation of Ukrainian identity, cultural heritage and ethnic traditions in the United States.
North Port Milena Rudnycka Branch #56 was organized in 1991 mostly through the efforts of Maria Nawarynsky of North Port, who became the first president of the branch. Ann-Marie Susla of Englewood is the current president of North Port’s branch of “Soyuz Ukrayinok.”
North Port UNWLA branch holds monthly meetings of members, sponsors dinner-dances like “Embroidered Ball,” with selection of the nicest traditional Ukrainian embroidered attire, and other social and cultural events.
Fundraising is one of the very popular activities, with funds designated for scholarships, assistance for war widows and orphans in Ukraine and other charitable purposes. Over $200,000 was raised by the Branch during its 25 year existence.
The Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida was organized by the late Irene Petryk, its first president, on Jan. 3, 1995.
The club, now headed by Daria Tomashosky of North Port, meets on the last Wednesday of the month at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, the “Oseredok” (center) to Ukrainians, sponsors cultural exhibits, fundraising dinner-dances and other activities.
The club awards $1,000 scholarships, plus additional smaller stipends, to graduating North Port High School seniors, and for the past two years, Port Charlotte High School. The club’s annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon at Heron Creek Golf and Country Club is one of the very popular social affairs of the local Ukrainian American Community.
Organized in 1948, the Ukrainian American Veterans, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(19) patriotic organization composed of Honorably Discharged Veterans of the United States Armed Forces who are of Ukrainian heritage or descent. The UAV helps provide veterans assistance through welfare programs, scholarships for children of U.S. veterans, a national monument project and other activities. UAV post #40 is the only UAV post in the State of Florida, now headed by retired Col. Roman Rondiak, USA (Ret.) of Osprey. It was organized, following several informative meetings, April 30, 1999, by yours truly, a Past National Commander and Past Post Commander of Pvt. Nicholas Minue Post in New York City, who was elected the first Post Commander.
The City of North Port was in the process of preparation of celebrating its 40th anniversary, therefore our newly formed post petitioned the UAV National Executive Board to be given number 40 in honor of North Port’s 40th anniversary. Our request was granted.
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

The Ukrainian American community today

There were many changes in the local Ukrainian American community since my wife, Katrusia, and I settled in our newly built home here in North Port in 1995, just as there are noticeable changes in our city of North Port, with some 12,000 inhabitants in 1995 and more than 60,000 now. There was never a known figure or a percentage of Ukrainian Americans in North Port then, nor is there one now. It is generally agreed that Ukrainian Americans constitute the largest ethnic minority of our city.
Twenty years ago, there were some clubs and organizations that are no longer active, even though some elderly former members, including officers, remember “the good old days” when they were younger and healthier. These were the Organization to Defend Four Freedoms of Ukraine (ODFFU), Ladies Organization of ODFFU and Ukrainian Gold Cross.
The oldest institution of Ukrainian Americans is St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, affectionately known by the Ukrainian name “Oseredok” (center).
It celebrated its 50th anniversary recently.
Membership is open to all regardless of political, religious, ethnic, etc. persuasion, and it is a home to St.Andrew’s Ukrainian Church, Sen Paul Yuzyk Memorial Library, Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida headed by Daria Tomashosky of North Port, Branch 56 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA), affectionately known as “Soyuz Ukrayinok” (Union of Ukrainian Ladies) headed by Ann-Marie Susla of Englewood, and Cpl.Roman G. Lazor Post No. 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans (UAV) headed by retired U.S. Army Col. Roman Rondiak, of Osprey.
The center is open to other clubs and organizations for the meetings and other activities.
The umbrella organization, Coordinating Committee of Ukrainian American Clubs and Organizations of North Port and Vicinity”, known in Ukrainian as “Hromadskyi Komiter” now headed by Professor Vira Bodnaruk of Venice, meets there regularly.
St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Church is the oldest Ukrainian American place of worship in North Port and Southwest Florida. It was established as an ecumenical Church, to serve Ukrainian Greek-Orthodox and Ukrainian Orthodox faithful. As a result, of the influx of more Ukrainian Americans to this area it soon became necessary to build another, larger church.
As a result St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Church is now being used exclusively by the Ukrainian Orthodox faithful, now under the leadership of the Rt. Rev. John Fatenko of North Port.
The Ukrainian American Greek-Catholics built a new church, Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God, or “Vvedenye” in Ukrainian, also known as St. Mary’s, whose current pastor is Rev. Vasyl Petriv.
The local Ukrainian American Baptists worship at the Ukrainian Baptist Church of North Port, located at 3950 Wall Street, North Port, now led by Pastor Vitaliy Bernatskiy.
He newest Ukrainian American place of worship is the Ukrainian Bible Church located at 3840 S. Biscayne Drive in North Port.
The First Slavic Pentecostal Church of North Port has, according to some estimators, more than half Ukrainian Americans, even though it is not a “Ukrainian” church.
Many Ukrainian Americans worship at San Pedro Roman Catholic Church and other local churches.
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

Mourning death of renowned poet

The North Port and Southwest Florida Ukrainian American community bid farewell to a poet and writer, member of the Association of Writers of Ukraine, read and celebrated here as well as in Ukraine and worldwide Ukrainian settlements.
Halyna Pankiw, 92, known by her pen name Hanna Cherin, died Tuesday, July 19. 2016, and was laid to rest at Venice Memorial Gardens on Friday, July 22.
The traditional “Panakhyda” (requiem service) at the local Farley Chapel was celebrated Thursday by two Ukrainian Orthodox priests, the Rt. Rev. John Fatenko and the Rev. Oeh Saciuk, and the Solemn Requiem Liturgy (Mass) was celebrated by these two priests at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Church, where the deceased worshiped. The church choir under the direction of Anastasia Fatenko sang beautiful responses at both services.
Speakers at the service and during the “Tryzna” (memorial luncheon following the interment) at the Family Table Restaurant were the Rt. Rev. John Fatenko on behalf of the local Ukrainian Orthodox community and Maria Nikitin on behalf of St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center. They thanked her for many years of dedicated service at the center and at the Sen. Paul Yuzyk Memorial Library which is located at the Center, Mykola Weremijenko, a longtime friend of the deceased also spoke.
Halyna Pankiw, aka as Hanna Cherin, was born April 29, 1924, in Kyiv, now capital of Ukraine. She started to write poetry as a child. After graduating from high school she was accepted, without having to take entrance examinations because she graduated with honors from her high school, to study at the Kyiv Shevchenko University. Her studies were interrupted by World War II. After the war she wound up in the displaced persons camps in Germany, where her first book of poems “Crescendo” was published in 1949.
In 1950, she immigrated to the United States, settled in Chicago, eventually graduated from the University of Chicago and became the head of the University of Chicago Library. After her retirement in 1988, she came to Florida and devoted her time and talents to North Port’s St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, known as “Oseredok” (center) in Ukrainian, and especially to the center’s library, the largest Ukrainian language library in Florida.
Hanna Cherin authored 26 books of poetry and artistic prose, including some travelogues. Many of her works are directed at the children and teenagers, but it would be inaccurate to describe them as “children’s books” because her writings were universally admired and loved.
May she rest in peace: “Veeechnaya Pamyat!” (eternal memory).
•••
Sad news came from Toronto, Canada: A professor in the departments of History and Science, York University in Toronto, Orest Subtelny, Ph.D. (Harvard University, 1973), a Canadian historian of Ukrainian descent, author of many articles and books, active in Ukrainian Canadian organizations, especially “Plast” (Ukrainian Canadian Scouting Organization) lost his valiant fight with cancer July 24, 2016. He was born in 1943 in Krakow, Poland.
Subtelny and his writings were known throughout the world, including Ukraine. He will be missed by academia and the general public. “Veechnaya Pamyat!”
Atanas Kobryn covers the Ukranian community for the North Port Sun. He can be e-mailed at atanask@aol.com 
 

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians
by Atanas Kobryn