Sofiya Fedyna entertains at Oseredok

   Officers and members of St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, known as “the Oseredok,” were busier last week than other times — including last Wednesday’s concert and presentation of Sofiya Fedyna, Ph.D., a singer, composer, lyricist, pianist, political activist and professor at the Ukrainian Ivan Franko National University in L’viv, Ukraine, sponsored by the Oseredok, who had no difficulty enlightening and entertaining the full-house audience for more than 90 minutes. She spoke about her personal and other Ukrainian patriots’ experiences in “Euromaidan” (November 2013-March 2014), where more than 100 patriots were killed by former president of Ukraine Yanukovych’s goons, and about the current situation of the undeclared war with Russian special forces and their Ukrainian fringe elements on the eastern border of Ukraine. She also interrupted her presentation several times by singing Ukrainian songs, some modern and some old-time patriotic songs which I and my friends used to sing during our teens in Ukraine. Those in attendance often joined her in singing.

    North Port Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans and the Oseredok presented Dr. Fedyna with $1,000 each for her humanitarian projects in Ukraine.

    Following the “formal” presentation and concert, Sofiya mingled with the public during a social hour with coffee, sandwiches, and pastries provided by the Oseredok.

    Last Sunday, the Oseredok held a traditional and very successful dinner celebrating “St. Andrew’s Day,” honoring the patron saint of the Oseredok, the first-called apostle St. Andrew who visited the land now known as Ukraine during the first century A.D. A delicious dinner prepared by members and a special program were enjoyed by all.
                                                       • • •
    His Excellency Bohdan J. Danylo, who was ordained and installed last month Eparch (Ordinary) of St. Josapht Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy in Parma, which also encompasses the Ukrainian Catholic parishes in Florida, visited our parish last weekend. He presided over a meeting of pastors of all five Ukrainian Catholic parishes in Florida last Saturday, and celebrated the pontifical divine liturgy at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church last Sunday. He was assisted by the Rev. Dr. Severyn Kovalyshin, pastor, and the Rt. Rev. Mitrate Archpriest Wolodymyr Woloszczuk, pastor-emeritus.

    Bishop Bohdan was welcomed in the church, in accordance with the Ukrainian tradition with bread and salt, presented to him by Larissa Shpon and John Susla, while the choir under the direction of Lubow Dobrowolska-Ingram sang three times, “Bud Imya Hospodnye Blahoslovenne” (May God’s Name be blessed). He was accompanied by an honor guard of parishioners and parish children carrying a cross, icons and candles.

    In his homily after the reading of Holy Gospel, spoken in Ukrainian and in English, Bishop Bohdan reminded parishioners and guests of God’s continuous love and continuous protection of the Most Holy Mother of God, and wished all to be able to be as true with God as Holy Mary was all her life. At the end of the liturgy. Bishop Bohdan greeted all parishioners and guests individually as they exited the church, and distributed commemorative icons.
                                                       • • •
    The members 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, had a unique opportunity to meet with UNWLA National President Marianna Zajac this week during an informal “meet and greet” coffee and pastries reception at the Ukrainian Catholic Parish Center.

    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

FEDYNA

Concert, bazaar and bishop’s visit

    The local Ukrainian American community will welcome at 4 p.m. today at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, known as “the Oseredok,” one of the witnesses and active participants of the “Revolution of Dignity,” known also as “Euromaidan” in Kyiv, Ukraine (November 2013 — March 2014), which resulted in the ousting of pro-Kremlin former president Yanukovych and his clique.

    Sofiya Fedyna, a world-renowned singer, composer, lyricist and pianist, in addition to being a professor of international security at the National Lviv University and head of the worldwide Lemko organizations, will appear at the Oseredok to sing Lemko and other contemporary Ukrainian songs and to talk about the current situation in Ukraine, including the eastern part now under attack by Russian military forces.

    Ms. Fedyna performs at charity concerts in various Ukrainian cities to raise funds to support the Ukrainian Army and Ukrainian volunteer battalions fighting the Russian aggressors. She visits the soldiers and volunteers at the front very often to deliver supplies purchased with funds raised at her performances, in addition to the greetings from “people back home.”

    My wife Katrusia and I were surprised and appreciate very much Ms. Fedyna’s visit last Sunday, accompanied by Anna Mariani of Port Charlotte. In addition to greeting Katrusia on occasion of her St. Patron’s Day (last Sunday was the feast of St. Catherine) Ms. Fedyna sang a Lemko version of “Mnohaya Leeta” (many, many years) and another Lemko song. We appreciate her visit and friendly chat, and hope to see and hear her again tonight.
                                                           • • •
    The traditional and very popular year-end bazaar at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, at Biscayne Drive and West Price Boulevard, will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. Oksana Lew and Iwanna Holowaty, both of Venice, are co-chairs of the bazaar committee.

    Ukrainian food will be served all day, and baked goods (breads and pastries), artwork, crafts, and other gifts will be available for purchase. All are welcome.
                                                           • • •
    The Ukrainian Catholic community of Southwest Florida will have the great pleasure and honor to welcome the recently ordained and installed by Patriarch Sviatoslav of Kyiv, His Excellency Bohdan J. Danylo, Eparch (Ordinary) of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Diocese in Parma, Ohio.

    Bishop Bohdan will celebrate the pontifical divine liturgy at St. Mary’s in North Port at 11 a.m. Sunday. All are welcome to attend.

    The parishioners and guests will have an opportunity to personally meet and greet Bishop Bohdan at a parish breakfast in the Parish Hall before the liturgy, starting at 8:30 a.m.
                                                           • • •
    Members of the Oseredok are inviting all to attend their annual dinner honoring the patron saint of the Oseredok, St. Andrew the first-called apostle, at 1 p.m. Sunday at 4100

S. Biscayne Drive in North Port. Tickets for the dinner, at $20 per person, are available from Halya Lisnyczyj at 941-429-2350.

                                                           • • •
    Illinois native Ms. Natalie Jaresko, who grew up in the Chicago area and is an alumna of DePaul and Harvard universities and the Kennedy School of Government, was appointed and approved by “Verkhovna Rada” (Ukraine’s parliament) to Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers as finance minister.

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

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

by Atanas Kobryn

 

Ukrainian holiday events abound

    At 3 p.m. Friday, the North Port Cpl. Roman Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian Veterans will hold its monthly membership meeting at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, known as the “Oseredok.” This will be the first meeting chaired by newly elected Post Commander Col. Roman Rondiak, USA (Ret.), who was formally installed, together with all other elected and re-elected officers, by National Commander Ihor W. Hron at the Installation/ Fundraiser Luncheon Nov. 13 at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club.
                                                           • • •
    The Executive Board of the Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, headed by Daria Tomashosky of North Port, held its meeting Monday at St. Andrew’s to discuss, among other topics, the traditional Christmas dinner set for 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Oseredok. Party Committee Chair Anna Mariani reported that the program will include a very special and interesting guest from Ukraine. Klara Szpiczka reported that there are no more tickets for the dinner and that all arrangements for food were completed. There will be hors d’oeuvres, main course items (mostly homemade by members), homebaked pastries for dessert, and coffee or tea.

    Board members also discussed the club’s participation in the International Coalition Night at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, in response to an invitation by the Ukrainian Army officers who serve as a liaison with the Headquarters U.S. Central Command at MacDill; “Kolyada” (visiting homes of local Ukrainian Americans, wishing them happy holidays and new year, and singing carols), which will begin on Dec. 26; and the Jan. 28 meeting program.
                                                           • • •
    A week from today, at 4 p.m. Dec. 10, here will be an outstanding cultural event of the season at the Oseredok — a concert featuring world-renowned singer, composer, lyricist and pianist Sofiya Fedyna of L’viv, Ukraine. Ms. Fedyna defended her Ph.D. dissertation on the subject of international peace at the National L’viv University, where she now teaches. She remembers fondly her music teachers Iryna Akheian, Lesia Salistra and Maria Baiko, national artist of Ukraine and professor of the National L’viv Music Academy. Ms. Fedyna, in cooperation with Professor Baiko, published her first two albums in 2005 and 2007, and in 2008, her third album.

    Ms. Fedyna was an active participant in the “Revolution of Dignity” from November 2013 through February 2014 at Kyiv’s Maidan, which resulted in ousting pro-Kremlin former president Yanukovych. Since that time, she performs at charity concerts to support the Ukrainian Army fighting the terrorists and Russian Army invaders in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine.

    On Sept. 24, she performed at the L’viv Philharmonic Society Charity Concert to support the 44th artillery brigade; on Oct. 12, a charity concert to support the Ukrainian Army in Drohobych; on Oct. 15, to support the AZOV Battalion of the Ukrainian Army in L’viv; and on Nov. 8, a charity concert to support the Ukrainian Army in L’viv. She is also the president of the worldwide Lemko organizations.
                                                          • • •
    St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, at North Biscayne Drive and Price Boulevard, will hold its annual Christmas Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 12. There will be Ukrainian food with meals served all day; breads and pastries; artwork, crafts and gifts available for purchase; raffles and 50/50 chances; and a white elephant table. All are invited. Pre-orders accepted; call 941-423-2427.

    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

 

81st anniversary of ‘Holodomor’ commemorated

    Last Saturday was declared a Holodomor commemoration holiday, with services in the capital of Kyiv and all other cities and towns throughout Ukraine to commemorate the genocidal artificial famine in 1932-33 ordered by Stalin that took over 10 million lives. President Petro Poroshenko and other national and local officials participated.

    In New York City, a special ecumenical service was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan and many representatives from various denominations, in addition to the Ukrainian Catholic and Orthodox Church dignitaries taking part. In many locations outside of Ukraine, observances took place in various cities, including Chicago, Toronto, Paris, Rome and Lisbon.

    In North Port, “panakhyda” services were celebrated after the conclusion of the regular liturgies (Masses) at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center by the Rt. Rev. John Fatenko, and at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church by the Rev. Dr. Severyn Kovalyshin, pastor, with the Rt. Rev. Mitrate Archpriest Wolodymyr Woloszczuk, pastor emeritus, and His Excellency Miguel Mykycej, retired bishop of Ukrainian Catholics in Argentina, who is visiting his sister Eva Juzyn of North Port. Representatives of local Ukrainian American organizations, with lighted candles, lined up behind the two main candle-holders, president of the Coordinating Committee, Roma Guran, and Marian Bojsiuk, representing Ukrainian American Veterans Post 40 Commander Col. Roman Rondiak, USA (Ret.).

    The Ukrainian Baptist Church of North Port, according to Pastor Vitaliy Bernatskiy, celebrates a week of Thanksgiving with daily prayers, including thanksgiving prayers for this year’s harvest, for the well-being of the local community, and for Ukraine and the soldiers fighting the War of Dignity against Putin’s aggression.
                                                        • • •
    Local branch 56 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, known better as “Soyuz Ukrayinok” (union of Ukrainian ladies), headed by Ann-Marie Susla of Englewood, held a very nice and well-attended “tea evening” to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the UNWLA’s national magazine, “Nashe Zhyttia — Our Life” last Sunday at St. Andrew’s.

    Ann-Marie informed me that Soyuz Ukrayinok’s traditional fall picnic, held last Wednesday at Maxine Barrett Park in Venice, was a success in spite of the relatively cold weather (not nearly as cold as in Ann-Marie’s hometown of Buffalo!). The picnic committee, chaired by Larissa Shpon of Warm Mineral Springs, arranged for a delicious buffet lunch and some interesting activities that the guests enjoyed a lot. Ulana Rondiak of Osprey did a masterful job as mistress of ceremonies.
                                                        • • •
    Last week’s column reporting on the UAV Post 40 installation/ fundraiser luncheon at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club omitted the awards given out. UAV National Commander Ihor W. Hron, who is also Post 40’s past post commander, was presented with an award for his many initiatives on behalf of UAV and Post 40 by outgoing post Commander Eugene “Gene” Tomashosky.

    Tomashosky also recognized and presented the annual Commander’s Award to a well-known and respected couple, professor Vira and Dr. Bohdan Bodnaruk of Venice, active with St. Andrew’s and other organizations. Vira Bodnaruk is also president of the Ukrainian Language Society, which, among its many activities, promotes the distribution of Ukrainian books and other literature in Ukraine, with emphasis on the eastern region.

    A happy, safe and healthy Thanksgiving to all.

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

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

by Atanas Kobryn

 

Ukrainian American Veterans leaders sworn in

    The newly elected/ re-elected leaders of the Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans were formally sworn in and installed by UAV National Commander Ihor W. Hron of Osprey, who is Post 40’s past post commander, last Thursday at the traditional installation/ fundraiser luncheon. Over 100 members and guests attended the luncheon, held at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club in North Port.

    The new officers of Post 40 are: commander, Col. Roman Rondiak, USA (Ret.); vice commander, Col. Roman Synychak, USAF (Ret.); adjutant and historian, John Czerkas; finance officer, Oleh Sawkiw; chaplain, the Rev. Roman Badiak; judge advocate, Dr. George Baranowskyj; quartermaster, Mykola Kompanijec; welfare/ service officer, Marian Bojsiuk; and public relations officer, Bohdan Hirniak. Eugene “Gene”

A. Tomashosky, immediate past post commander, will be a full member of the Executive Board.

    Col. Rondiak is also UAV national adjutant, and Marian Bojsiuk is UAV national chaplain and service officer.

    Gene Tomashosky did an outstanding job as master of ceremonies. After greeting the attending members and guests, he commanded the posting of colors, and after the induction of new officers and change of command ceremonies introduced new post members and special guests, including presidents of local Ukrainian American organizations and two Ukrainian Armed Forces officers now serving as liaisons with the Headquarters United States Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.

    (Now former) North Port Mayor Jim Blucher was the featured speaker, who was followed with brief remarks by Col. Kalenichenko, Armed Forces of Ukraine, and UAV National Commander Hron. An auction of a picture donated by NC Hron and colorful traditional Ukrainian Easter eggs by Marian Bojsiuk, plus special donations from guests, raised over $3,000 for the UAV National Monument, which will be erected to honor all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Cemetery in South Bound Brook, N.J. The monument is scheduled to be dedicated in fall 2015 during the UAV 68th National Convention.
                                                         • • •
    This Saturday, Ukrainians in Ukraine and throughout the world will commemorate the 81st anniversary of “Holodomor,” the genocidal famine in 1932-1933 artificially perpetrated by Josef Stalin and his cohorts in Ukraine and adjoining to Ukraine regions, which resulted in about 10 million deaths. In Ukraine, Nov. 22 was declared an official “Holodomor Commemorative Day.” The religious services and various civic observances are scheduled to be attended by political leaders and government officials, including President Petro Poroshenko.

    Ukrainians will pause at 2 p.m., Kyiv Time, for a moment of silence in commemoration of the Holodomor victims. In New York City, the Ukrainian American community will be commemorating the 81st anniversary of Holodomor with a requiem service at 1 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

    In spite of decades- long Russian Communist propaganda denying the murderous acts of the Stalin regime against freedom-loving Ukrainians, the majority believe that ”Holodomor” was a genocide against Ukrainians.

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

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

by Atanas Kobryn

Ukrainian American Veterans elect new leadership

     The North Port Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, headed by Eugene “Gene” A. Tomashosky of North Port, held its monthly membership meeting last Friday at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center (known as the “Oseredok”), and elected a new slate of officers to lead the post for 2014-2016.

    Col. Roman Rondiak, USA (Ret.) of Osprey, UAV national adjutant, was elected post commander; Col. Roman Synychak, USA (Ret.), vice commander; Oleh Sawkiw, finance officer; the Rev. Roman Badiak, chaplain; Dr. George Baranowskyj, judge advocate; Mykola Kompanijec, quartermaster; John Czerkas, historian; Marian Bojsiuk, UAV national chaplain/ service officer, welfare/ service officer, and Bohdan P. Hirniak, P.E., public relations officer. Eugene A. Tomashosky will serve on the post executive board as immediate past post commander. Post Commander Rondiak will appoint the post adjutant, as per the UAV constitution and bylaws.

    The newly elected and re-elected officers will be formally installed by UAV National Commander Ihor W. Hron, Post 40 past post commander, Thursday at the Officers Installation/ Fundraiser Luncheon at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club in North Port.

    All tickets for the luncheon are sold out. In addition to the installation ceremony there will be a reading of 16 post members’ names who passed away, a presentation of the Commander’s Award to a community activist, recognition of special guests including the Armed Forces of Ukraine officers now serving as liaisons with the Headquarters United States Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, and an auction for paintings. The keynote speaker will be outgoing North Port Mayor Jim Blucher.
                                                           • • •
    On Nov. 4, in the Cathedral of St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio, the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Patriarch Svyatoslav (Shevchuk) of Kyiv, Ukraine, presided over the consecration and enthronement of the newly elected Ordinary of the Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, Bishop Bohdan

J. Danylo.

    The Ukrainian Catholic parishes in Florida, including North Port’s Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God (St. Mary’s) Ukrainian Catholic Church, belong to St. Josaphat Eparchy (the Diocese). My wife Katrusia and I were invited but, sadly, were unable to attend the pontifical divine liturgy with the rite of ordination and installation, and other activities, due to her physical condition.
                                                            • • •
    HBO announced that it has finalized a deal to carry live American coverage of Saturday’s heavyweight championship fight between Wladimir Klitschko (62-3, 53 KOs), and challenger Kubrat Pulev (20-0, 11 KOs) of Bulgaria from the O2 World arena in Hamburg, Germany.

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

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

by Atanas Kobryn

Ukrainian American Veterans meet Friday

   The North Port Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, headed by Commander Eugene “Gene” A. Tomashosky of North Port, will hold its monthly membership meeting Friday at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center (known as the “Oseredok”). Commander Gene scheduled the start of the meeting at 2 p.m. instead of the customary 3 p.m. due to the need for preparations for Veterans Day observances.

    One of the items on the agenda will be the election of post officers for 2014-2015, who will be formally installed by UAV National Commander Ihor W. Hron of Osprey, a Post 40 member, at a special Officers Installation/ Fundraiser Luncheon at noon Nov. 13 at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club in North Port.

    All proceeds from the luncheon will go to the UAV National Monument Fund. The monument will be erected at a special plot at St. Andrew’s Memorial Cemetery in South Bound Brook, N.J. donated to the UAV by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. Formal dedication of that memorial, honoring all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, will take place in the fall of 2015, in conjunction with the UAV 68th National Convention.

    Other planned Post 40 Veterans Day activities: A “panakhyda” (requiem service) for the repose of souls of all departed veterans will be celebrated following Sunday’s divine liturgy at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Church, and participation in the community Veterans Day observance at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Veterans Park, next to the North Port Library.
                                                       • • •
    The Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, headed by Daria Tomashosky of North Port, held its monthly membership meeting Oct. 29 at the Oseredok. The reading of last meeting’s minutes, the financial report and reports of other officers were followed by a lengthy discussion of this year’s Christmas dinner, scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Oseredok.

    This year’s Christmas dinner committee is chaired by Anna “Nusia” Mariani of Port Charlotte, who had chaired last year’s very successful Christmas dinner. Knowing Nusia as we all do, she will do everything in her power to outdo her last year’s dinner. In addition to delicious food including homemade pastries, and other “traditional” events, the dinner will provide many pleasing activities and a good time for all.

    At the end of the meeting there was a very interesting presentation by Col. Roman Rondiak, USA (Ret.) of Osprey about his visit to Ukraine last summer.
                                                       • • •
    The 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, held its monthly membership meeting yesterday.

    The meeting’s agenda included the plans for fundraising for the national UNWLA project, “Aid for the Victims of the Ukrainian War of Dignity Program,” and the traditional fall picnic scheduled for Nov. 19 at Maxine Barrett Park, near Sharky’s on the Pier in Venice.

    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