Rochester community welcomes Ukraine's ambassador to U.S.
by Lesia Telega
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Ambassador Oleh Bilorus and his wife, Larissa, visited Rochester recently for a two-day celebration of the first anniversary of Ukraine's independence. Upon their arrival, Ambassador Bilorus and Mrs. Bilorus were greeted by the children of the Svitlychka, Plast and SUM-A, and representatives of local Ukrainian American organizations.
Dr. and Mrs. Bilorus visited local Ukrainian churches and the Rochester Ukrainian Federal Credit Union and attended a gala banquet on October 4 commemorating the first anniversary of Ukraine's independence at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Over 300 guests attended the dinner.
Dr. and Mrs. Bilorus were welcomed at the door with the traditional Ukrainian bread and salt. After the presentation of colors, Anna Sorochty, pianist played the national anthem.
Opening remarks were made by Roman Kucil, president of the United Ukrainian American Organizations of Rochester. The hostess for the introductory ceremony was Katherine Fedoryshyn.
After dinner, various federal, state and local government representatives extended their greetings.
Sen. Alfonse D'Amato warmly greeted the ambassador and his wife, and strongly emphasized the events of the last year. The senator congratulated the ambassador on his efforts to establish economic and political relations between the United States and Ukraine.
Monroe County Supervisor Bob King greeted Ambassador Bilorus, and Rochester Councilman Tim Maines presented the ambassador with a medal from the city of Rochester.
The keynote address at the banquet was delivered by Ambassador Bilorus, who spoke both in English and Ukrainian. The ambassador focused on the current economic and political situation in Ukraine.
In the musical interlude, Roman Cymbala soloist of the Lviv Opera, performed. Accompaniment was provided by his wife, Maria Cymbala, concertmaster.
Closing remarks were made by the hostess of the banquet, Marta Shmigel. Mrs. Shmigel thanked all the guests, and representatives of over 40 local Ukrainian American organizations for attending the banquet. The evening concluded with the singing of the Ukrainian national anthem.
On Monday morning, October 5, Ambassador Bilorus was a guest on the "Bob Smith Talk Show." Dr. Bilorus discussed economic problems and opportunities that exist for investing and establishing trade agreements between Ukraine and the United States.
At noon, Dr. Bilorus was the honored guest at the luncheon organized by the Rochester Chamber of Commerce at the Rochester Club. Over 70 members of the local business community attended the luncheon. This event was coordinated by Lubomyr Szmigel.
Before their evening departure for Washington, Ambassador and Mrs. Bilorus toured several Ukrainian-owned businesses in the Rochester area.
Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, January 10, 1993, No. 2, Vol. LXI
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