Parma parish commemorates anniversary of Great Famine (08/02/98)

Parma parish commemorates anniversary of Great Famine

PARMA - St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral on Sunday, June 28, solemnly commemorated the 65th anniversary of the man-made Famine in Ukraine. Following the 8:30 a.m. divine liturgy, and before the 10:15 liturgy, the faithful gathered outside the church, in front of the Famine Monument on the parish grounds.

A memorial service was served by the Rev. John Nakonachny, pastor, the Rev. Volodymyr Steliac, assistant pastor, the Rev. Mykola Lavruk and the Rev. Deacon Ihor Mahlay. The parish choir, directed by Markian Komichak, sang the responses.

Following the service, a brief program was held. Larissa Burlyj, vice-president of the Junior Chapter of the Ukrainian Orthodox League, spoke about the tragic events of 1932-1933. This was followed by a reading by Susanna Turscak titled "Hanya's Story" - a diary compiled by Ms. Turscak based on actual survivors' accounts of the famine, which she had researched as part of a Harvard University project.

The program concluded with the singing of "Bozhe Velykyi" and a wreath of blue and yellow flowers was placed at the base of the Famine Monument by Adam Kominko, on behalf of the parish youth.

The monument, which was erected on the parish grounds five years ago, honors the memory of the 7 million victims of the Great Famine. It is used throughout the school year to teach the youth the sad history of Ukraine during the 20th century.