Washingtonians mark 'Famine Days' (12/06/98)

THE 65th ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREAT FAMINE

Washingtonians mark 'Famine Days'

Ukrainian National Information Service

WASHINGTON - The Ukrainian community of greater Washington gathered at the Church of the Pilgrims (opposite the Taras Shevchenko monument) on Sunday, November 8, designated as "Ukrainian Famine Days of Remembrance" throughout the United States to commemorate the victims of the man-made Famine of 1932-1933.

With a light mist and cold chill in the air, the faithful gathered to participate in a panakhyda (requiem service) performed by clergy of local Ukrainian Catholic and Orthodox churches, with responses sung by St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral choir, under the direction of Ihor Masnyk, as well as to hear remarks by various government officials.

Following the religious service, Ukrainian National Information Service Director Michael Sawkiw Jr. greeted the participants of the observance and acknowledged several Famine survivors who were seated in the first pews of the church. "The theme of this evening's observance is not just to honor the 7 million victims who perished during possibly the world's most brutal and notorious crime," he stated "but also to remember the generations of Ukrainians who struggled to attain freedom for their country."

Executive proclamations from the states of Maryland and Virginia were read respectively by Hanya Cherniak-Mack and Nusia Kerda; both governors proclaimed November 8-9, as "Ukrainian Famine Days of Remembrance." Jeanette Michael, chief of staff for Washington mayor Marion Barry, read a proclamation from the mayor's office.

Speakers for the early evening commemorative observance included Carlos Pascual, director of the National Security Council's bureau for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia; Dr. Yuri Shcherbak, Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S.; and Volodymyr Zviglyanich, adjunct professor at George Washington University.

Mr. Pascual commented on the national and cultural devastation inflicted upon the Ukrainian nation as a result of Stalin's efforts to eradicate the Ukrainian peasants and intelligentsia. Mr. Pascual also read a message from President Bill Clinton, who sent his greetings to the Ukrainian American community as they commemorate the 65th anniversary of the man-made Famine.

In an emotional address, Ambassador Shcherbak spoke of his family's struggle to sustain their lives during the confiscation of foodstuffs in Ukraine.

Prof. Zviglyanich expounded on the reasons behind Stalin's decision to crush the nationally conscious Ukrainian population.

The solemn program ended with Mr. Sawkiw encouraging the participants to uphold the slogan "Let Us Never Forget." The Famine survivors proceeded to the altar of the church, where the clergy assisted them in lighting the "Candle of Freedom," and then began a candlelight procession from the Church of the Pilgrims to the Taras Shevchenko monument.

At the monument the darkness was illuminated by the candle-bearing faithful gathered on the plaza. The service concluded with a moment of silence and the signing of the Ukrainian prayer "Bozhe Velykyi" (O Thou Great God) and the American and Ukrainian national anthems.

The commemoration was co-sponsored by the Ukrainian Catholic and Orthodox churches of greater Washington and the Ukrainian National Information Service.

Voice of America's television program "Window on America" taped the proceedings and broadcast a special feature on the solemn observance on its weekly program to Ukraine. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and the Voice of America also broadcast segments of the 65th anniversary commemoration.

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