Detroit area youth organizations come together to honor heroes of Kruty (03/07/99)

Detroit area youth organizations come together to honor heroes of Kruty

by Andrij Smyk

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - This community's Ukrainian youth from Plast, SUM and ODUM, together with the Ukrainian student clubs of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University remembered the heroes of the 1918 Battle of Kruty with a memorial service and commemorative program on January 31 held at St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Southfield, Mich. The church was filled to capacity, mainly with youths in their organizations' uniforms.

The Rev. Pavlo Bodnarchuk, pastor of St. Mary's, served a panachyda (requiem service) honoring the patriotism and bravery of more than 300 Ukrainian students who lost their lives outside Kyiv defending Ukraine in an uneven battle against the Soviet army 81 years ago.

A commemorative program hosted by ODUM was held afterwards in the church hall. ODUM member Andrij Shrubowich opened the program and introduced Adrian Kwitkowsky of Plast, who served as master of ceremonies. Keynote speeches were given by Petro Lisowsky of the University of Michigan, and Kristina Karanec of Wayne State University.

Representatives of each organization performed a tribute. Plast members Roman Lawrin, and Adrian and Oles Skalchuk recited P. Tychyna's "Pamyat Krutyantsiv"; Vera Slywynsky, also of Plast, recited D. Rychtycky's "Krutyantsi"; SUM members Tanja and Andrij Rudnycky performed V. Pereyaslavets' "Dzvony v Ukraini"; a group of ODUM members sang Shevchenko's "Vstaye Khmara."

Volodymyr and Anatolij Murha, and Andrij Birko performed on bandura. The vocalists were Ivan Kytasty, Andrij Shrubowich and Andrij Smyk. Highlighting the program was the performance of Maryana Bozhak, a 16-year-old exchange student from Ivano-Frankivsk. Miss Bozhak, wearing her Plast uniform which she brought from Ukraine, performed a dramatic recitation of Ludmilla Starytska-Cherniakhivska's eulogy delivered at the grave of the Kruty heroes (Askoldova Mohyla) during their funeral in 1918. Upon hearing that the Detroit Ukrainian community was preparing this commemoration, Miss Bozhak eagerly volunteered to represent the Plast youth of Ukraine.

ODUM-Detroit President Anatolij Murha thanked all the participants and guests, and called upon Detroit's youth organizations to jointly honor not only the fallen of Kruty, but also the many other heroic figures and events from Ukraine's past.

| Home Page |