LETTER TO THE EDITOR (11/17/02)

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

"Khustkas" off to Myron Kuropas

Dear Editor:

My "khustka" (kerchief) is off to Myron Kuropas for his hilarious look at the "Greek Wedding" in the October 6 issue. In fact, I laughed (almost) as much over his column as I did at the movie (which was from way down deep).

Having married into a Ukrainian family and being a part of the Greek Orthodox community here in our neck of the woods, I felt his lighthearted look at marrying into and out of the culture and the faith was not only wonderful but right on the mark.

I must speak, however, from the "other side." Many people I meet wonder how this Welsh-Scottish-English-Native American-Southern Baptist-Whatever lady became so Ukrainian. I can look back and attribute it in part to my in-laws, who accepted me from the beginning.

By welcoming me into their (Ukrainian/Ukrainian Orthodox) family, they introduced me not only to the Orthodox Church, but to a culture, language and traditions that I have now embraced as my own. (And to Rose and Paul, I am forever and truly grateful!) I have become an Ukrainka "u sertsi ta v dushi" (in heart and soul).

Is marrying outside the culture inevitable? Most certainly. But you may recall the father in the movie at the end when he so beautifully tied the two families together. He made the toasts at the wedding and said (paraphrased): "You may be apples, and we may be oranges, but we are all fruit."

So, from this "apple" to all the "oranges," I say "diakuyu" (thank you).

Susan Morgan Washinsky
Winston-Salen, N.C.

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