Ambassador Reznik visits with Ukrainians of Philadelphia (02/15/04)

Ambassador Reznik visits with Ukrainians of Philadelphia

by Andrij Bilyk

JENKINTOWN, Pa. - "Although there's much we must still do in the social sphere, day-by-day Ukraine is growing economically stronger ... in 2003 we had the fastest growth of our economy, not just in Kyiv, but throughout the country ... Ukraine is on the path to democracy ... we will not make the mistakes of the past ... Ukraine will become a strong European country." These were the words of Mykhailo B. Reznik, Ukraine's new ambassador to the United States, on Sunday, January 18, when he met with the leadership of Philadelphia's Ukrainian American community.

"I will work day and night to improve relations between Ukraine and the United States of America. Ukraine needs the United States (as a partner) and the United States needs Ukraine," he said, adding, "provide me with your contacts, support me, pray for me, and I will work with you to help ensure that Ukraine will never again be on her knees."

The ambassador headed a large delegation of Ukrainian diplomats from Washington and New York City, who braved adverse weather (snow, sleet and icy conditions) to meet Philadelphia Ukrainians.

By the time Ambassador Reznik walked to the podium at the Alexander B. Chernyk Gallery, housed in the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center at 700 Cedar Road in Jenkintown, Pa., the room was already filled to capacity. More than 100 leaders of Philadelphia's Ukrainian American community greeted the ambassador with a standing ovation. (It is generally acknowledged that the existence of Philadelphia's Cultural Center is due to the inspiration and dedicated work of the late Dr. Alexander Chernyk, after whom the center's gallery is named.)

A little later, several hundred Philadelphians welcomed the ambassador in the Cultural Center's downstairs auditorium at the presentation of Ukrainian "vertep" and Christmas performance.

The meeting with Ambassador Reznik was co-sponsored by the Philadelphia-based Ukrainian Federation of America, (Dr. Zenia Chernyk, chairperson, and Vera M. Andryczuk, president); and by Meest Media Corp. (Roman Loun, president), with financial support from the Ukrainian Self-Reliance Federal Credit Union, Philadelphia Branch, and 1st Security Federal Savings Bank.

Prior to Ms. Andryczyk's introduction of the ambassador, the Philadelphia community's leaders heard words of welcome addressed to the ambassador from Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka, head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the United States, and the Rev. Protopresbyter Frank Estocin, secretary of the Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A., who spoke on behalf of Ukrainian Orthodox Archbishop Antony.

Ambassador Reznik said that 2003 was the fifth consecutive year that Ukraine's economy grew. He said that since Ukraine's independence in 1991, he has been away on diplomatic missions (including most recently as Ukraine's ambassador to China), but that during his periodic visits there he saw first hand Ukraine's growth, particularly in the past few years.

Noting that he is a realist, he acknowledged "that much work lies ahead ... particularly (what we need to do) for Ukraine's children ... [and] for the pensioners ... and to fix the tax system." He said that while the average monthly salary in Ukraine is low by Western standards - only about 500 hrv a month (which is about $95) - you have to measure it by Ukraine's standards.

Following the ambassador's remarks, Dr. Natalia Pazuniak praised the ambassador for the fact that he made his remarks in Ukrainian. She then made an impassioned plea to all Ukrainians - both here and in Ukraine - to protect Ukraine's language because "it is what binds us together spiritually."

Several questions followed. One audience member asked when Ukrainian Americans might be able to receive their Social Security checks in Ukraine. The answer: "We need an agreement between Ukraine and the United States."

In answer to a question about who will be Ukraine's next president, the ambassador responded by saying that today Ukraine is "proud to have a collection of very talented people" who can be viable candidates for the post, adding, that whoever becomes president will certainly lead Ukraine forward.

In response to a question about whether Ukraine should get together with Poland to form a 9-million-person-strong economic-political bloc, Ambassador Reznik acknowledged that "Poland today is the greatest supporter of Ukraine's integration into Europe."

He said that as each year passes, more and more Ukrainians are for European integration. "If you had asked me this question 10 years ago, I'd have to say that 90 percent of the population wanted to go the other way ... but today, most polls show that more than 60 percent of Ukrainians want integration with Europe."

The ambassador concluded his remarks with an ancient Chinese proverb: "Have patience and the situation will improve." He said Ukraine is improving; the democratic process in Ukraine is moving forward - have patience with Ukraine.

Ukrainian diplomats present at the community meeting included Consul General of Ukraine from New York City Serhiy Pohoreltzev, Consul Olena Kitsiuk of Washington, Vice Consul Ihor Sybiha of New York, Second Secretary Yuri Parkhomenko, Second Secretary Nataliia Holub; Press Attaché Iryna Bezverkha and representative Yevgen Burkat.

Also in attendance were special guests Charles F. Dougherty, an adviser to the UFA, and former Philadelphia-area congressman; and Dr. James Portwood, professor of international business at Temple University.

| Home Page |