Minneapolis Ukrainians celebrate President Yushchenko's inauguration (02/27/05)

Minneapolis Ukrainians celebrate President Yushchenko's inauguration

by Dr. Michael J. Kozak

MINNEAPOLIS - Members of St. Constantine Ukrainian Catholic Church on February 6 celebrated Viktor Yushchenko's inauguration as the new president of Ukraine.

The day's events were organized by the Women's Guild, in the persons of Anne Iwanok Reuter, Irene Maleckyj, Denise Tataryn, Wolodymyra Tarasczuk and Nicole Luciw.

In the morning, a divine liturgy was celebrated by Father Canon Michael Stelmach for the intention of the Ukrainian people and their president. After the liturgy, a large group of parishioners moved to the school auditorium. At the tables, nicely decorated with orange colors and small American and Ukrainian flags, they were served coffee and tasty baked goods.

The sound of music and songs, audiotaped in Kyiv during the Orange Revolution, added much to the festive mood of the audience. A display set up by Jon Reuter and John Luciw generated much interest. It included many photographs taken during the pre-election demonstrations in Kyiv, Mr. Yushchenko's election leaflets and literature, and many newspaper clippings praising the people of Ukraine for their resolute stand for freedom and democracy.

The program started with opening remarks by Ms. Tarasczuk. She thanked the audience for their participation in this happy event and provided information about its meaning. These remarks were followed with Lesya Hutsal's nicely recited verse written by Iryna Zoriana and dedicated to President Yushchenko and his supporters.

A historical background on what led to the recent changes in Ukraine was presented by Ulana Zahajkewycz, who stressed that recent events will enter into history as a new chapter in the life of the people of Ukraine. During the past 13 years of independence, Ukraine was ruled by an oligarchy, former high-ranking Communists, who decorated themselves with Ukrainian national insignia and blue-and-yellow flags. But, deep inside their souls they remained as red as before, she noted

Abusing their power and influence, every day they were getting richer and the masses of people were becoming poorer, Ms. Zahajkewych continued. Because of poverty, thousands of young people left their native land for foreign countries, where they often were forced to perform slave-like, degrading jobs. This life full of suffering and misery led to a breakdown of patience on the part of the people of Ukraine and led to widespread discontent. With responsible leaders, this led to mass demonstrations in Kyiv and many other cities.

The high point was reached during the repeat presidential election - and the victory of truth and justice over deceit. On December 26, Ukraine not only became independent, Ukraine became free, the speaker stated. The eyes of the entire world were turned on Ukrainians, praising them as a civilized nation yearning for democracy. The audience responded to Ms. Zahajkewycz's presentation with thunderous applause.

These remarks were well supplemented by the eyewitness testimony of American-born Wolodymyr Anastazievsky, who did not hesitate to sacrifice his time and efforts to travel to the land of his parents' birth, to serve as an official observer of the presidential election. In his well-versed and precise testimony, he expressed his surprise that the people in Ukraine, after many years of oppression, degradation, disappointment and apathy, were able to stand up, raise their heads and in a loud voice exclaim - "No more! Enough!"

Mr. Anastazievsky further stated that he and many other observers, while witnessing demonstrations in Kyiv, were moved to tears while listening to the singing of Ukrainian national anthem by hundreds of thousands of demonstrators facing Mr. Yushchenko and his allies on the stage.

Traveling farther east of Kyiv, to the city of Kharkiv, he said he painfully faced an entirely different picture. Some election officials, supporters of the pro-Moscow presidential candidate, openly interfered with the functions of observers. This interesting testimony was concluded with Mr. Anastazievsky's prediction that, for the time being, the Ukrainian people will have to overcome problems and difficulties, but there is no doubt that they took a big step forward toward a brighter and happier future.

The event ended to the sound of songs of the Orange Revolution. Many people remained for some time, exchanging their views, while admiring the heroic, yet peaceful struggle of their kinsmen in Ukraine for freedom and the rightful ownership of their ancestral land.

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