Ukrainian leaders participate in UNA's convention banquet (06/11/06)

THE 36th CONVENTION OF THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Ukrainian leaders participate in UNA's convention banquet

by Roma Hadzewycz

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - In keeping with Ukrainian National Association tradition, a banquet was among the highlights of the UNA convention program. And, as is customary, the banquet was attended by representatives of many Ukrainian community institutions and organizations, among them Church leaders and heads of national organizations. (A list of distinguished guests attending the convention banquet appears on page 10.)

Also present was Dr. Viktor O. Nikitiuk, minister-counselor of the Embassy of Ukraine, who delivered the keynote address in the absence of Ambassador Oleh Shamshur.

The invocation at the banquet held on Sunday evening, May 28, was delivered by Bishop Paul Chomnycky, recently installed eparch of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Stamford; while the benediction was offered by the Rev. George Bazylevsky of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. The "UNA Anthem" was sung by Sviatoslava Kaczaraj, wife of the UNA president.

President Stefan Kaczaraj opened the banquet by welcoming everyone to Soyuzivka, which he characterized "as a bit of Ukraine's Carpathian mountains," and to the UNA's 36th Convention. He then turned the running of the banquet program over to mistress of ceremonies Martha Lysko, outgoing first vice-president of the UNA.

Mrs. Lysko introduced former President Ulana Diachuk and former Vice-President Nestor Olesnycky, with their spouses, who were among the longtime UNA activists present that evening.

In his address, Dr. Nikitiuk conveyed greetings to the UNA and its convention delegates from Ambassador Shamshur, noting that the UNA is "the oldest and most well-known organization of Ukrainians in America." He stated: "You do much to guarantee that the flame of Ukrainianism is not extinguished on American land. You do much to support Ukraine. For this we extend sincere thanks."

Dr. Nikitiuk went on to speak about the victory of the Orange Revolution, adding that Ukrainian Americans, too, contributed to this victory. "The moral strength that sprouted, grew and blossomed in today's Ukraine always lived in your hearts, " he continued. "Without it you would not have been able, during the course of the last century, to maintain your language and culture, and memory of the homeland."

"You safeguarded this illustrious Ukrainian spirit. ... The maidan, which was a creation of the Ukrainian nation, was also your creation," he added.

The Ukrainian diplomat concluded his remarks with a call to diaspora Ukrainians to actively support Ukraine: "Ukraine needs your experience, your knowledge, your inspiration and your contacts. ... Let us demonstrate that we are one nation that can turn its victory into something unique, beautiful and unforgettable. May Ukraine arise and blossom as it has never before blossomed."

Also addressing the banquet was the chair of the Convention Committee, Oksana Trytjak, who thanked her committee members for all their hard work and "complete dedication" to ensuring the success of the 36th UNA Convention. (The names of committee members appeared in last's week editorial titled "Rolling the credits.")

The musical interlude during the banquet was provided by singer Olya Fryz, with piano accompaniment by Andrij Stasiw. Ms. Fryz performed a variety of musical selections, including the retro hits of Bohdan Wesolowsky (1915-1971), a popular composer of Ukrainian tangos, foxtrots, waltzes and rumbas.

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