LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (12/17/06)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Time for a woman to be president

Dear Editor:

In 15 years of independence, Ukraine has had three male presidents. The first two were raised with Marxist-Leninist ideology, and an internationalist and at times even fascistic doctrine, so Ukrainians could not expect them to successfully construct a true Ukrainian nation-state. Fortunately, that ideology has been tossed aside, and we hope and pray that it shall not return.

In a few years the people of Ukraine will have a chance to vote for a new president. Ukrainians must choose a woman president, because after 15 years of male rule, not a single man has stood out for his ability to declare that Ukraine is a country with a distinct and separate language, culture and traditions.

The woman Ukraine needs is Yulia Tymoshenko, an ardent supporter of a strong, independent Ukraine that cherishes its own language and culture. Certainly not a puppet of Moscow, she is capable of building a Ukrainian nation that is free of Russia's influence. Ms. Tymoshenko is in touch with the people and can put forth the wishes of the Ukrainian citizenry.

I have worked with the Orphan Aid Society for 15 years, and in my travels throughout Ukraine I have spoken with many of the locals. From what I have heard and observed, the majority trust not a single man who is currently in power. Hopefully, the people will wake up and choose a woman to be their next president. After all, there are more women than men in Ukraine.

Myron Lusyshyn
Phoenix, Ariz.

Ukrainian theme strangely missing

Dear Editor:

I read the article headlined "Ukrainian Christmas tale to debut in New York in January" (November 19, 2006) with great interest. I was delighted to hear about Ethnocentricity's sponsorship of "First Star: A Winter's Tale," which will feature Ukrainian Christmas traditions at the Danny Kaye Playhouse in January 2007.

The glowing descriptions in The Ukrainian Weekly article described "First Star," with artistic director Andrij Cybyk, as a production with "high-leaping Kozaks ... reflecting the beauty of Ukrainian traditions, music, song and dance." The article included an appeal from Mr. Cybyk to the Ukrainian community for financial support in this important endeavor.

My enthusiasm for this project led me to the Danny Kaye Playhouse and Ethnocentricity websites to seek more details. I was dismayed to find that the production is advertised on both sites as "An original holiday celebration of music and dance based on Slavic themes telling the story of a little girl's fantastic journey into the roots of her culture" and "a Slavic holiday theme ... which people of Eastern European descent will relate to." There was no mention on either website of Ukrainian traditions, Ukrainian costumes, Ukrainian dance, music or song. The advertising was completely silent on the Ukrainian cultural theme, and washed the production in generic Slavic and Eastern European terms.

According to your article, the Ethnocentricity Corporation was formed with the purpose of "assisting artists of all ethnic origins who wish to express their work in music, dance and art that unifies their cultural heritage with their American upbringing." Kudos to Mr. Cybyk and Ethnocentricity for bringing Ukraine to the American stage. I do encourage Ukrainians to support "First Star."

In addition, I respectfully suggest to Mr. Cybyk to revisit "First Star's" advertising strategy to give credit where credit is due. If the production is a Ukrainian production, then advertise it as such - I'll be happy to send my Ukrainian dollars in support.

Natalia Lysyj Rieland
Edina, Minn.

Russians continue their interference

Dear Editor:

Recent events in Ukraine indicate continuing interference in Ukraine's affairs by Russians. History shows this interference in many varieties. The burning of a Ukrainian prison (1,400 died) in Kharkiv in the 1940s, for example, means nothing to the Russians. Many of their crimes remain unpunished.

Russian atrocities, aggression and deceit must be exposed by Ukrainian nationalist groups not only in Ukraine but also in the rest of the world. Now, can you imagine the Russians having a $250 million "slush fund" to buy out and bribe Ukrainian politicians?

Ukrainian journalists in Canada and Ukraine must interview leaders of the Pora Party, Svoboda Party, etc., get the facts, and educate the electorate prior to and between elections.

Finally, Ukrainian Canadians can help by contributing financially to their favorite Ukrainian political party.

Ed Storzuk
St. George, Manitoba

Myron Kuropas is a true patriot

Dear Editor:

Myron Kuropas' column of October 29 generated feedback, and some of it was not very pretty.

I would like to commend Dr. Kuropas for clearly laying out facts. A patriot deals with reality and Dr. Kuropas is a true patriot in my opinion. While I am not an American, I carry in my heart a profound love and respect for America and for the Constitution on which the nation is founded. Likewise, I admire those patriotic Americans who, over the generations, took the Constitution to heart as they built their lives, provided for their families, and defended liberty both at home and abroad.

I am fortunate to be married to a Ukrainian, and from her have I learned the intensity of feeling that people of Ukrainian heritage have for liberty. From this perspective, I find it baffling to see people of Ukrainian heritage in North America, as well as those resident in Ukraine, close their eyes to the very real dangers of Islamic militancy/fascism. I would posit that their voices would call a different tune if it was Ukraine under immediate attack by militant Islam.

As Dr. Kuropas knows, yet so many others seem to ignore, freedom is not free.

In the Ukrainian community in Canada there is a similar rush away from reality to fully embrace the concept of "entitlement" in a liberal-left secular state, rather than towards the concept of "an opportunity for excellence and responsibility" as found in a conservative, Christian nation.

God bless America!

Alexander James Black
Mississauga, Ontario

More dignified language is needed

Dear Editor:

Re: Zenon Zawada's report on the Our Ukraine People's Union congress (November 26). Having the privilege of being on the front page requires more controlled and dignified language. Descriptions like "confectionary magnate Petro Poroshenko (or anyody else) do not belong to serious reporting: can you imagine The New York Times or any other newspaper writing "Ketchup magnate (Sen.) John Heinz"? Why should it be OK in The Ukrainian Weekly?

Also, I found the headline "Congress shows Yushchenko has lost control over 'Our Ukraine Peoples Union" presumptuous and disrespectful.

Andrij Paschuk
New York

About omissions of "Orthodox"

Dear Editor:

As an Orthodox Ukrainian, and a retired librarian of theological seminaries, I would like to point out to your editorial staff that as long as I can remember, your columnists and commentators often omit the word "Orthodox" where it's appropriate. Such omissions mutilate Ukrainian history and rob readers of knowledge about their heritage.

Below are two examples, published in your October 1 issue.

In his column, "The rest of the story," Myron Kuropas starts his second paragraph with "The first Ukrainian priest to come to the United States was Father Ahapius Honcharenko " Who else but an Orthodox priest could attend the Kyiv Theological Seminary in the mid-19th century? Just a few paragraphs later, he describes the arrival of the first Catholic priest almost 20 years later. Why do so many journalists feign ignorance when it comes to anything Orthodox?

Dr. Kuropas' information about Father Honcharenko is also not entirely accurate. He was indeed arrested and slated to be sent to Siberia for his anti-tsarist writings. He was, however, saved and sent in a coffin to London, not by Greeks, but by Ukrainian "dissidents" residing in Athens. The surname of one of them was Honchar, and this is how Father Ahapius became Honcharenko.

Father Ahapius did arrive in the U.S. in 1865. He stayed in New York only one year. He already had a vision of his mission, not only for America, but also for Ukraine, in San Francisco. Father Ahapius was a humble Orthodox priest, and it is shameful that his contribution towards the purchase of Alaska is rarely cited. Below are two short excerpts on the subject.

The first one is by Irvin E. Thompson, from the October 14, 1914, issue of The Epworth Herald: "Honcharenko's connection with Alaska and its purchase is very interesting. Honcharenko did much to call the attention of the government to the value of Alaska and has a letter signed by Secretary Seward in regard to the matter ... His service has been so great that the government ought to pension him in recognition of his labors."

The second is an excerpt from the editorial page of the Hayward Journal, May 12, 1916, from an article titled "Exile laid at rest": " Not only did Honcharenko strive to aid his own countrymen Although it is not generally known, Honcharenko proved an important factor in the development of this country. Largely through his advice and encouragement it is said did the United States come into possession of Alaska."

In the same issue of The Ukrainian Weekly on page 10, in the article by Daria Darewych titled "Bass-baritone Pavlo Hunka launches new CD of classical songs by Stetsenko," the word "Orthodox" is once again blatantly omitted. Father Kyrylo Stetsenko was an Orthodox priest, choir director and a composer of liturgical works for the revived Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church of the 1920s. Would any other professional music reviewer strip a composer of his spiritual inspiration?

These omissions are not only offensive to me as an Orthodox Ukrainian, but should be offensive to all who know the history of Ukraine and cherish their rich cultural heritage.

Halyna Hrushetsky
Westchester, Ill.

A thank-you for readers' support

Dear Editor:

I would like to thank readers of The Ukrainian Weekly for their generous support of my new not-for-profit organization, Ethnocentricity, and our mission to help ethnic artists in these contemporary times. The positive response to our initial project, "First Star: A Winter's Tale," a music-and-dance production with a Ukrainian theme, has been extremely heartening. I am very happy to be part of a community that supports its artists and believes in presenting its artistic heritage on a large scale and in an innovative way.

Due to a lack of funds and, more importantly, time, Ethnocentricity's board of directors, our designers and I have decided to postpone our presentation of "First Star," originally scheduled for January 2007 to January 2008. We believe that our community deserves a show on a large scale. If we cannot present it as we envision it, on the scale of a Ukrainian Riverdance, it is better to continue building until we have a finished product that we can all be proud of.

We will continue our fund-raising efforts throughout 2007 and will present more preview performances to illustrate our production. If any organization is interested in hosting or viewing a preview, we suggest you contact Ethnocentricity at 646-281-8160 or [email protected].

As artistic director of "First Star," I am very grateful for your generous support and I will continue to build a show that will help our culture's beauty and traditions shine on the world stage.

Andrij Cybyk
New York

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