JENKINTOWN, Pa. – On Thursday, October 4, the Philadelphia community joined the global Ukrainian community in lighting a candle to remember the victims who perished in the genocidal Famine of 1932-1933. This year’s commemorative action was dedicated to the children who died in the Holodomor.
The commemoration took place at Manor College at the Ukrainian Heritage Museum. Dean of Academic Services Nicholas Rudnytzky welcomed the assembled guest and students. Ulana Mazurkevich, chair of the Philadelphia Holodomor Committee, spoke about the horrors of the Holodomor. Msgr. Peter Waslo led the attendees in prayer and mournful song for the victims.
Stalks of wheat with attached names and ages of children who perished in the Holodomor.
The dramatic part of the commemorative service began when the president of Manor College, Jonathan Peri, lit the Candle of Remembrance. The assembled guests and students then laid stalks of wheat by the candle and solemnly proceeded to read 85 names and ages of children who perished in the Holodomor.
The event was covered by the TV station WPVI, an affiliate of ABC.
The commemoration was organized by Manor College and the Philadelphia Holodomor Committee.
Jonathan Peri, president of Manor College, lights the Candle of Remembrance.