SOUTH BOUND BROOK, N.J./NEW YORK – For centuries, Ukraine has struggled for its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. For just as long, Ukraine has amassed innumerable heroes who have dedicated their lives to make this progress possible.
Every year, on May 23, Ukraine and Ukrainians all around the world celebrate “Sviato Heroyiv,” the Day of Heroes. In the United States, the Organization for Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine (ODFFU) has traditionally and historically led the Ukrainian diaspora community in honoring Ukraine’s heroes. In previous years, this commemoration was hosted during the July 4th weekend in Ellenville, N.Y., at the Ukrainian American Youth Association Resort Center.
This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was not possible to hold this event in person. Instead, on Sunday July 5, the ODFFU hosted a virtual “Sviato Heroyiv” commemoration simultaneously on Zoom, Facebook Live and YouTube Live that was broadcast to viewers all around the world.
The program began at St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery in South Bound Brook, N.J., – one of the locations where tri-state Ukrainians do typically gather for events such as this one. There, Ukrainian American Veterans solemnly raised the U.S. and Ukrainian flags, while opera singer Stefan Szkafarowsky sang the national anthems.
Stefan Szkafarowski sings the national anthems with Ukrainian American Veterans in the background.
This was followed by blessings from Father Ivan Lyszyk (of St. Andrew Memorial Church, South Bound Brook) and Father Volodymyr Muzyczka (of St. Volodymyr Cathedral, New York).
Dmytro Lenczuk, recently elected president of ODFFU, greeted everyone and set the tone of the program with a call to honor our heroes; unite in strengthening and developing the Ukrainian American community; continue supporting Ukraine’s democratic ambitions; and pray for the reunification of our community as a whole.
After this, Michael Koziupa, the event’s emcee, introduced each of the various speakers and performers that were part of the program. The Iskra Ukrainian Dance Academy started off the program with the traditional “Pryvit”( Welcome).
This year, ODFFU wanted to make sure that a more diverse roster of heroes was honored: the heroes, heroines and also Church martyrs who fought for (and many who died in pursuit of) a free and independent Ukraine throughout history, as well as who that have been bravely supporting the country’s freedoms in the current war in eastern Ukraine.
Seven speakers gave short presentations: Serhii Kuzan of “VymkneRosiyske”, who spoke about “The Joint Action of all Ukrainians Against Russian Aggression”; Dr. Alina Ponypaliak, a historian from the National Museum of Ukraine, who spoke about “The Last UPA Commander, Vasyl Kuk”; Lida Slysh from the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, who spoke about “Ukraine’s Female Heroes and Legends”; Father Mykhailo Bachynsky, pastor of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin in Stebnik, Ukraine, who spoke about “Church Martyrs – Heroes”; Volodymyr Zhemchuhov, a living Hero of Ukraine, who spoke about “Why People of Different Ethnic Roots in the Donbas Joined the Army to Defend Ukraine”; and Zakhar Makovsky, of the Volunteer Division, who spoke of the “Modern Russian-Ukrainian War and the Role of the Volunteer Movement.” The program also included Ayla Bakkalli and Nedim Useinov, who joined on behalf of the Crimean Tatars, and highlighted their present and historical heroic struggles for existence and resistance to Russian oppression and occupation.
Music and dance performances took place between the speakers’ presentations. Local (New York/New Jersey) talent included: the Iskra Ukrainian Dance Ensemble; sisters Oksana Telepko and Halyna Leskiw (banduras and singing); Mr. Koziupa and Tatyana Koziupa Griffin (accordion and singing); the Whippany, N.J., branch of the Ukrainian American Youth Association (performing a dance); Ukrainian Village Voices (performing a song); and Uliana and Kalyna Leshchuk (bandura and singing). There was also a very special music performance by Serhiy Vasyliuk of the Ukrainian rock band Tin Sontsia.
Tatyana K. Griffin and Michael Koziupa perform during the program.
Bohdan Hawryluk (committee chairman), Ms. Griffin and Dmytro Stapinskyy managed the technical aspects of the program leading up to and during the event. The program committee also included: Zenon Halkowycz, Ivan Kebalo, Stepan Kaczurak, Mr. Lenczuk and Mr. Koziupa. The final program was the culmination of over six weeks of planning, preparation and implementation
Themes for this event included: loving our Ukrainian culture; celebrating our motherland, Ukraine; and honoring our heroes.
The Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine sincerely thanked all of the invited speakers and performers; as well as “attendees” and those who helped spread the word about the event.
To watch the Sviato Heroyiv 2020 video, readers may visit www.ODFFU.tv.