UWC FUNDRAISING IN MAY

Traditionally May is the Fundraising Month for the Ukrainian World Congress. Since its inception in 1967 the UWC has determined its annual budget in accordance with the success of its fundraising during the month of May. This year we mark the 40^th anniversary of the First Congress and thus forty years of May fundraising as well since May fundraising remains the staple for UWC activities today. On the 60^th anniversary of the nefarious Akcija “Wisla” we are working to secure reasonable restitution and compensation despite stalwart opposition not only from extreme Polish organizations but even seemingly mainstream, the government of the Republic of Poland and the Polish Catholic Church. On this issue Ukraine remains inexplicably silent. Before us is the 75^th commemoration of the Famine/Genocide 1932-33. We need to get Ukraine to recognize its own tragedy not only in word but also deed by constructing at last the Memorial-Museum in Kyiv. We are working to have the Famine 1932-33 recognized as Genocide by the world community and included in the educational curricula of the international community, one country at a time. Unfortunately, defending the human and civil rights of Ukrainians has not become moot. Even in Ukraine those who wish to study in their native language (the UWC is largely funding the legal expenses of Serhij Melnychuk in Luhansk) need protection. The Ukrainian community in the Russian Federation has suffered a recent spate of murders of community activists from Vladivostok to Tula. Finally expanding lines of communication with newer communities of Ukrainian immigrants remains crucial and often not addressed because of the lack of funds. These are only a few examples.

AKCIJA “WISLA” COMMEMORATION IN POLAND

    The central observance of the 60^th Anniversary of Akcija "Wisla" has been scheduled for April 27-29, 2007 in Peremyshl, Poland. The program Divine Liturgies in both the Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox cathedrals, an ecumenical Panakhyda, a press conference, requiem concert, scholarly conference, exhibitions and film festival.  Those wishing to attend and requiring logistical assistance should contact the Union of Ukrainians in Poland at zuwp@post.pl

FAMINE COMMEMORATION CONUNDRUM

UWC AND MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS RETAIN MELNYCHUK COUNSEL

PASCAL GREETINGS

In our Ukrainian Christian tradition, the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is the most significant event in History. Spiritually, it symbolizes the salvation of Mankind. Temporally it begins a new period of History, new movements, new civilizations, and new alliances. Our own Christian tradition dates back to the 1^st century and the apostle St. Andrew the First who while traveling up the Dnipro river placed a Cross on the site of the future city of Kyiv, symbolically dedicating to the Resurrected Christ a land later founded as Kyivan Rus and now named Ukraine. From that moment on, through Sts. Cyril and Methodius, Christian rulers Askold and Dir, Princess Olha, her grandson and great-grandson, the Great Prince Volodymyr and the Wise Prince Yaroslav, the monks of the Cave Monastery and the great Mytropolyty – leaders of our Churches and its many martyrs, the Ukrainian people have always looked to the Resurrection for guidance in their daily lives.  Perhaps more so than any other nation, Ukrainians have experienced the Lenten catharses leading up to the Resurrection and  have looked to the Resurrection as a spiritual uplifting enabling them to carry on through very difficult times.

          On this occasion we send heartfelt greetings to our people wherever they may reside, to the hierarchy and local shepherds of our Churches and our political and community leadership, in particular the President of Ukraine. Easter is a time of joy and hope. Let us take this opportunity to review, reenergize and rededicate. Mindful and respectful of the past, let us commit to a better future, one fashioned by us and blessed by the hand of the Resurrected Christ.