June 9, 2026 — The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) received with deep sorrow the news of the passing away of Dr. Peter Joseph Potichnyj, a celebrated Professor Emeritus at McMaster University’s Department of Political Science, an outstanding Ukrainian scholar, educator, and public figure.
Dr. Potichnyj devoted his life to the study of Ukrainian history, the development of Ukrainian education, and the preservation of national memory. His many years of scholarly and organizational work made a significant contribution to shaping a truthful understanding of the Ukrainian liberation movement and the Ukrainian people’s struggle for independence.
His role in the creation and development of the Litopys UPA — the Chronicle of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army — was especially remarkable. This unique scholarly and publishing project provided the world with invaluable archival materials about the UPA’s struggle for Ukraine’s independence against the Russian and Nazi regimes. Through this work, historical truth was restored after decades of attempts by Russian propaganda to distort it. The Litopys UPA became a fundamental source for researchers and an important element in preserving the historical memory of the Ukrainian people.
As a representative of the Ukrainian intelligentsia in the diaspora, Dr. Potichnyj made a significant contribution to the development of Ukrainian studies around the world, the support of scholarly institutions, and the education of new generations of researchers of Ukraine. His life’s work was dedicated to seeing a free and independent Ukraine.
The Ukrainian World Congress highly honoured his contribution by recognizing him with the UWC’s highest award, the St. Volodymyr the Great Medal.
Zenon Potochnyj, center, presents the UWC’s highest honour, the St. Volodymyr the Great Medal, to the children of the late Dr. Peter Joseph Potichnyj, Evhen and Adrianna Potichnyj, during the funeral ceremony.
UWC President Paul Grod stated:
“I had the honour of knowing Dr. Potichnyj personally and am sincerely grateful for his outstanding contribution. I was pleased that we were able to recognize his work with the UWC’s highest award, the St. Volodymyr the Great Medal.”
The Ukrainian World Congress extends its sincere and deep condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and all those who knew and honoured the late Dr. Peter Joseph Potichnyj. We share your great pain and sorrow.
The bright memory of Dr. Peter Joseph Potichnyj will forever remain in the hearts of Ukrainians around the world, and his scholarly legacy will continue to serve Ukraine for many generations to come.
May his memory be eternal and blessed.
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