One year without Stefan Romaniw: we remember, we continue

Today, June 26, marks one year since the passing of Stefan Romaniw — a great son of Ukraine.

A tireless advocate for his homeland, Stefan was First Vice President of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), a member of its Executive Committee, a leader of the Ukrainian community in Australia, former Chairman of the OUN-B leadership, former Chairman and member of the Ukrainian Youth Association (CYM), and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and dear friend to Ukrainians around the world.

His passing left a deep void in the lives of his beloved family and across the global Ukrainian community — especially within the UWC, where his voice was a constant force in defense of Ukraine.

“Stefan was a true leader who inspired people not out of duty, but because they believed in him. His charisma, intellect, global perspective, compassion, work ethic, vision, and incredible sense of humor lifted everyone around him. I don’t know anyone who didn’t admire or love Stefan.

His network of friends spanned the globe. On the world stage, Stefan was a powerful force — tirelessly working to build a better Ukraine and defend it against Russian aggression.

The relationships he built with politicians, influencers, civil society leaders, and journalists were always used to advance the UWC’s mission: building a strong, independent Ukraine and thriving Ukrainian communities around the world,” said UWC President Paul Grod.

Since 2008, Stefan had been one of the UWC’s key leaders — first as Secretary General and then, from 2013, as its unwavering First Vice President.

He was a fearless champion of truth, a leading voice for the recognition of the Holodomor as genocide, a tireless supporter of Ukraine and its defenders, and a driving force behind the growth of youth movements and the Ukrainian Church abroad.

His legacy includes powerful initiatives like the Unquenchable Candle, organizing global forums, combating disinformation, and helping build Ukrainian museums around the world.

This extraordinary leader passed away while returning to Australia from Lithuania, where he had taken part in the founding assembly of the Anti-Imperialist Bloc of Nations and met with the Ukrainian community in Vilnius.

Time moves on, but we remember.

In March, the UWC launched the Stefan Romaniw Youth Leadership Foundation — an initiative supporting the next generation of Ukrainian diaspora leaders.

In Melbourne, an annual memorial walk has been established in his honor. In Ukraine, a sports facility at the Nazareth rehabilitation center in Drohobych now bears his name. The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations also created an online memorial board where anyone can share memories or photos of Stefan.

Stefan’s legacy lives on. You can be part of it by joining the “30 Under 30” project, created in his memory. The award recognizes young Ukrainians who are transforming their communities and inspiring others.

The global Ukrainian community never sleeps — especially today, as prayers around the world remember Stefan Romaniw.

Eternal and blessed memory.