A Hetman Award Winner- Pauline Lysak

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It's all about the kids and the future!

Introducing Mrs. Pauline Lysak of Edmonton, one of Ukrainian Alberta's stellar volunteers in service to the community. In 1998, the UCC-Alberta Provincial Council initiated an Annual Hetman Awards to acknowledge significant volunteer achievements of outstanding Ukrainian Albertans. And Pauline Lysak certainly fits the bill. She is a long time member of the Ukrainian Woman's Association of Canada, currently involved at St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Ladies Auxiliary-Soyuz Ukrainok Kanadi in Edmonton. (UWAC)

A person of deep spirituality and moral conviction, her employment as a social worker in child protection and adoption for the province was more than a job, it is her mission. It led to her involvement with the Pochaiv Orphanage and helping youth in Ukraine. Seeing the need for child protection, and reading The Natasha's by Victor Malarek, (an important read if you haven't already done so - about the issue of Eastern Bloc human trafficking - including Ukrainian girls and boys) she was drawn to become involved in the Maple Leaf Project of the Nashi organization. Nashi: Our Children is actually helping to divert children at risk from human trafficking. She is also inspired by the important work being done by HART - led by Lloyd Cenaiko - another Ukrainian Canadian activist from la belle province of Saskatchewan!

Pauline says the Maple Leaf Alberta Projects works in conjunction with Nashi of Saskatoon and on October 26, 2012 hosted their 4th annual fundraiser for the Maple Leaf/Klenovi Lyst Safe House in Ukraine. Other events in the past have included presentations by Victor Malarek, Benjamin Perrin, Joy Smith MP and fashion shows which have featured the handiwork of girls who have been rescued from risk and learning a trade - sewing skills.

Congratulations Pauline and thank you for leadership in helping to protect the most vulnerable - our children - combating modern day slavery! Diakuyemo! Mnohaya lita!

In the picture above you will see Pauline with the Speaker of the Alberta Provincial Legislature - her nephew - MLA Gene Zwozdesky, and Genia Leskiw MLA for Bonnyville who is also her neice - close family! Also in the photo is the Provincial President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Daria Luciw.  

For a video of One Pyrogy at a Time - a documentary by Nashi: Our Children - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2bi74rb6ME

and information about the Maple Leaf/Klenovi Lyst Safe House http://mapleleafap.wordpress.com/.

Prairie Dreamscapes: Reimagining Your Roots

The Alberta Council for the Arts are very please to invite guests to a new exhibit this December. From December 7, 2012 to January 19, 2013, a special show entitled Prairie Dreamscapes:  Reimaginging Your Roots can be viewed at St. John's Institute in Edmonton.

Featuring Ukrainian Canadian and Ukrainian artists of several disciplines, the exhibit premiered in September at the Ukrainian Festival in Toronto - there were rave reviews.  The dreamscape concept is coming to the prairies, to its roots!

St. John's Institute on Whyte Avenue near the University of Alberta is a welcoming university residence that has a great Ukrainian Canadian heritage.  Founded originally as a Bursa, a bursary residence, under the name Hrushevsky Institute, the residence is a wonderful community!  Over the years many generations have attended St. John's Institute and built great relationships - life long friends.  It is time for your visit!

St. John's Institute are glad to welcome new thoughts, dreams and visions - and a providing a warm, generous and hospitable welcome for this beautiful art exhibit entitled Prairie Dreamscapes:  Reimaginging Your Roots.

As the poster indicates, there will be wine and refreshments for the opening night ceremonies - hope you can join the Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts and join the community for this lovely art exhibit!!

A Little Illumination - Art Exhibit

Larisa Sembaliuk Cheladyn is hosting another lovely show of her latest watercolour paintings and studies on Sunday, December 9th, 2012 at the Ukrainian Book Store in Edmonton.  The Opening Reception will be held on the evening of Saturday, December 8th complete with an opening program and refreshments.  Larisa's artworks may be purchased at this event - so make sure to book the event early and arrive early!

Larisa Sembaliuk Cheladyn is an accomplished Canadian artist of Ukrainian background.  Her works are in private and corporate collections throughout North and South America, Australia and Europe.  Her patrons and fans span the continents.

Larisa has much more to recommend her too! She is a mother, wife, daughter, granddaughter, auntie, cousin, and friend with a big heart.  She cares immensely for community and family.  This event is actually a fundraiser for the Ukrainian Canadian Archives and Museum of Alberta UCAMA - which is on its journey to completion on Jasper Avenue in Edmonton.  UCAMA's mission to preserve the archival documents which attest to the historical journey of Ukrainians in Alberta and Canada, is a worthy cause.  Something to support, and contribute to, for the future's sake!

It is perfect that Larisa is lending a hand - I certainly hope you will too.  Come, purchase some fabulous art works for your home and family,  and support the future driven UCAMA project in Edmonton.  

Kerby Center's Ukrainian Malanka 2013

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Calgary's Kerby Centre is hosting a Ukrainian Malanka event on Tuesday, January 22, 2013! This wonderful initiative is designed to enhance the lives of older adults in Calgary.  And with Ukrainian music, dancing, cultural presentations, and delicious Ukrainian food this is an event to put on the calendar.

The Kerby Centre strives to assist older people in their journey through their elder years, helping them reside in the community, and providing programming, services and information for their needs.

As the poster indicates, the tickets for this event are already available, and there is sure to be a rush.  Make sure to book a Malanka event for the special person in your family circle - it is sure to make their hearts warm with delight!

Call the Ed. and Rec. department  at 403-705-3233  or contact Jennifer Furke at 403-473-1311!!

Calgary Artist Wins Spot in Christmas Card Collection

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If you are planning on purchasing Ukrainian Christmas cards this season, and want to support Calgary Ukrainian artists, here is an idea for you. Stephania Romaniuk, local Calgary musician and artist, has had her original work of art (a digitally altered sketch) featured in last year's collection of a special Christmas Card collection. This year her acrylic on canvas has been included in the card collection.  

An international community of Ukrainians from Canada, Australia, the United States and Ukraine is honoring the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).  

The heroic efforts of the 100,000 soldiers of UPA (a national army of freedom fighters) began in 1942, fighting on two fronts - Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia, and though the war officially ended in 1945, UPA continued to inspire until the 50's and 60's. Their sacrifice and dreams of Ukrainian sovereignty and independence would continue to foment interest and inspiration for generations to come.  

Stephania's artistic inspiration comes from notable sources including "Their Just War" (Humeniuk, Luciuk) a collection of photographs of UPA soldiers.  The immense expressive and artist potency of these images captured her attention.  She feels that contributing to this project, and winning a spot in the card collection contributes in some small way to the pro-sovereignty effort, and is especially pleased that proceeds will go toward youth initiated projects in Ukrainian community building.  Projects like ongoing awareness campaigns for the Holodomor, and support for Ukrainian language education are among the targets for this historical, cultural and political project fund.  

Each package includes 6 cards and envelopes - 4 restored vintage cards and 2 original works by Ukrainian Canadian artists, and is being sold for $10.  In Calgary, they may be purchased by contacting Stephania Romaniuk at (587)228-0220 or stephania romaniuk@gmail.com. 

Calgary's 2012 Holodomor Commemoration

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Calgary honored the Holodomor with a commemoration event that took place at 11 AM on Saturday, November 24, 2012 in the St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Church Cultural Centre.  Master of Ceremonies - Michael Ilnycky, President of Calgary's Ukrainian Canadian Committee.

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About a dozen students from Calgary's Ukrainian Student's Society presented a montage of poems, and verses (presented by Roman Storoschuk and Katrusia Owad,), an interpretive dance by Christina Chumak, and song accompanied and sung by Stephania Romaniuk.

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Dr. Roman Serbyn, a Canadian historian of Ukrainian origin, Holodomor scholar, and guest speaker from Montreal,  spoke in brief about how the Holodomor came about, and used the terms "post genocidal community" and "post colonial community" as descriptors of the Ukrainian community's internal perceptions of this experience.  Internal community change, and external acknowledgement is now possible because of free-er access to historical documents which irrefutably attest that the Holodomor was an act of intentional destruction of the repository of ancestral memory - the people of Ukraine.

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A Memorial Service (Panachyda) was served by the clergy of Calgary's Ukrainian churches, St. Stephen the Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church, St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church.

The participants prayerfully joined in the singing of Vichnaya Pamyat' - the prayer for eternal memory of the reposed.

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Organizations listed participated by laying wreaths of memorial:  Sister Servants of  Mary Immaculate, Assumption of the  Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Stephen Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church, St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Ukrainian Senior's Club at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Knights of Columbus-St. Nicholas Ukrainian Council #7659, Order of St. Andrew, Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada-Calgary, Ukrainian Museum of Canada-Calgary Collection, Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada, League of Ukrainian Women in Canada-Calgary Branch, Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Society, Yalenka Ukrainian Dance Society, Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, Suzirya Ukrainian Dance Theatre, Korinnya Ukrainian Folk Ensemble, Plast Ukrainian Scouts, CYM Ukrainian Youth, CYMK Ukrainian Orthodox Youth, Ukrainian Student's Society at the University of Calgary, SOS Ukraine, Ogen House Ukrainian Cultural Society, Echos of Ukraine Television Program, Ukrainian Canadian Civil  Liberties Association, Ukrainian School at Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Slava Chamber Choir, Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association, Association of United Ukrainian Canadians, Friends of the Ukrainian Catholic University, Calgary Board of Education, Calgary Separate School Division, City of Calgary, Government of Alberta, Government of Canada, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

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Our elected officials from three levels of government came to honor the event.  Speeches were given by elected officials, representatives of each respective level of government - Alderman Jim Stevenson - Ward 3, Government of Alberta - Linda Johnson, Calgary Glenmore and Government of Canada - Michelle Rempel, Calgary Centre North.

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An important forward looking presentation was given by the representative of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights -  Eric Hughes.  He spoke of the upcoming opening of the new museum in Winnipeg, the complexity of this human rights issue and the truly significant and critical role Canada's new museum will play in uncovering the truths for future generations - may they learn from the lessons of the past.








Thanking all the guests for their generous participation in today's commemoration, MC and UCC Calgary President Michael Ilnysky thanked CYM Ukrainian Youth Association for the Display and Artwork from the Kyiv Art Institute - and then  invited everyone to sing O Canada, the national anthem of Canada, and Sche Ne Vmerla Ukraina - the national anthem of Ukraine.  Then everyone was invited to a Hungry Lunch of broth and bread.

Canada - We Honor the Holodomor

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Most cultures have a way of honoring their ancestors.  The heart remembers times past and the spirit learns, and develops a deeper, richer understanding of human potential.  Still, the loss of one individual leaves a hole in families, a void that takes so long to heal - but does it ever?

But when the loss is not one person, not ten, not a hundred nor a thousand, but millions?   What can the heart remember and what does the spirit learn?  What of lost potential?  What of lives cut short not by the will of the Creator, but by the will of "rulers"? What if we "break faith with those who die", shall they sleep? (John McCrae)

Today is an opportunity to remember the Ukrainian nation's ancestors, those who died by the will of "rulers", and acknowledge, though they are gone, though their physical strengths are gone, their amazing potential energy is still felt in the world.  A person of character will know we are not human doings, we are human beings - and the spirit is eternal!  Honor the Holodomor!

In Calgary - Saturday, November 24, 2012 - http://ukrainiancalgary.blogspot.ca/2012/10/calgarys-holodomor-commemoration-2012.html

http://ukrainiancalgary.blogspot.ca/2012/07/lest-we-forget-ukrainian-holodomor.html

http://ukrainiancalgary.blogspot.ca/2012/11/after-supper-conversation-about.html

http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?category=3&pageId=49&id=5177
Prime Minister Harper's statement on the occasion of the 79th Honoring of the Holodomor

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2012/11/21/how-stalin-s-terrible-famine-in-ukraine-was-exposed-by-a-western-mail-writer-91466-32278424/

Gareth Jones reporting the Holodomor in 1933

http://www.day.kiev.ua/205188

James Mace - Just as one cannot study the Holocaust without becoming half-Jewish in spirit, one cannot study the Famine and not become at least half-Ukrainian.

The Nativity Through William Kurelek's Art

Stupid as a calf staring at a new gate - a Ukrainian saying.  I start laughing!  What a typically Ukrainian farm saying! This is the title of one of the paintings I found in a book called Fields - Paintings by William Kurelek.  With soft snowflakes covering the trees, I actually took a moment to look at the books that don't seem to sit correctly in the bookcase.  Now, however I gotta chase this Kurelek idea. Somehow I don't think the English critics quite catch the subtlety of his humor.

William Kurelek was a sensitive soul, his short lifetime was prolific with brilliant artistry.  A Ukrainian speaking son of the Ukrainian Canadian family farm, his artistic genius was at odds with his family's struggle for sustenance and success in farming.  He was contemplative and hypersensitive, and nurturing his talent was inconceivably frivolous for the social circumstances of his community and family. Inherently a good person, he had a sharp self-awareness, and was traumatized at the distance between his dreams and his father's dreams for him.  This sense of aloneness, and homage, is palpable in his paintings.  He passionately loved the land, his family, and the unique cultural, religious, and historical circumstances of his heritage.  His artistry is deeply personal and subtle.  His themes are invariably uncomfortable for their simple truthfulness.  Images of prairies, farms and social events contain subtle humor, soft humanity, and a gentle, naive spiritual imagery.

I find another painting called Old Age is Not Joy - and I laugh again. Certainly something is lost in translation - but if you can, translate this phrase in your head - and laugh!  I adore this part of Kurelek's work!

It makes me think of all the baba's and dido's on the prairies whose simple faith, plain language, naive spiritual purity and unsophisticated social life built our Ukrainian Canadian community.  And I realize that Kurelek was ahead of his time, an artist enamoured of the land, his heritage and family -  good man.

Nativity images by William Kurelek - Canadian settings - accompanied by Chris De Burgh's composition "When Winter Comes"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKK_uvnph08&feature=share

For more information - http://www.catholicanada.com/2012/06/the-resurrection-of-william-kurelek/

Calgary and the First Ukrainian Canadian Member of Parliament

Did you know that the first Canadian Member of Parliament of Ukrainian Descent attended the University of Calgary?  Did you know he also attended Normal School here - essentially teachers' college.  And did you know his name?

Perhaps it would be interesting to consider how many Canadians have served in municipal, provincial and federal politics as servants of the people over this past - say just over a hundred years?  Well, I haven't compiled the list yet.  But, I do know that Calgary's education system can be very proud for contributing to the formation of Mr. Michael Luchkovich.

Michael Luchkovich's father emigrated to find work in the coal mines of Pennsylvania, and that is where Luchkovich spent the first years of his life.  The family moved to Winnipeg, but after high school graduation, Luchkovich headed west to the University of Calgary where he received his political science degree, and then later attended Calgary Normal School in order to become an Alberta Certified teacher.

He was a teacher, author and obviously a social activist - and with his fabulous education launched a ten year career in Canadian federal politics.  True to many prairie Canadians, he ran as a United Farmers of Alberta candidate and in 1926 was elected to the Canadian House of Commons representing the Vegreville constituency.  He was the first person of Ukrainian descent to be elected to the Federal Parliament - and the University of Calgary was an important stepping stone in his professional formation.  Thanks, Calgary! 

http://www.uccab.ca/HetmanBanquet/Luchkovich%20Award.asp

Home Decorating - Ukrainian Infused

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Finding the inspiration to decorate your home can be tricky - it is hard to wear someone else's design.  However, if you love Ukrainian culture, folklore, and arts, perhaps it is easier than you think?





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In an earlier blog post, I wondered what my daughters should take from our family home when they move.  An embroidered pillow, paintings from our collection of Ukrainian artists, and a bowl of pysanky - these came to mind instantly.  But there is so much more! I hope their homes feel Ukrainian too!
http://ukrainiancalgary.blogspot.ca/2012/07/hope-springs-eternal.html



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A friend recently recommended I pick up Ukrainian Style, a book co-authored by an American mission traveler in Ukraine and an interior designer - and I was pleasantly surprised to have discovered another admirer, not only of Ukrainian culture, but its truly human soul! A beautiful, hard-cover publication, Ukrainian Style exhuberantly celebrates Ukrainian arts in home decor.  Love it!


The book is beautiful beautiful enough for a coffee table book, but really, really much more! Whether you are interested in expressing your sense of beauty through Ukrainian arts in your home, or you are drawn by the professional interior decorating advice, delicious recipes and cultural references, this volume is a lovely tabletop companion.   The photos are just spectacular, and of course, a picture can tell at least a thousand words!

Linda Wicklund and Alecia Stevens are celebrating village life and bringing it home in Ukrainian Style. Referencing great Ukrainian museums and resource people in the Eastern US it is evident the authors have decided to represent Ukrainian folk traditions and fine arts rather accurately.  And I appreciate that proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the Zolotonosha Youth Center, in Zolotonosha, Ukraine.  In this way, the authors have dedicated this volume to Ukraine's future - its children!

To purchase this lovely book contact www.yevshan.com or www.UkrainianStyle.com.   A wonderful way to infuse Ukrainian style into your home decor - and pass it on!

Another Great Ukrainian Cookbook!

Another great Ukrainian Cookbook to tell you about!

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This is the most recent publication of the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada, Hanka Romanchych Branch in Saskatoon!  This is the home organization of the Savella Stechishin of Traditional Ukrainian Cookery fame.  And now the ladies have continued in the fine tradition, and published a beautiful, new collection entitled From Baba, With Love.

From Baba,With Love is truly a lovely recipe book.  With full colour pictures, and ethno-cultural background, it is full of newly adapted recipes that use contemporary methods and technologies.

Because I know you will want to get yours quickly, here is the contact information to the only store in Calgary that carries the book! You may want to order several to have as gifts to share the whole year long!!

Contact the lovely ladies at - The Ukrainian Museum of Canada - Calgary Collection -

St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cultural Centre

404 Meredith Road NE

Calgary, Alberta T2E 5A6

For more Information, phone 403 264 3437.

Taste Baba's Cooking

The smells of home cooking, of Baba's cooking!  What could be better!

If you are a Ukrainian food enthusiast, you know the time, care and talent it takes to make beautiful traditional dishes to serve to your family and friends.  It is a bit challenging, but the accolades and compliments are always motivators.

And you can always prepare for feast days in advance - when you  have the help of some other person's Baba -  like the lovely ladies of Baba's Own Ukrainian Food in Edmonton!

Did you see Baba's Own Ukrainian Food in the Edmonton Journal on Wednesday November 14th, 2012 in the "FOOD" section under "TASTE ALBERTA" (E3) ? If not click this link to view and read the article: 
http://www.smhg.ca/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=XeMGuJkavhY%3D&tabid=69&mid=684 

The Art of Poetry

It always seems that we are on highway lately - thank heavens for great infrastructure projects in the province of Alberta.  It gives everyone an opportunity to participate in things elsewhere - and here is a great way to spend a Friday night!  Myroslava Uniat, a poet from Kyiv, will be sharing her poetry and videopoetry at the Ukrainian National Federation Hall in Edmonton on Friday, November 16, 2012.  What a fabulous opportunity!  Hope you can get there!

Ukrainian Business

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Did you know that the Ukrainian world is about to change for Western Canada!  Just consider what the world will be like without the Ukrainian Book Store in Edmonton!  Can you imagine!

This family owned business has served the needs of the East European community in Western Canada for almost a hundred years.  Elena Scharabun, Christina Scharabun and Mariya Balukh  - the lovely ladies who serve customers in the store, are just a joy.  With their extensive knowledge of Ukrainian things, and a collection that is just impossible to match, the Ukrainian Book Store does extremely good work.  

Just check out the catalog for the Ukrainian Book Store online - WOW!  I just did, and although I have always been an enthusiast - it surprised me too!

What did Baba say?  Don't put off til tomorrow, what you can do today!
Make a point of heading there soon - if not online then in person.  I know I plan to!!  Time is everything, it seems, these days!  Do it now!

http://ukrainianbookstore.com

Ukrainian Book Store @ukrainianbooks 

Check out their website for sale items all the time! Stop in the store for good deals!!!

The Most Loved Ukrainian Cookbook!

Cooking is soul work, at least in a Ukrainian home.  You can always order in pizza, or get a bucket of chicken, but traditional Ukrainian foods are a trip down nostalgia lane.  Making pyrohy, kolach (braided circle bread), holubtsi (cabbage rolls), no matter whether you are using instant ingredients, or a stand mixer, still require tender loving care, lots of handiwork and an admiring audience.

So, for the best known and perhaps the best loved Ukrainian cookbook I reach for my Savella Stechishin cookbook.  Traditional Ukrainian Cookery by Savella Stechishin was published by Trident Press in Winnipeg, Canada in 1984. (ISBN 0 919490-36-0) So, I have the Fourteenth Edition!

Interestingly enough, the book was initiated by the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada as a national organization project, and first published in 1957.  But it was the product of much love and dedication, and took a long while from conception to publication.

The way I heard it, Savella Stechishin was among the first Ukrainian women to attend University in Saskatchewan, earning a Bachelor in Home Economics.  She was also an early leader in the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada, and felt the importance of sharing modern cooking techniques to the rural Ukrainian women on the prairies.  Safe methods, sanitation, canning, preserves, entertaining, and displaying foods for bake sales or banquets - these were her lecture and presentation topics.  In turn, these women shared their fabulous recipes, lovingly passed down from generation to generation.  So the cookbook, is the product of endless hours of fieldwork among the UWAC of the day.  And with the publication of this book, community organizations could sell their wares and fund the building of many community halls, gathering places, and churches.

Truly a person with a vision, Savella Stechishin can be honored for being the first, most popular Ukrainian Cookbook writer in North America.  Since then, Ukrainian food has come out of the farm kitchen and into the supermarkets everywhere in North America.

Have you ever found another cookbook like it?  Which are your favorite recipe books?  Where can you get the most authentic recipes? I am hopeful you have some gem in your cookbook collection to recommend!

ps  I just checked Amazon and perhaps you might be amazed to know a book in new condition costs $516 and a used one for $116.  So, take care of yours - it is a collectors item!! I know my mom's is already in shreds!.

http://www.ukrcdn.com/2009/12/07/a-ukrainian-canadian-julia-child-and-more-savella-stechishin/

Puschenia Fall 2012

Puschenia is a pre-lenten celebration (in anticipation of the lenten periods before Christmas and Easter).  Puschenia is a party!

In Canada it involves a supper and dance, a last opportunity to indulge before the 40 day fasting and prayerful preparation for the Feast. Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox Lent encompasses the 40 days of preparation for Christmas. Those who celebrate Christmas according to the Gregorian calendar on December 25th, will have Puschenia by the 15th of November. Those who celebrate Christmas by the Julian calendar, on January 7th, will have Puschenia no later than November 28th.

Ukrainian Christmas traditions are really an accumulation of hopes, dreams and prayers, all transmitted in symbolic form to the present. The ancestral agrarian relationship with nature, the physical reminders of the cycles of life, and the seasons of living are evident in almost all the Ukrainian Christmas traditions we know today.

Ukraine was welcomed into the kingdoms of the Christian world in 988 AD, and the people whose pagan practices and traditions filled every breathing moment,  increasingly came to understand their world through a Christian lens. Already understanding the multi-layered nature of life, ancestral Ukrainians were simply sophisticated enough to see how the culture they were already living, had prepared the way for the Christian story - an evolution of values, beliefs and credos.  Their relationship with nature, expressions of life, cycles, seeding of good will,  had already instilled in them a bone-deep appreciation for deferred gratification.  With the Christian message of the "world to come", Ukrainians, a patient people, prepared for the "Good News" - for the joyous Feast of the  Birth of Christ - Christmas!

Calgary's Annual Ukrainian Carol Festival 2012

infoukes.com

"God Eternal is Born Today!" 

 These are the words to the most loved of Ukrainian Christmas Carols.  And on Sunday, December 9, 2012, Calgary will again join together to sing these amazing words - as a community!  During this Advent season, all the anticipation builds!  Singing together brings such merriment, peace and joy!

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Calgary Branch is inviting all of Calgary's Ukrainian community to join in the angelic songs at Calgary's Annual Ukrainian Christmas Festival.  Lighting of the tree, and the joyous singing celebration will take place at St. Stephen Protomartyr church at 7pm in the evening.  Families, children, choirs and smaller ensembles from the great city of Calgary will join and sing for the Holy Babe, for the Nativity of Christ. 

Make sure you put the date on your calendar -and bring the entire family for this warm, generous evening of Ukrainian Christmas Carols.  

Contact  Calgary's Ukrainian Canadian Congress for more information at http://www.calgaryucc.org/ and the hosts at St. Stephen the Protomartyr at http://www.protomartyr.ca/St_Stephen_Protomartyr/Home.html.

And to get you warmed up here are some Ukrainian Christmas Carols!!

Nova Radist Stala

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NqR75gB17M

Boh Sia Rozhdaye

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5mTyoYkERc&feature=relmfu

Dobrey Vechir Tobi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYh43FNymAM&feature=relmfu

Vselenaya Veselisia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRQ349yA45g

Ukrainian Christmas Medley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBGjxtH9QE8&feature=relmfu

After Supper Conversation about the Holodomor

Food, as we all know, is an essential part of the human experience.  We enjoy meals as a family, celebrate milestones while feasting, and entertain the palate with variety in color, taste and texture.  Some even go as far as celebrating "molecular gastronomy" (or experimental cuisine), as I discovered on a recent trip to France. Teasing the imagination with visual information that leads the palate to expect one thing, then to surprise the taster with something altogether different - it is an experiment you should try!  Imagine something that looks like gravy, but is set, cold and cuts with a knife!  And an after dinner drink in what looks like a heavy old fashioned glass, that is actually layer upon layer of interesting textures, set solid, upon a solid cookie base!  Well, it is hard to explain, but truly we are so fortunate to have enough food - we actually play with food. With "molecular gastronomy", chefs play with the social context, the technical processes, and artistic presentations!  And it seems all the cooking shows on television dabble in this type of cuisine.

Such was not the case during the Holodomor of 1932-33.  Just 80 years ago the ancestral lands of Ukrainians were terrorized by the intentional manipulation of food supply, carried out by the "rulers" of the day.  As early as 1943 Raphael Lemkin, a lawyer of Polish-Jewish descent had already coined an identifying term, genocide, to describe a political tool, the intentional, purposeful, planned destruction of a people. It does, essentially, describe what Ukrainians suffered - in the millions.   

The Holodomor (conquering through starvation) is the topic of Dr. Roman Serbyn's presentation to the Ukrainian Professional and Business Association of Calgary at their Dinner program on Thursday, November 22, 2012 at the Danish Canadian Club, Valhalla Hall, 727 - 11th Avenue SW. 

For tickets please contact:

UKRAINIAN CANADIAN PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS ASSOCIATION OF CALGARY

P.O. BОХ 6474, Station 'D', Calgary AB T2P 2E1

Office: 403-670-5477

e-mail: admin@ucpbacalgary.org
www.ucpbacalgary.ca

And for more information about the Holodomor, please check

http://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/op-ed/lemkin-holodomor-classic-genocide-53243.html, and http://www.holodomorsurvivors.ca/About%20Raphae%20Lemkin.html.

Have a HART for UKRAINE

One of the gifts of the spirit is charity.  With leadership from HART - Humanitarian Aid Response Teams, you can make a difference to the poor and disenfranchised in Ukraine and the rest of Eastern Europe.  Their goal is to challenge the conscience of North Americans, and encourage sharing of our bounty with the world's most vulnerable - the children. 
 

On Friday night, the generous people of Calgary are invited to participate in Calgary's Annual Fundraising Dinner for HART.  You can make a financial contribution to this international registered charity. 

COAST PLAZA HOTEL (1316-33 Street NE, Calgary)
FRIDAY, NOV 2, 2012 6:30 PM
RSVP 403.230.8263 | tickets@hart.ca
Space is limited and reservations will be honoured in the order of
confirmation of attendance

Cyndi Chomick Executive Director
HART – Humanitarian Aid Response Teams
T 403.230.8263 F 403.230.3279 E cyndi@hart.ca W www.hart.ca

Canada: 317 37th Ave NE, Suite 200, Calgary, AB Canada T2E 6P6
USA: 1644 @ Hatcher Road, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85021
Ukraine: Skelna Str. 1/9, Lviv, 75009
 

The President and Founder of HART, Lloyd Cenaiko, and HART Ukraine Director Kostya Voloshyn will welcome you, as will special guest Dr. Roman Korniyko, of Kyiv Ukraine.  Korniyko is President and Founder of "Father's House" - an internationally recognized agency, whose aim is to care for homeless and abandoned children - in this case, Ukraine's children.

 

Humanitarian Aid Response Teams (HART) is a Christian Relief Aid and Missions agency dedicated to serving the poor and equipping/empowering the Indigenous church in Eastern Europe.
HART is all about partnerships. We pour our resources into effective indigenous ministries, NGOs, and leaders already involved in Relief Aid and Missions projects in their own countries.
by...

“changing the world - one heart at a time.”