Calgary's Annual Ukrainian Festival of Carols 2014

Koliada is a word that lightens the heart and fills the spirit with hope and love.  Calgary's Koliada always starts with a great send off before the actual Christmas season starts. At some time early in December the tradition of sharing the tremendous gift of Ukrainian musicality returns to our community.  Whether singing, strolling, sharing the Good News, or celebrating the ancestral wisdom through humorous or spiritual teachings, this event sets a wonderful tone for everyone. Come for the carols, koliady, schedrivky, vinshuvannya, and celebrate the good will that binds our Calgary community.  

The beautiful St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Cultural Centre 404 Meredith Road N. E. was the host venue for Calgary's Annual Ukrainian Festival of Carols 2014 7:00 pm Sunday December 14th, 2014.

The organizers collected volunteer cash donations for Help to Ukraine at the Door. If you wish to donate online please visit www.calgaryucc.org

For more information about this lively community festival in Calgary please email ucc.update@shaw.ca or call Halya at 403-276-1835.

Many thanks to the Calgary Branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Calgary and Echoes of Ukraine Shaw Digital TV for continuing this lively tradition!  

And if you missed the carol festival, here is a special gift of listening pleasure - two hours of Ukrainian Christmas Carols!!  Ukrainian Christmas - two hours of excellent traditional celebratory music.

And don't forget that one can continue singing the lovely koliady clear through the month of January, and even into early February!  Way past the feast of Jordan - but more about that later!!

Lighting Calgary in Blue and Yellow

Elena EV Skorokhod, Calgary's Langevin Bridge Jan 2, 2014

Well, Calgary it is our turn to light the town in blue and yellow! The Ukrainian community of Calgary and Southern Alberta graciously invites all supporters of the Ukrainian Euromaidan idea to a special event in Calgary Thursday, January 2 and 3rd, 2014! Thursday, January 2nd, and Friday January 3rd, Calgary's Langevin Bridge going into downtown Calgary will be lit up blue and yellow. This bridge is on Edmonton Trail going into downtown.

Lighting the Calgary Langevin Bridge in the colours of the Ukrainian flag is a symbolic act of solidarity with the mass demonstrations currently in their 5th week or more on the streets of Ukraine's cities, especially Kyiv.

Thanks to the excellence in civic involvement here in Calgary, and an international promise to uphold the democratic principles of this great Canadian land, the City of Calgary Municipal Land Corporation is supporting the request to light the town in blue and yellow. Actually it will be the bridge from Edmonton Trail going downtown - the Langevin Bridge!

Some Calgarians of Ukrainian origin will know that the Bridgeland area was essentially Calgary's Ukrainian downtown area for a long time, starting with the earliest immigration here in the late 1890's. It is still home to two Ukrainian churches serving Calgary's Ukrainian diaspora.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress and its advocates invite you to meet at the Holodomor Monument on Memorial Drive on Thursday, January 2, at 7PM! Participants are invited to wear blue and yellow regalia to support the democratic aspirations of the Euromaidan.  

Thank you to Elena Skorokhod for inquiring and City of Calgary Municipal Land Corporation for supporting the UCC request. Guests can join the event on facebook at www.facebook.com/events/548937555196515/

MEET AT THE HOLODOMOR MONUMENT AT 7 pm THURSDAY EVENING!  

Here are some interesting links about Canada's Niagara Falls which was lit in blue and yellow in support of Euromaidan Ukraine.  

http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/2013/12/29/niagara-support-for-ukrainian-protesters

http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine-abroad/cnn-niagra-falls-was-blue-and-yellow-334535.html

Can't Say Thanks Enough!

I have been marvelling at the tremendous activity in the Ukrainian community lately!  Perhaps it is because I am paying attention, but it is obvious that so many people are sharing the gifts of their time, talents and treasure within the Ukrainian community - and it shows!

Recently, while preparing to blog, I read the Ukie news, heard a radio clip about international relations between Ukraine and the EU, heard about the Ukrainian World Congress and their meeting about Ukraine and the EU.  Then got an email from the Ukrainian women's organization about their convention. Picked up the local newspaper to see a review of Calgary's Ukrainian Festival.  Then I had to go to work. Someone mentioned the CPO Ukrainian program.  At work, preselected some children's reading books, and found 5 really beautiful English publications on Ukrainian themes. Returned home for a Skype meeting with one board executive.  Picked up my email for an invite to another supper meeting in the local Ukrainian community. Set out for a rehearsal of Ukrainian choral music (program being sponsored by another Ukrainian organization).  Returned early to leave the car for husband who volunteered for a Ukrainian organization's casino-fundraiser.  Whew!  Normal day?  Am I just noticing now?

I marvel at the good will, efficiency and passion in the Ukrainian community, because all the little decisions add up!!  Even if the organizations spend half of their time on social gatherings, the tremendous contributions simply have to number in the thousands and thousands of hours of volunteer service!

I have heard the terms "mangers" and "leaders" and organizations really do thrive when they have both types of contributors.  But there must be a colossal team of Hetman quality leaders doing all the right things influencing goals, meetings, agendas, doing the preparation, the documentation, the scheduling, the minutes, the action items, the follow-up and - of course working efficiently, enjoying a happy communal feeling of belonging, and achieving great results.

Of course there are Ukrainian organizations that flounder indecisively, discuss, update, review, inform, report, present, check, dialogue, evaluate, connect, think, consider, educate, as well.  But I sense that busy people are too efficient to waste time, and the calculation of time expenditure is precious.  Effective people waste less time, decide and commit, and effect greater change.  Marvelous!

My grandmother used to say "you have written yourself into the family book", when someone married into the family.  I sense there is a powerful feeling of kinship among the people who give so passionately to the Ukrainian community too.  And congratulations to these amazing HETMAN quality leaders - (youth) Adrian Warchola, Oksana Iwaszko, (Calgarian)  Danylo Moussienko, (adult) Ivanna Szewczuk, Jason Golinowski, (Calgarian) Uliana (Elaine) Holowach-Amiot, (senior) William Dymianiw,
Larry and Donna Sendziak,  Ron Zapisocki, Nettie Kowal, (posthumous) Olga Alexandruk, and UCC-APC Exec. Steven Chwok to be honoured this October 6, 2013 at the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (Alberta Provincial Council) Annual HETMAN AWARDS in Edmonton.  You, indeed, have written yourself into the ancestral legacy of Ukraine and her children in the international diaspora - especially here in CANADA!   A humble thank-you and BRAVO!

Rainy, Flood Weather Cancels Event

Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption
amk2013

Amid the emergencies declared today, the surging rivers, heavy flooding waters threatening lives and property in southern Alberta, the Opening Ceremonies of the New "Enemy Aliens" Exhibit in honor of Canada's First World War Internment Operations at the Banff Cave and Basin site were cancelled.

A flurry of phone messages, conflicting emails, and an hour later the Ukrainian community gathered together here, and it seems (although not confirmed) another equally unstoppable Ukrainian community gathered there, in Banff- hopefully in safety.  So on short notice, and with no assurance it was even happening, many Calgarians and guests weathered the rains to attend this commemorative event. 

Assumption Choir loft with Axios Choir
amk2013

At 2 PM this afternoon a Service honoring the memory of those taken by the Canadian government as "enemy aliens" during WW1 was served at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption. Metropolitan Lawrence of the Ukrainian Catholic Church welcomed the steadily growing congregation. Prayers were lifted by clergy of local Ukrainian Catholic Churches, Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Croation Roman Catholic Churches, the service responses sung by Axios Ukrainian Choir of Edmonton (led by Boris Derow, supplemented by the voices of the Edmonton Ukrainian Male Chorus). The gathered congregation heard comments from the President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Paul Grod, and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada, Vadym Prystaiko, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Canada, Veselko Grubišić. And then Canadian Minister for Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism, The Honorable Jason Kenney spoke on behalf of Canada.

 

Ukrainian Canadian Congress President Paul Grod welcomed the assembled with a message about Canada's illplaced WW1 wartime xenophobia toward Eastern Europeans.  Canadians are applying the lessons in civil society to our nation, and the Cave and Basin will be a teaching tool for our collective future. Ambassador Prystaiko (left) indicated his respect for the lessons Ukraine can learn from Canada in aid of its developing civil society, that is, speaking truth to the world.  Ambassador  Grubišić (right) recognized how large Canada is, and how large democracies can grow and go forward by such events as today.  Canadian Minister of Immigration Kenney spoke about there being no legitimate national, military or security rationale in the development of the WW1 Internment Operations.  The truth of the matter, he indicated, was that the "Internment Operations" were motivated by a misguided, unjust xenophobic attitude toward Eastern Europeans.  The British Crown was, in fact, aware that Eastern Europeans were declaring their loyalty by their numbered participation in the war effort.  In Kenney's eyes, in historical perspective, it seems the "forced labour" of the Internees, may have added a terrible, shadowy dimension. Nonetheless, it is with honor we remember those affected by this sad time in Canadian history.  Their contributions to a greater Canada will always be remembered. 

A small reception including a short program of music from Axios Choir, and guests from Vinnytsia, Ukraine "Darmohray" continued in the parish hall.   After all these years, the Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties Association of Canada and the Government of Canada have come to a comfortable agreement with regards to this sad time in Canadian history.  Much to thank the Ukrainian Canadian Congress for as well!  May we continue to be proactive in honoring these truths through the educational programs in Canada's public schools and in our publicly funded Canadian Museums. 

To those who already arrived at the Banff site prior to the declared states of emergency, thanks for being there.  We, in Calgary, knew it was an event too important to cancel, and adapted to the situation.  Heartfelt concern for those evacuated or in peril due to the widespread infrastructure damage by natural causes in the Banff mountain pass areas and local states of emergency declared in Southern Alberta. 

 

Official Opening of the Cave and Basin First World War Internment Exhibit

Ukrainians of Southern Alberta will have the first opportunity to visit the new, to be unveiled Cave and Basin First World War Internment Exhibit in Banff National Park this June 20, 2013. Especially poignant for the descendants of those who were taken into custody during the First World War, it has to be a "mark on your calendar" event.

The Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties Association has worked long and hard to establish such excellent relations with the representatives of Canadians in various arms of government. Their decades long advocacy on behalf of the Ukrainian idea in Canada is something for which I am personally thankful.

As a descendant of the early pioneers, I can say without question that the War Internment affected my family. Tenaciously holding to their Ukrainian identity over the generations hasn't always been easy. In fact, like many families, the assimilation process is strong. But as a Canadian, I take great pride in the manner in which my government has owned and tried to right the wrong that was done by establishing yet another First World War Internment Exhibit - this time in Banff National Park. Teaching the general public about the errors in judgement human beings can make, and then leading by example in correcting a historic wrong, this special exhibit will serve a greater good, for a more honorable way forward. We can only hope the world around us will emulate this trend.

It will be a special Thursday afternoon, an excellent opportunity to reach out to family and friends to take a driving trip to Banff. Ukrainian Canadian Congress President Paul Grod is among the esteemed guests who will make the trip across Canada to mark the event on behalf of the many who cannot. Perhaps you could represent your group, and take photos for your local media outlet?

The Official Opening of the Cave & Basin First World War Internment Exhibit will take place on June 20, 2013 at 2:00 pm at the Cave & Basin National Historic Site in Banff, Alberta.

http://ukrainiancalgary.blogspot.ca/2013/03/pavilion-at-cave-and-basin-in-banff.html

Calgary's Ukrainian Pioneer Park

Ukrainian Canadian Congress logo
"strong because we are united"

Calgary's Ukrainian Pioneer Park is located on the 600 block of 7th Avenue.  A little to the east of Edmonton Trail, kittty corner from the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption, Ukrainian Pioneer Park is a testament to the early settlers in the area, dedicated to celebrating Calgary's Ukrainian community.  

Ukrainian Pioneer Park- Calgary

This is a lovely, little park in the Renfrew area.  With a playground for little ones, and park benches to sit on, it provides a gentle respite to the busy schedule.  There is a little corner store across the street where you can purchase a little snack to enjoy while the kids play at the park.  



Ukrainian Pioneer Park-Calgary

Until the 1940's this was farmland. During the Second World War, there was a Royal Canadian Air Force training base and airfield here. It served as Calgary's airport too. Once the airport was relocated from its original site (on the corner of present-day 6th Street and Regal Crescent), the area was developed for residential use.

In 1991 (marking a century of Ukrainian Canadian settlement) a monument to the Ukrainian Pioneers was celebrated by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the City of Calgary.  Make a point of bringing guests to Calgary to the Ukrainian landmarks in our great city, and thank Canada for welcoming Ukrainians for over a century!    

 

Celebrating our Volunteers- Hetman Awards 2012

Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council

Hosting 2012's ANNUAL HETMAN AWARDS

 

Honouring our Ukrainian Community Volunteers !

Acknowledging our amazing Ukrainian Calgary volunteers, this year's Ukrainian Canadian Congress is celebrating some special people from Calgary! 

Volunteers are the heart of our Ukrainian Calgary community, giving of their time, treasure and talent to create a climate in which the Ukrainian idea can thrive here on the Western Canadian prairies.  They honor us, they treasure their heritage, and give selflessly in service to something greater than one individual.  Often their whole families are dedicated to this idea of "paying it forward" in the hopes that future generations may enjoy the services and community life we cherish so. 

Since 1998, UCC Alberta has celebrated these outstanding Albertans of Ukrainian heritage.  Over the years many Albertans, and many Calgarians have been on the honoree list.  In the 2012 year, there are at least three (I know of personally) who are to be honored at the Hetman Awards Gala in Edmonton this fall.  Julianna Michayluk nominated for (among her other talents) her service to CYMK in the youth category, Lessia Savedchuk who has been nominated for her endless enthusiastic contributions and leadership (among other talents) by PLAST Ukrainian Scouts Calgary, and Shirley Din, in the posthumous category, for her many years of dedication and Presidency of the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada- Calgary Branch at St. Vladimir's Congregation, will each be publicly honored. 

Let's publicly recognize those whose long time service has built our community.  If you know the names of other honorees, past or present, you are welcome to comment on this blog, and share the congratulations with all the UkrainianCalgary blog readers.  Congratulations and sincere gratitude to all Hetman Award recipients!!

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2012 National Black Ribbon Day August 23

The Central and Eastern European Council of Canada, representing nearly 4 million Canadians of European heritage, have announced plans to commemorate National Black Ribbon Day on August 23, 2012 in cities across Canada. 

The resolution declaring Black Ribbon Day to honor and remember the victims of Communism and Nazism in Europe was passed unanimously in Canada's Parliament in November 2009.  This day commemorates and brings international attention and understanding of the plight of the nations whose diaspora (eminating from Central and Eastern European communities) settled this vast, freedom loving, democratic Canada.

Evening ecumenical services are planned for Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Montreal (I haven't heard about any such service planned for Calgary yet, but please share any information you have with the readers of this blog in the comment box below.)

For more information go to www.ucc.ca
 

Freedom of the Press - In Canada

Freedom of the media is a dear and treasured part of our western thinking. Protected by law, citizens have a right to speak and be heard.  As nation builders, Ukrainian Canadians have contributed a lot of backbone, hard labour, community institutions, cultural and educational treasures, as well as a trustworthy citizenry. 

 

Ukrainian Canadian radio and television programs have done much to support community,  Canadian community.  Protecting these media channels is important for all Canadians. 

 

Recently OMNI/Rogers cancelled the Ukrainian television programs Svitohlad and Objekty. A community session to discuss OMNI's cuts and various possibilities for new programming has been scheduled in Toronto for the 16th of August, 8PM (Toronto time) in the Foyer of Trident Hall, UNF, 145 Evans Ave, Toronto, ON.

 

As participants in this great Canadian democracy, your voice is is a welcome contributor to assist in developing a viable Ukrainian television program.  Those of us outside Toronto may call in to the community session via Telephone Conferencing at the numbers listed below. 

Local Ottawa 613-212-9004

Local Vancouver Dial-in Number: (604) 630 0213

Local Calgary Dial-in Number: (403) 770 0861

Local Edmonton Dial-in Number: (780) 701 5553

Local Winnipeg Dial-in number: (204) 272 6780

Local Toronto Dial-in Number: (416) 342 1900

Participant Code: 8036406

Should you wish to speak directly with the President of the National Ukrainian Canadian Congress, please consider the information below. 

Paul Grod, LL.B., MBA President
Ukrainian Canadian Congress

Direct (905) 625-9900 ext 225

National Office (613) 232-8822

Head Office (204) 942-4627

Email: paul.grod@ucc.ca Web: www.ucc.ca

Roman Brytan - Alberta's Ukrainian Radio Personality in Calgary



Mr. Roman Brytan - awarded the prestigious Sierhey Khmara Ziniak Award by the Canadian Ethnic Media Association December 2011.  Mr. Brytan is a well known radio personality in the Ukrainian Canadian community, well-known radio personality, and chair of the UCC’s 120th Anniversary of Ukrainian Settlement Committee.
December 2011
http://canadianethnicmedia.com/

The Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Calgary is planning for a very entertaining and informative September dinner meeting.  Roman Brytan, Alberta's long time famous Ukrainian radio personality and community activitist will be speaking here in Calgary.  Community affairs, political news, and our relationship with media in Canada and Ukraine - I am sure you will enjoy his wide range of expertise!  Hope you can make the evening meeting!!

The Dinner meeting is planned for September 27, 2012 evening at the Danish Canadian Club at 727 11 Avenue SW.  Make sure you call to the office to book your dinner tickets - bring a friend and contribute to building our Ukrainian Calgary community life!!

Tel: +1(403) 670-5477
E-Mail: execdirector@ucpbacalgary.caThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it



UCPBA  P.O. Box 6474, Station "D"
Calgary, Alberta  T2P 2E1 CANADA