Shevchenko Bi-Centennial 1814-2014

uccab.ca

Every culture has its heroes.  They represent the highest ideals, the dreams of the common people.  Heroes struggle to overcome challenges we all face, and rise to a new plateau of understanding - rising above human experience and encouraging us to aspire to their heights.

Ukrainians have such a hero in the figure of Taras Shevchenko.  The bicentennial of his birth in 1814 is an event of exceptional nationwide importance.  This is perhaps even more so for the Ukrainian community beyond the borders of their ancestral homeland.  His creative legacy, the literary and philosophical underpinnings are note worthy.  But the manner in which his work has spurred the development of Ukrainian social and cultural thought in a European and global sense is something special to recognize, acknowledge and celebrate. His literary contribution to modern Ukrainian literature is huge!  Some believe it has shaped the trajectory of modern Ukrainian language!  The true genius of Taras Shevchenko is constantly being re-appreciated.  His Kobzar, the writings, poetry have been translated into the major languages of the world.  An appreciative world  audience considers him one of the greatest humanist writers.  He is also one of the most outstanding realist painters in the mid 19 century Ukrainian and Russian art.

It will soon be time to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Taras Shevchenko's birth, in March 2014.  It is exciting to consider what his creative legacy will bring to the 21 century of Ukrainian diasporan thought!

Calgary is invited to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Annual TARAS SHEVCHENKO CONCERT this March 10, 2013 at Assumption Church Hall - check for details soon.


But in the meanwhile, you can check these sites for more about Taras Shevchenko - Bard of Ukraine.

Visit the Taras Shevchenko museum in Toronto through Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ShevchenkoMuseum


Calgary's young people involved Ukrainian Youth Association CYM has presented lovely Shevchenko themed items recently -check this Youtube video of Shevchenko's Kateryna.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK2vkjXd3FQ

Changing Times for Ukrainian Book Store

Peasants, farmers, and labourers, - actually a mistaken perception of the early Ukrainian immigrants to Canada.  The truth is, however that they were far more skilled and adventurous than any of us imagine.  Many of them read everything they could get their hands on (or were read to) before they voyaged to Canada, and upon arrival, consulted with every source of information possible. They eventually created very many "reading-rooms" (called "prosvita" communities) and "national halls" (narodni domi) too sprinkled all over the rural communities.  Early in Alberta's history they developed "learning communities" that worked together with a "can-do" entrepreneurial spirit about them that was unstoppable. And they all had a connection with Edmonton's Ukrainian Book Store for important purchases like Ukrainian newspapers, books, calendars, training materials, embroidery thread, prayer books, fabric, music, recordings, just about anything needed to be informed and "stay Ukrainian" on the Canadian prairies. 

 

But change has been constant for Alberta's rural and urban areas.  Previously essential patterns of life have evolved and through it all the Ukrainian Book Store has been a magnet that attracts people who love the Ukrainian language, culture and values.  It has always been a place to reconnect with community! 
 

Meeting places change too. A casual walk through the business community is now a drive through, the book age is slowly being overtaken by the digital age.  Now it is digital books, blogs, social media and online shopping....And that is why today's Edmonton Journal article about the Ukrainian Book Store closing their business in the upcoming future has made me so sad. 
 

Congratulations and thank you Ukrainian Book Store for a century of Ukrainian connections here on the Canadian prairies - you helped build the community I love.  Farewell, Ukrainian Book Store - my heart is heavy ...thanks for the memories!

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/edmonton/Edmonton+Ukrainian+Bookstore+close+December/7435924/story.html

  

 

 

 

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