Twin Cities observe independence with program of poetry and music (09/08/96)

Twin Cities observe independence with program of poetry and music

by Dr. Michael J. Kozak

MINNEAPOLIS - The Ukrainian American community in the Twin Cities solemnly celebrated the fifth anniversary of Ukraine's independence on August 25.

In the morning, holy liturgies were celebrated in all Ukrainian churches.

In the evening, at the school auditorium of St. Constantine Ukrainian Catholic Church, a special program was held. Luba Mensheha presented the opening remarks, and the keynote address was delivered by the Rev. Roman Tarnawsky, a Ukrainian Orthodox priest visiting from Ukraine.

Selections of verse written for the special occasion were recited by Petro Merits, Volodymyr Nowosad and Olha Chorolec.

Iryna Gretchko, a member of the unique Ukrainian folk group Veseli Halychany, imbued the concert with an atmosphere of beauty and nostalgia.

Dressed in an impressive costume of the Ternopil region, she sang a variety of traditional Ukrainian folk songs. Ms. Gretchko was in town for a short stay, while her four-year-old daughter Marichka underwent a series of plastic surgeries under this writer's guidance.

The guitarists George and Roman Lucyks accompanied Ms. Gretchko's beautiful alto voice. The "Vesela Halychanka" ended her performance with a moving rendition of a piece titled "The Song about Ukraine." She was greeted with loud and prolonged applause.

A well known local choir, the Dnipro ensemble, rounded out the program by performing a selection of Ukrainian patriotic songs.

Recognition is due to the Ukrainian community of the Twin Cities, which in large numbers participated in this historical celebration.