ACTION ITEM (10/03/99)

ACTION ITEM

The August 16-23, issue of U.S. News & World Report was a very glossy issue dealing with "The Year 1000: What Life Was Like In The Last Millennium." In this issue, Kyivan-Rus' was included, but was portrayed as the history of ancient Russia, and filled with numerous errors. This issue had been addressed in 1988, during the Millennium Commemoration of Ukrainian Christianity. However, Russians also claimed this Millennium, and 11 years later it is obvious who won the war. Unless we Ukrainians wage a major campaign to claim Kyivan-Rus', it will be difficut to legitimize any other part of Ukrainian history.

Following is a sample letter to the editor.

Editor
U.S. News & World Report
1050 Thomas Jefferson St. NW
Washington, DC 200-7-3837

Dear Editor:

The August 16-23 issue of U.S. News & World Report was an impressive issue describing "The Year 1000: What Life Was Like In the Last Millennium."

In this article Prince Volodymyr (Vladimir) of Kyivan-Rus' (now Ukraine), was portrayed as Russian and the Kyivan state as an antecedent of the modem Russian state. In fact, Kyivan Rus' was the direct ancestor of Ukraine and the indirect ancestor of Russia and Belarus.

Furthermore, Orthodoxy was not introduced in 988 as your magazine reports, since the Great Schism that split the Christian Church did not occur until 1054. In fact, Volodymyr introduced Christianity - neither Orthodox nor Catholic - to Kyivan Rus'.

There are many reputable historical centers that may be tapped for the study of Kyivan Rus' history. It is necessary that such a reputable journal as yours avail itself of these resources and thus prevent such an inexcusable skewing of history. My continued support of this journal depends on its accuracy. Thank you.

- submitted by Ukrainian American Community Network

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