LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (08/15/04)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Selfreliance responds to statements by Kulas

Dear Editor:

As the president and chief executive officer of Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union, I feel it is necessary to answer the question posed by Julian Kulas in a letter to the editor in the August 1 issue of The Ukrainian Weekly: "Why did the local Ukrainian credit union in Chicago decline in deposits in 2003 by $7.7 million and why did it suffer a decline in assets by $12.3 million, the largest dollar decrease in its history?"

Had this question been posed to us, as it was at our annual meeting, Mr. Kulas would have been informed that the drop was due to the maturity of a $20 million State of Illinois non-member deposit. The State of Illinois had this deposit with our institution for a number of years, allowing us to increase our earnings for our members. In 2003, with the state facing a financial shortfall, it was no longer profitable for us to maintain this deposit and it was returned. This prudent decision coupled with our overall financially sound management allowed Selfreliance to enjoy its most profitable year, with member deposits increasing by $12.3 million and net income exceeding $4.5 million.

In 2004 we are continuing to experience exceptional growth and profitability. During the first seven months of this year our member deposits have grown over $15 million, representing a growth rate of over 8 percent.

Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union has experienced consistent growth and profitability since our creation by the Ukrainian community in 1951. We are committed to helping all our members achieve financial success and helping our Ukrainian community grow and prosper. Visit us at our website at www.Selfreliance.com to learn more about Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union.

Bohdan Watral
Chicago

The letter-writer is president/CEO of Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union.

Sikorsky letter reveals his Ukrainian origin

Dear Editor:

Recently Soboda (July 9) had a well- documented and interesting article by Mykola Kravets on Igor Sikorsky, a pioneer airplane builder and inventor of the helicopter. Sikorsky is known world-wide as "Russian," and this designation seems to be accepted in Ukraine today with a qualification that he was born in Kyiv.

Yet Sikorsky himself did not deny his Ukrainian origin. In a letter to Wasyl Halich, written on Sikorsky Aviation Corp. stationery, dated August 30, 1933, he writes:

"My family is of purely Ukrainian origin, having come from a village in the State of Kiev where my grandfather and great-grandfather were priests. However, we consider ourselves Russian by origin of a certain part of Russia, considering the Ukrainian people an integral part of Russia, just as Texas or Louisiana is an integral part of the United States."

This letter is probably the only existing document bearing Sikorsky's signature that clearly states that he is "of purely Ukrainian origin." That he also regarded himself as Russian is more of a political identification and a testimony to the success of the Russification policies of tsarist Russia in Ukraine. Sikorsky achieved his most important successes in the United States, a country he greatly admired, and was profoundly grateful for the freedom he enjoyed here. He and sportsman Bronko Nagurski are the only Ukrainians thus far honored by United States postal stamps.

Mr. Kravets proposes to rename Boryspil International Airport as Ihor Sikorsky Airport. It's about time that Ukraine starts reclaiming its native sons and daughters.

Daria Markus
Chicago

UCU students were a blessing for hromada

Dear Editor:

I would like to add a comment to your article "Grads of Ukrainian Catholic University continue their education abroad" (July 18). I want your readers to know what a joy and a blessing it is to have these students from Ukraine join our community in the South Bend/Mishawaka area of Indiana.

Along with Taras Tymo and his family there were two other students from Ukraine studying at Notre Dame this year who came to our parish, St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church in Mishawaka. They were a breath of fresh air. Their competence, accomplishments and devotion to our Church were refreshing.

I want to urge individuals to support the work of the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv and, if possible, to sponsor a student.

Lesia Melnyczuk Borszcz
Mishawaka, Ind.

Parma cathedral used for political purposes

Dear Editor:

Being a member of the Ukrainian Catholic community in the United States, I was somewhat surprised and dismayed when I read your front-page story of how St. Josaphat Cathedral in Parma, Ohio, was used by the Bush administration for a political photo-op. Given the fact that George the First made disparaging "Chicken Kiev" remarks about Ukraine, and Dubya never even spoke to the president of Ukraine, let alone visit the country, I cannot understand this political affinity.

I am certain that not all members of St. Josaphat Cathedral are supporters of the radical right. With a congregation as large as that of the cathedral, there must be moderates, Democrats and yes, even the "L" word parishioners. I would be troubled by having my church used by any political party to push their agenda. I strongly suggest that if St. Josaphat Cathedral is so political and so partisan, they should be taxed like the rest of us and give up their tax-free Church status to become a political organization rather than a church community that is supposed to welcome and unite all.

Ray Wihak
Syracuse, N.Y.

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