Columnists

Ukrainian independence: 30 years on

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It’s been an interesting summer for those interested in Ukraine.  Youth camps in America, Canada and elsewhere resumed after a year’s hiatus, albeit with shortened schedules and appropriate precautions against the COVID-19. Other venues opened as well. The Soyuzivka Heritage Center welcomed guests. In Cleveland, the Ukrainian Museum-Archives had a dozen interns, funded by a generous bequest from Nicholas Supranenko nearly 20 years ago, and this year for the first time had three undergraduates funded by the Nanovic European Studies Institute at the University of Notre Dame.

Community Chronicle

UNWLA fashion show to spotlight contemporary Ukrainian designers

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LIVINGSTON, N.J. – The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA) was founded more than 95 years ago with a mission that includes promoting “the preservation of Ukrainian national identity, cultural heritage and ethnic traditions in the United States,” according to the organization’s website. In keeping with this goal, the organization will hold a Ukrainian Fashion Show at the Ukrainian National Home in New York on September 10 and the Montclair Art Museum in Montclair, N.J., on September 12.

Notes on People

Leonid Poltava: a celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth

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NEW YORK – In 1955, two years before the Soviets launched the first artificial Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, Leonid Poltava published his Ukrainian spy-novella “Will the Sun Rise Tomorrow” (Chy Zijde Zavtra Sontse). Captivating readers with cloak and dagger cliffhangers à la Tom Clancy or Ian Fleming, his narrative also explored serious concerns about tomorrow’s technology, foretelling a time when energy supplies of gas, oil and even uranium are almost exhausted, and parched food harvests loom. All told, “Will the Sun Rise Tomorrow” was a brave look into the future by an accomplished story teller.

Notes on People

Fr. Andriy Dudkevych: a blessed journey from Ukraine to America

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CLIFTON, N.J. – In August, Fr. Andriy Dudkevych marked 14 years as pastor of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Passaic, N.J., which serves the greater Passaic/Clifton, N.J., community. This year, the long-time pastor also celebrates his 50th birthday and the 25th anniversary of his ordination. Although many parishioners feel they know Fr. Dudkevych well, many may not be familiar with the details of his life’s journey.

Sports

With 75 medals, Ukraine sits fourth in overall medal count

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After an opening day haul of eight medals, Team Ukraine had a quiet day two (one medal and a new world record), and then quickly regained major medal momentum with 13 medals on the third day of competition, followed by another 12 medals on day four, including five gold medals in swimming. Day five witnessed another nine medals won by Ukrainian Paralympians, only to be topped by two on the sixth day with 11 more podium rewards and a second new world record. The seventh day had Ukraine again attain 13 medals and set a pair of new world records, while day eight garnered eight medals and a fifth world record at these Games.

Letters to the Editor

Heartfelt congratulations to all Ukrainian Olympic athletes

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Dear Editor:

As a Ukrainian-American, I would like to state that all of the Ukrainian Olympic athletes (whether they took a medal or not), along with their coaches, team advisors, and support personnel, have much to be proud of. Whether from Ukraine proper, or representing some other nation, via their sporting activities, the entire world has learned much more about Ukraine. To all of them I say congratulations and my heartful thanks. I very much look forward to the soon upcoming 2022 Winter Games. Glory to all!

Sports

Remembering a pair of Olympic gold medalists

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The plan for covering the sports scene in 2020 certainly included Team Ukraine’s composition, performance and analysis at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Along came COVID-19 to put the world on hold for way too long. Ukraine’s elite athletes were granted an additional year of preparation for the Summer Games thanks to the pandemic.