Holodomor: UCC Yorkton hosts International Flame

May 2, 2008 -- Preventing future genocides anywhere in the world was the theme for the entire memorial.

The 45-minute program began with singing the Ukrainian national anthem followed by Merle Maximiuk, UCC Yorkton President welcoming about 100 people to City Centre Park.

UCC Yorkton President and memorial organizer Merle Maximiuk (centre) with UCC Yorkton Vice-President Sonja Pawliw, who introduced Holodomor survivor Stefan Horlatsch; Natalie Ortynsky; Isaac Pasloski; Yorkton Mayor Chris Wyatt; Councillor Randy Goulden; UCC-SPC President Ed Lysyk; Father Patrick Powalinsky of Hyas, Kamsack, Swan River Parish District, who gave the opening prayer; Father Methodius Kushko of St. Mary’s Parish who gave the closing prayer. Shannon Deveau/The News Review

“In November of 2007, Ukrainians around the world launched a year-long commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Holodomor,” she said.

“In the early ’30s, in the very heart of the region known as Europe’s breadbasket, millions of lives were suddenly eradicated by starvation… one of the most brutal forms of torture and death.”

The unforgettable part of it all, reminds Maximiuk, is the famine was not due to weather conditions or insects destroying crops, but rather “it was orchestrated by the government of the time.

“We hope that this program today will bring awareness for many of us as we know there is famine in the world today,” added Maximiuk.

"Seventy-five years ago this crime was covered up by the Soviet government… 75 years ago this crime was ignored by the international community…" Shannon Deveau/The News Review

Yorkton Mayor Chris Wyatt said, “I think the most important part of this is to remember. This affects me.

“The stories that came from the homeland to Beaverdale, Saskatchewan, will never be forgotten. I believe that the famine that was brought upon the people of Ukraine can potentially happen in other countries.

“It’s up to the remembrance of today ceremonies to make sure they never happen.”

Holodomor survivor Stefan Horlatsch (right) escorts the Remembrance Flame with Grade 11 Yorkton Regional High School student Natalie Ortynsky and Grade 5 St. Mary’s School student Isaac Pasloski. Shannon Deveau/The News Review

“I’m sure there are many people in the world who are unaware that this atrocity occurred,” said Maximiuk.

“Seventy-five years ago this crime was covered up by the Soviet government… 75 years ago this crime was ignored by the international community…,” spoke local student Natalie Ortynsky.

UCC-SPC President Ed Lysyk, Rev. Fr. Patrick Powalinsky, Isaac, Stefan Horlatsch and Natalie. Ann Harvey/Yorkton This Week

“It is hoped that the Canadian event will keep the flame alive and ensure that the story of the Holodomor is passed on from culture to culture, from generation to generation and from survivors to the youth.”

There is little known about the Ukrainian famine-genocide and little taught in today’s schools, said Maximiuk.

UCC-SPC President Ed Lysyk said, “We want our education system to teach our youth that these events happened.”

Holodomor is touched on in Grade 5 but the students aren’t told enough, he said. “It needs to be better explained.”

He told the audience that the fourth Saturday in November is the official day for commemoration of Holodomor. Manitoba had legislated it and it is being discussed in Ontario. “We’re hoping the Government of Saskatchewan will show some leadership in regard to this.”

Maximiuk asked people to keep their candles and relight them on that day.

A moment of silence concluded the program.

Natalie and Isaac held the torch for members of the audience to light their candles. Ann Harvey/Yorkton This Week

from articles by Ann Harvey Yorkton This Week April 30, 2008 and Shannon Deveau The News Review May 1, 2008

MORE PICTURES

Councillor Randy Goulden, UCC-SPC President Ed Lysyk, Rev. Fr. Patrick Powalinsky, Isaac, Stefan Horlatsch and Natalie. Ann Harvey/Yorkton This Week

Ann Harvey/Yorkton This Week

Ann Harvey/Yorkton This Week