The Nash Holos audio archives are updated to May 24, 2009. (Chetverta Khvylia, Vancouver's all-Ukrainian radio program, is updated to May 17.)
On Ukrainian Food Flair, Judy shares some details on the amazing health benefits of cabbage, along with a recipe for cream of cabbage soup.
On A Spiritual Moment, Fr. Ihor Kutash presents Blahovisnyk (The Evangelist) with reflections on the Orthodox theologian, the late Fr. Alexander Shmelon. (Blahovisnyk comes to us courtesy Ukrainian Time in Montreal.)
The musical theme for tonight's program is "doubles" ... as in double tracks off the chosen CDs. Among them are two brand new CDs: Diaspora by The Ukrainians, which came courtesy Omnium Records and was anxiously awaited, as I wrote earlier. The other is a demo CD of a digital release, called Hutsul Magic. More on both in future programs.
For now, there are two tracks from each on last night's program ... so enjoy!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Website launched for Yaroslaw's Treasure
Coquitlam author Mirko Petriw has launched a website for his recently published novel, Yaroslaw's Treasure, which I blogged about earlier (here).
Described by some as Indiana Jones meets James Bond, what makes Yaroslaw’s Treasure different from both of those stories is its firm grounding in hard, cold and often bloody fact. ...
For more info, visit Mirko's website here.
Described by some as Indiana Jones meets James Bond, what makes Yaroslaw’s Treasure different from both of those stories is its firm grounding in hard, cold and often bloody fact. ...
For more info, visit Mirko's website here.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Judy's perfect perogie dough
Probably the most loved food in the Ukrainian tradition is ... you guessed it ... varenyky, or perogies, or as we called them growing up on the prairies: pyrohy (pronounced pedahy).
Here's Judy's recollection of that wonderful time growing up, as shared on Nash Holos ... along with her recipe for the perfect perogy (pyrohy) dough:
A Friday supper in our home was either fish or pyrohy. I remember coming home after school on Fridays to see the kitchen table covered with clean flour sacks with little white pillows of dough, stuffed with potato and onion or sauerkraut.
As my little hand would reach to grab a venechie, which is what we called the end pieces (which were just raw dough), Mom’s hand would always come down *smack* on it.
"Don’t touch!" she would say. "If you eat that, your stomach will stick together!"
Sometimes she’d say, "We are going to be eating in 45 minutes. Can’t you just wait?"
So then I’d wander over to the stove. Ummm... onions frying in lard or butter! In those days, no one worried about things like cholesterol. We all worked off the calories one way or another!
Having a meal of pyrohy brings back so many memories. The farm, milking cows... Mom used to skim off the cream, add to onions frying in butter, and cook it down until it became a rich sauce which of course she poured over the pyrohy. Who could resist?
There are all kinds of fillings for pyrohy, sweet as well as savoury. Each household has its own tried and true recipe.
When I was in Ukraine I asked Chocha (Auntie) Sofia what her recipe was for the dough. Looking at me funny, she said, "Just flour, salt and water!"
"Hey," I said to her, "that’s my recipe!" It was handed down to me from my mother, which she got from her mother.
To make a perfect perogy dough, combine 3 cups of flour, 1 tsp salt and one cup of lukewarm water (or potato water). Mix until smooth, place in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a lid, and let rest for 20 minutes. This will be enough to make about 4 dozen.
That’s it!
For fillings, the sky is the limit. Use your imagination! For a change from the usual potato and cheddar cheese, try potato, chopped spinach, onion, bacon and cottage cheese. To die for!
Smachnoho!
Here's Judy's recollection of that wonderful time growing up, as shared on Nash Holos ... along with her recipe for the perfect perogy (pyrohy) dough:
A Friday supper in our home was either fish or pyrohy. I remember coming home after school on Fridays to see the kitchen table covered with clean flour sacks with little white pillows of dough, stuffed with potato and onion or sauerkraut.
As my little hand would reach to grab a venechie, which is what we called the end pieces (which were just raw dough), Mom’s hand would always come down *smack* on it.
"Don’t touch!" she would say. "If you eat that, your stomach will stick together!"
Sometimes she’d say, "We are going to be eating in 45 minutes. Can’t you just wait?"
So then I’d wander over to the stove. Ummm... onions frying in lard or butter! In those days, no one worried about things like cholesterol. We all worked off the calories one way or another!
Having a meal of pyrohy brings back so many memories. The farm, milking cows... Mom used to skim off the cream, add to onions frying in butter, and cook it down until it became a rich sauce which of course she poured over the pyrohy. Who could resist?
There are all kinds of fillings for pyrohy, sweet as well as savoury. Each household has its own tried and true recipe.
When I was in Ukraine I asked Chocha (Auntie) Sofia what her recipe was for the dough. Looking at me funny, she said, "Just flour, salt and water!"
"Hey," I said to her, "that’s my recipe!" It was handed down to me from my mother, which she got from her mother.
To make a perfect perogy dough, combine 3 cups of flour, 1 tsp salt and one cup of lukewarm water (or potato water). Mix until smooth, place in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a lid, and let rest for 20 minutes. This will be enough to make about 4 dozen.
That’s it!
For fillings, the sky is the limit. Use your imagination! For a change from the usual potato and cheddar cheese, try potato, chopped spinach, onion, bacon and cottage cheese. To die for!
Smachnoho!
The Ukrainians have a new CD - Diaspora
Now that title I can relate to!
I found out about this CD from Cal Koat. Cal and I go back to the first incarnation of Nash Holos, when it aired in the 1990s on CJVB and he was the program director there. He did a program called "Crossing Cultures" which was the forerunner of World Beat. (Cal's lovely wife, Patricia Fraser, produces the Celtic radio program, Celt in a Twist.)
Recently Cal tweeted about The Ukrainians' new CD, Diaspora, which he got from his buddy Drew Miller at Omnium Recordings. (Cal said he loved it, and that Ukrainian music would figure prominently on the world music scene soon.)
So, of course I had to check it out! There are a few of their earlier CDs in the Nash Holos library, and over the years I've shared more than a few of their tunes with listeners since they first hit the Nash Holos radar screen way back in 1991. And they are all fabulous.
I've just sent away for my copy of Diaspora ... but while we're waiting for it to arrive, have a boo at this video of their title track on YouTube. Enjoy!
I found out about this CD from Cal Koat. Cal and I go back to the first incarnation of Nash Holos, when it aired in the 1990s on CJVB and he was the program director there. He did a program called "Crossing Cultures" which was the forerunner of World Beat. (Cal's lovely wife, Patricia Fraser, produces the Celtic radio program, Celt in a Twist.)
Recently Cal tweeted about The Ukrainians' new CD, Diaspora, which he got from his buddy Drew Miller at Omnium Recordings. (Cal said he loved it, and that Ukrainian music would figure prominently on the world music scene soon.)
So, of course I had to check it out! There are a few of their earlier CDs in the Nash Holos library, and over the years I've shared more than a few of their tunes with listeners since they first hit the Nash Holos radar screen way back in 1991. And they are all fabulous.
I've just sent away for my copy of Diaspora ... but while we're waiting for it to arrive, have a boo at this video of their title track on YouTube. Enjoy!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
FootLoose & fancy-free Kolomeyka
I remember how much I enjoyed this movie when it came out, but I can't believe that it never occured to me at the time how much this scene resembled an Americanized Hollywood version of the kolomeyka:
Now here's the real thing:
I have no idea who Stephen and Lilly are, but obviously they are (were) Ukrainian dancers...
Love that human pyramid the guys do!
The gals can give the guys a run for their money ...
Looks like this is the last one they posted. The wedding must have been a blast!
Now here's the real thing:
I have no idea who Stephen and Lilly are, but obviously they are (were) Ukrainian dancers...
Love that human pyramid the guys do!
The gals can give the guys a run for their money ...
Looks like this is the last one they posted. The wedding must have been a blast!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Pawlina writing a book
Just thought I'd let you know that I'm in the process of writing a book. I've signed a contract and just met with my editor to discuss the direction of my story.
It's a non-fiction book on the WWI internment of Ukrainian Canadians and will be one of a 3-part series on wartime internment of ethnic minorities (the other two are the WWII Japanese and Italian) in Canada. The target audience is high school students.
I'm actually co-authoring it. My mission is to write a narrative and my co-author (chosen by the publisher) will compile the "dry" historical and political facts.
Because the Ukrainian internment happened so long ago, and the government destroyed the official records in the 1950s, it's a pretty tough row to hoe. I've got a lot of research under my belt already but it's so far mostly the "dry" stuff. Now I have to dig deeper and find any personal accounts that may have been chronicled and are stored in some dusty archives.
I've got a few already but may still have to do a research trip or two in the near future. In the meantime, if you happen to know of any personal diaries that descendants may still have, or have personal stories in your own family and are willing to share them, please let me know. Either leave a comment on this blog post letting me know how to get in touch with you, or contact me directly by email.
Duzhe diakuyu!
It's a non-fiction book on the WWI internment of Ukrainian Canadians and will be one of a 3-part series on wartime internment of ethnic minorities (the other two are the WWII Japanese and Italian) in Canada. The target audience is high school students.
I'm actually co-authoring it. My mission is to write a narrative and my co-author (chosen by the publisher) will compile the "dry" historical and political facts.
Because the Ukrainian internment happened so long ago, and the government destroyed the official records in the 1950s, it's a pretty tough row to hoe. I've got a lot of research under my belt already but it's so far mostly the "dry" stuff. Now I have to dig deeper and find any personal accounts that may have been chronicled and are stored in some dusty archives.
I've got a few already but may still have to do a research trip or two in the near future. In the meantime, if you happen to know of any personal diaries that descendants may still have, or have personal stories in your own family and are willing to share them, please let me know. Either leave a comment on this blog post letting me know how to get in touch with you, or contact me directly by email.
Duzhe diakuyu!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Vancouver audio archives updated to May 10, 2009
The Nash Holos audio archives are updated to May 10, 2009, including Chetverta Khvylia, Vancouver's all-Ukrainian radio program.
This Sunday on Nash Holos, Judy tells a hilarious story about making homemade sausage in a Ukrainian village for a relative's wedding one hot summer's day not long ago ... and she also has a quick and easy recipe for North American city dwellers.
On A Spiritual Moment, Fr. Ihor Kutash joins us (courtesy Ukrainian Time in Montreal) with an Orthodox perspective on the transformational love of Christ.
An interview with author Anton Shleha of Lenggries, Germany about his book Surviving Lienz and a memorial project spearheaded by Dr. Harald Stadler of The University of Innsbruck, Austria to commemorate the Ukrainian cossacks who were massacred at Lienz, Austria after WWII by British and Soviet forces intent on repatriating them against their will to the Soviet Union. The two are touring western Canada to raise awareness of the tragedy and the memorial.
This week's upcoming community events include a perogy supper on Friday at the Ukrainian Community Society of Ivan Franko in Richmond, and a re-dedication of a commemorative plaque honouring a Ukrainan Canadian WWI war hero and Victoria Cross recipient at the Royal Westminster Armoury in New Westminster.
The musical theme for tonight's program is, being Mother's Day, all about mothers and grandmothers.
Archives are uploaded, so enjoy! Recipes for tonight's and last Sunday's programs to follow...
This Sunday on Nash Holos, Judy tells a hilarious story about making homemade sausage in a Ukrainian village for a relative's wedding one hot summer's day not long ago ... and she also has a quick and easy recipe for North American city dwellers.
On A Spiritual Moment, Fr. Ihor Kutash joins us (courtesy Ukrainian Time in Montreal) with an Orthodox perspective on the transformational love of Christ.
An interview with author Anton Shleha of Lenggries, Germany about his book Surviving Lienz and a memorial project spearheaded by Dr. Harald Stadler of The University of Innsbruck, Austria to commemorate the Ukrainian cossacks who were massacred at Lienz, Austria after WWII by British and Soviet forces intent on repatriating them against their will to the Soviet Union. The two are touring western Canada to raise awareness of the tragedy and the memorial.
This week's upcoming community events include a perogy supper on Friday at the Ukrainian Community Society of Ivan Franko in Richmond, and a re-dedication of a commemorative plaque honouring a Ukrainan Canadian WWI war hero and Victoria Cross recipient at the Royal Westminster Armoury in New Westminster.
The musical theme for tonight's program is, being Mother's Day, all about mothers and grandmothers.
Archives are uploaded, so enjoy! Recipes for tonight's and last Sunday's programs to follow...
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Ukrainian writers in BC meet European colleague
Three Ukrainian Canadian writers in BC attended the 
One of the BC writers attending Anthony’s book launch was Danny Evanishen, one of the original list members and a fellow Kobzar’s Children contributor. Danny also runs Ethnic Enterprises, which produced and distributes Anthony’s book in Canada on behalf of the publisher, Innsbruck University Golf Publishers. (The book is available for purchase from Danny's website (here) for those unable to attend one of their presentations.) Danny and his wife Jean just came down for the evening and had to head back to the Okanagon today. So there was only time for a couple of hurried snapshots (and a few bad jokes of Danny’s I hadn’t heard before). Danny has some new books on his website and Jean creates beautiful Trypillian pottery, so I’ll be doing some in-depth interviews on Nash Holos with both of them in the not too distant future.
Anthony is still exploring his father's past and is working on a personal memoir, so you'll be hearing more about him and his work in the future as well. He'll be returning to Canada at some point in the future with Dr. Stadler to continue spreading the word about the Bridge of Remembrance project in Lienz, Austria. I'll bring you the details the minute I get them!
Vancouver the first stop on tour revealing Allied massacre of Ukrainians at end of WWII
Two European historians are visiting western Canada May 5-15 to reveal the virtually unknown story of a 20th century massacre in Austria by British forces at the end of WWII in what is known as "Operation Keelhaul."
It's a story of betrayal and brutality, known in the region as "The Tragedy on the Drau." The victims were mostly Ukrainian Kuban cossacks and their families who had escaped soviet communist tyranny during WWII and were led to believe that the British were giving them sanctuary along the banks of the river Drau. Even when forced at gunpoint and bayonet-point to return to the soviet union, they resisted. Some Cossacks and their family members were killed by British troops while praying enmass, or trying to escape into the woods. Many preferred death by drowning rather than torture and/or starvation and threw themselves into the rushing river. A few managed to escape through the woods. Little is known of the fate of those the British did manage to send back into the arms of Uncle Joe.
The two men are in Canada to raise awareness of this tragedy, and funds for an interpretive memorial at the site.
They launched their tour last night here in Vancouver.
As well, author Anthony Schlega (writing as Anton Shleha) of Lenggries, Germany, launched his book,Surviving Lienz, an eye-witness account by a survivor of Operation Keelhaul. He gave an emotional and very touching account of why he wrote this book, which is the story of his father's close friend. His own father died when the Anton was only 21, shortly after he had begun to understand the underlying causes of their troubled relationship and its link to this massacre, the war, and the strain of fighting fascists (literally) left and right.
Last night's presentation and book launch was held at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox auditorium, 154 E 10th Ave in Vancouver. Their next stop is Winnipeg (May 10) followed by Saskatoon (May 11) and Edmonton (May 15).
It's a story of betrayal and brutality, known in the region as "The Tragedy on the Drau." The victims were mostly Ukrainian Kuban cossacks and their families who had escaped soviet communist tyranny during WWII and were led to believe that the British were giving them sanctuary along the banks of the river Drau. Even when forced at gunpoint and bayonet-point to return to the soviet union, they resisted. Some Cossacks and their family members were killed by British troops while praying enmass, or trying to escape into the woods. Many preferred death by drowning rather than torture and/or starvation and threw themselves into the rushing river. A few managed to escape through the woods. Little is known of the fate of those the British did manage to send back into the arms of Uncle Joe.
The two men are in Canada to raise awareness of this tragedy, and funds for an interpretive memorial at the site.
They launched their tour last night here in Vancouver. The evening began with a slide presentation by Dr. Harold Stadler: "The Fate of the Cossacks in Lienz During the 20th Century." Dr Stadler is Professor of Archaeology at the Leopold Franzens-University, Innsbruck, Austria. He gave a gripping overview of the leadup to the massacre and the public perception in East Tyrol Ukrainian cossacks. He told us that the vast majority of Austrians and Germans don't know the difference between Ukrainians and Russians and that he feels it is important that they do. As an archaeologist and historian with "a slavic soul" he is working on "The Bridge of Remembrance," the name of the memorial at the site of the massacre.
As well, author Anthony Schlega (writing as Anton Shleha) of Lenggries, Germany, launched his book,Surviving Lienz, an eye-witness account by a survivor of Operation Keelhaul. He gave an emotional and very touching account of why he wrote this book, which is the story of his father's close friend. His own father died when the Anton was only 21, shortly after he had begun to understand the underlying causes of their troubled relationship and its link to this massacre, the war, and the strain of fighting fascists (literally) left and right.
Last night's presentation and book launch was held at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox auditorium, 154 E 10th Ave in Vancouver. Their next stop is Winnipeg (May 10) followed by Saskatoon (May 11) and Edmonton (May 15).
If you are in or near one of these cities, I highly recommend taking in this presentation. The schedule, times, and location are below and in their media kit which you can view or download here.
Please support this project by attending the presentation and making a donation for their memorial. More information about the memorial and the work these two wonderful men are doing can be found at their website here.
The Fate of the Cossacks in Lienz
For Immediate Release
April 27, 2009
A little-known story of betrayal and treachery during Operation Keelhaul at the end of WWII will be revealed to Canadians by Professor Doctor Harald Stadler and author Anthony Schlega. They will be visiting four Canadian cities from May 5–16, 2009 to raise awareness of this shameful historical event, and funds for a memorial at the site of the massacre in Lienz, Austria.
Doctor Harald Stadler is Professor of Pre- and Proto-History, Medieval Ages and Post-Medieval Archaeology at the University of Innsbruck, Austria. In Lienz he has researched the history and movements of the Cossacks in World Wars I and II. His presentation on this tour is an account of their tragic story.
Anthony Schlega (writing under the name Anton Schleha) is the son of a WWII, Kuban Cossack. He is Assistant to Dr. Stadler and the author of Survivng Lienz. This newly-published book tells the true story of Ivan, a friend of the author’s father and a survivor of the massacre at Lienz at the end of WWII. Mr. Schlega lives in Lenggries, Germany. He will be launching his book on this tour.
The Fate of the Cossacks in Lienz During the 20th Century
An interdisciplinary project by:
Doctor Harald Stadler, Professor of Archaeology
Leopold Franzens University, Innsbruck, Austria
and
Surviving Lienz
Book launch and signing by:
Anton Schleha
Author, and Assistant to Dr. Stadler
Schedule:
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral
154 East 10th Ave.
Vancouver, BC
6 p.m.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral
1175 Main Street
Winnipeg, MB
Inmediately following Divine Liturgy (which begins at 10 a.m.)
Monday, May 11, 2009
Mohyla Institute
1240 Temperance Street
Saskatoon, SK
6 p.m.
Friday May 15, 2009
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Elia
11833 66 Street NW
Edmonton, AB
6 p.m.
For more information:
Anthony Schlega: Schlega.a@web.de
www.cossacks-lienz.net
April 27, 2009
A little-known story of betrayal and treachery during Operation Keelhaul at the end of WWII will be revealed to Canadians by Professor Doctor Harald Stadler and author Anthony Schlega. They will be visiting four Canadian cities from May 5–16, 2009 to raise awareness of this shameful historical event, and funds for a memorial at the site of the massacre in Lienz, Austria.
Doctor Harald Stadler is Professor of Pre- and Proto-History, Medieval Ages and Post-Medieval Archaeology at the University of Innsbruck, Austria. In Lienz he has researched the history and movements of the Cossacks in World Wars I and II. His presentation on this tour is an account of their tragic story.
Anthony Schlega (writing under the name Anton Schleha) is the son of a WWII, Kuban Cossack. He is Assistant to Dr. Stadler and the author of Survivng Lienz. This newly-published book tells the true story of Ivan, a friend of the author’s father and a survivor of the massacre at Lienz at the end of WWII. Mr. Schlega lives in Lenggries, Germany. He will be launching his book on this tour.
The Fate of the Cossacks in Lienz During the 20th Century
An interdisciplinary project by:
Doctor Harald Stadler, Professor of Archaeology
Leopold Franzens University, Innsbruck, Austria
and
Surviving Lienz
Book launch and signing by:
Anton Schleha
Author, and Assistant to Dr. Stadler
Schedule:
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral
154 East 10th Ave.
Vancouver, BC
6 p.m.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral
1175 Main Street
Winnipeg, MB
Inmediately following Divine Liturgy (which begins at 10 a.m.)
Monday, May 11, 2009
Mohyla Institute
1240 Temperance Street
Saskatoon, SK
6 p.m.
Friday May 15, 2009
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Elia
11833 66 Street NW
Edmonton, AB
6 p.m.
For more information:
Anthony Schlega: Schlega.a@web.de
www.cossacks-lienz.net
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
New Ukrainian Studies society founded in Alberta
From the CIUS Press Service:
A signal event for the development of Ukrainian studies in Canada took place in Edmonton on 8 April 2009: the Alberta Society for the Advancement of Ukrainian Studies was founded and held its first general meeting.
"The main aim of the society is to support the scholarly and educational programs and projects of the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies (CIUS) at the University of Alberta, as well as to serve as liaison between these two institutions, the Ukrainian community, and Canadian society at large," said Dr. Orest Talpash in his opening speech.
The former chancellor of the university, Peter Savaryn, said that a similar organization, known today as the Canadian Foundation for Ukrainian Studies (CFUS), was established in 1975 and took on an all-Canadian character owing to the scale of its activities, moving its office to Toronto. CFUS supports a number of publications including the five-volume Encyclopedia of Ukraine and the Hrushevsky Translation Project, as well as the Internet Encyclopedia of Ukraine, and projects of the Ukrainian Language Education Centre.
Professor Emeritus Bohdan Medwidsky, a well known scholar and philanthropist, was elected president. Dr. Medwidsky called CIUS “a hidden treasure of our community.” Without it, that community would be difficult to imagine, and there would be far less general knowledge about Ukraine and Ukrainians.
The director of CIUS, Dr. Zenon Kohut, emphasized that the founding of the society is also timely in view of the global economic crisis. As two-thirds of CIUS activity is funded by interest earned from endowment funds established by its benefactors, the annual budget has been reduced by some $275,000. This has already resulted in the elimination of positions and diminished support for research projects and scholarships.
Dr. Kohut spoke of the role of CIUS in Canada and abroad in disseminating knowledge about Ukraine and Ukrainians, making connections with the homeland, and helping preserve Ukrainian cultural heritage by means of programs and projects such as the Internet Encyclopedia of Ukraine, the Ukrainian-Canadian Program, the Hrushevsky Translation Project, and the Kowalsky Program for the Study of Eastern Ukraine.
As an example of CIUS influence, Dr. Kohut mentioned the ongoing archaeological excavation of the capital of the Cossack Hetmanate, Baturyn, which has obtained financial support from the Ukrainian government and given many students, scholars, architects, restoration specialists, state and museum employees a unique opportunity to acquire professional experience and revive this historic gem of Ukrainian culture.
Directors of CIUS programs who attended the meeting reported to the audience on their activities. Dr. John-Paul Himka shared his thoughts about the Research Program on Religion and Culture, one of whose main aims is to preserve sacral sites and cultural heritage. Dr. Serge Cipko spoke about the Diaspora Studies Initiative, which does research on the Ukrainian diaspora throughout the world. The society looks forward to initiating a new stage in the development of Ukrainian studies in Canada, strengthening the institute’s ties with the community, and helping promote its activities both nationally and internationally.
Photo by Roman Petriw
A signal event for the development of Ukrainian studies in Canada took place in Edmonton on 8 April 2009: the Alberta Society for the Advancement of Ukrainian Studies was founded and held its first general meeting.
"The main aim of the society is to support the scholarly and educational programs and projects of the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies (CIUS) at the University of Alberta, as well as to serve as liaison between these two institutions, the Ukrainian community, and Canadian society at large," said Dr. Orest Talpash in his opening speech.
The former chancellor of the university, Peter Savaryn, said that a similar organization, known today as the Canadian Foundation for Ukrainian Studies (CFUS), was established in 1975 and took on an all-Canadian character owing to the scale of its activities, moving its office to Toronto. CFUS supports a number of publications including the five-volume Encyclopedia of Ukraine and the Hrushevsky Translation Project, as well as the Internet Encyclopedia of Ukraine, and projects of the Ukrainian Language Education Centre.
Professor Emeritus Bohdan Medwidsky, a well known scholar and philanthropist, was elected president. Dr. Medwidsky called CIUS “a hidden treasure of our community.” Without it, that community would be difficult to imagine, and there would be far less general knowledge about Ukraine and Ukrainians.
The director of CIUS, Dr. Zenon Kohut, emphasized that the founding of the society is also timely in view of the global economic crisis. As two-thirds of CIUS activity is funded by interest earned from endowment funds established by its benefactors, the annual budget has been reduced by some $275,000. This has already resulted in the elimination of positions and diminished support for research projects and scholarships.
Dr. Kohut spoke of the role of CIUS in Canada and abroad in disseminating knowledge about Ukraine and Ukrainians, making connections with the homeland, and helping preserve Ukrainian cultural heritage by means of programs and projects such as the Internet Encyclopedia of Ukraine, the Ukrainian-Canadian Program, the Hrushevsky Translation Project, and the Kowalsky Program for the Study of Eastern Ukraine.
As an example of CIUS influence, Dr. Kohut mentioned the ongoing archaeological excavation of the capital of the Cossack Hetmanate, Baturyn, which has obtained financial support from the Ukrainian government and given many students, scholars, architects, restoration specialists, state and museum employees a unique opportunity to acquire professional experience and revive this historic gem of Ukrainian culture.
Directors of CIUS programs who attended the meeting reported to the audience on their activities. Dr. John-Paul Himka shared his thoughts about the Research Program on Religion and Culture, one of whose main aims is to preserve sacral sites and cultural heritage. Dr. Serge Cipko spoke about the Diaspora Studies Initiative, which does research on the Ukrainian diaspora throughout the world. The society looks forward to initiating a new stage in the development of Ukrainian studies in Canada, strengthening the institute’s ties with the community, and helping promote its activities both nationally and internationally.
Participants in the first ASAUS general meeting (L-R):
Photo by Roman Petriw
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Recipe: Banana Cream Nalysnyky … Dessert crépes, Ukrainian style!
This delightful recipe aired on Nash Holos on April 19, Easter Sunday on the Julian calendar.
Just a little warning. It’s not what most North Americans would consider a “traditional” Ukrainian recipe. A diaspora variation, maybe ... as nalysnyky (crépes) are very well-known, and very well-loved by Ukrainians the world over!
However, this recipe comes direct from Ukraine ... Judy got it from her Chocha (auntie) Pawlina when she was visiting her a few years back. So it’s certainly an authentic Ukrainian recipe!
Incidentally, it was on that trip that Judy got her first taste of this incredible dessert... and she wasn’t too inclined to share. (You can hear that story here.)
Of course, after trying this recipe, anyone could understand why! :-) So, here it is:
Banana Cream Nalysnyky
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
3 tbsp. water
1/2 cup flour, sifted
1/4 tsp. salt
1 pint whipping cream
3 Tbsp sugar
3-4 medium bananas
Beat the eggs until light. Stir in milk and water, then mix in flour and salt and beat until smooth.
Butter a small frying pan lightly and heat well. Pour a few tablespoons of batter onto the pan … just enough to coat the bottom. When lightly browned, remove crépes and stack on a plate.
Repeat until all the batter is used. Set aside and let cool. (This will make about 12-15 crépes.)
Whip together cream and sugar until stiff. Lightly spread whipped cream over the surface of each crépe. (Make sure to reserve some for the top!)
Cut the bananas into quarters lengthwise. Place one banana quarter onto a crépe, roll up, and place on a serving platter.
Once all the crépes are done, lather the tops with the remaining whipping cream. Sprinkle tops with shaved chocolate - dark, milk or even white chocolate … your choice!
Smachnoho!
Just a little warning. It’s not what most North Americans would consider a “traditional” Ukrainian recipe. A diaspora variation, maybe ... as nalysnyky (crépes) are very well-known, and very well-loved by Ukrainians the world over!
However, this recipe comes direct from Ukraine ... Judy got it from her Chocha (auntie) Pawlina when she was visiting her a few years back. So it’s certainly an authentic Ukrainian recipe!
Incidentally, it was on that trip that Judy got her first taste of this incredible dessert... and she wasn’t too inclined to share. (You can hear that story here.)
Of course, after trying this recipe, anyone could understand why! :-) So, here it is:
Banana Cream Nalysnyky
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
3 tbsp. water
1/2 cup flour, sifted
1/4 tsp. salt
1 pint whipping cream
3 Tbsp sugar
3-4 medium bananas
Beat the eggs until light. Stir in milk and water, then mix in flour and salt and beat until smooth.
Butter a small frying pan lightly and heat well. Pour a few tablespoons of batter onto the pan … just enough to coat the bottom. When lightly browned, remove crépes and stack on a plate.
Repeat until all the batter is used. Set aside and let cool. (This will make about 12-15 crépes.)
Whip together cream and sugar until stiff. Lightly spread whipped cream over the surface of each crépe. (Make sure to reserve some for the top!)
Cut the bananas into quarters lengthwise. Place one banana quarter onto a crépe, roll up, and place on a serving platter.
Once all the crépes are done, lather the tops with the remaining whipping cream. Sprinkle tops with shaved chocolate - dark, milk or even white chocolate … your choice!
Smachnoho!
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