News From January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HEALING

AND

MOVING FORWARD!

The clear victory of the Orange Revolution is a giant step in transforming our beloved motherland Ukraine from a muscovite vassal state into an independent and flourishing nation. This historic event provides a unique opportunity for reconciliation and healing across the spectrum of Ukrainian society, including for our enslaved Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Despite the treacherous endorsement of Moscow’s candidate by Metropolitan Mefodij of the UAOC, who is under the spiritual omophor of Metropolitan Constantine of Bound Brook. and the inexcusable, enigmatic position published and circulated by the UOC-USA bishops, the Ukrainian electorate did recognize and did choose between good and evil. How the hierarchs of our church could take the same position as the Moscow Patriarch, and close their eyes to the poisoning, the beheading, etc. is beyond comprehension. Did their desire not to offend their canonical brethren in Moscow and Istanbul outweigh their obligation to stand-up for truth and for the future of Ukraine? They should answer to their flock and the Ukrainian Diaspora for their shameful position.

Regardless of UOC-USA hierarchs’ stance, the Orange Revolution provided our nation with countless courageous and unyielding patriots who stood shoulder to shoulder in defense of our motherland Ukraine. While Bound Brook’s UOAC and the UOC-MP openly supported the Moscow puppet candidate, the Kyivan Patriarch stood unwaveringly behind President Yuschenko. Patriarch Filaret was prominent in the sea of orange on the Maidan, offering prayers, encouragement, support and strength. Privately he prayed with and counseled the new president and nurtured his spirit to persist. His behavior was reminiscent of how our late Patriarch Mstyslav would have responded to this historical event

The time has come to throw off Moscow’s stranglehold on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The time has come to take back all the holy places, the monasteries, the Churches that Kuchma turned over to the Moscow backed UOC-MP. The time has come for the Ukrainian head-of-state to demand (not ask for) recognition by World Orthodoxy of an independent and free Ukrainian Orthodox Church. And the time has come for the bishops of Bound Brook to put aside their differences with the Kyivan Patriarchate and voice their allegiance, support and defense of a Moscow-and-Istanbul free Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Ukraine.

The time has come to be united with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, and not worry about union or canonicity with Greeks, Turks, Russians or the OCA.

Let us use this opportunity to reconcile, to heal, and to move forward.

We had an Orange Revolution in Ukraine.

Now we need an Orange Revolution in South Bound Brook.

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News from the City of Orange, Kyiv, Ukraine

On December 6^th Victor Yushchenko told thousands of chanting supporters gathered at Kiev's main square and waving his campaign's orange flags………

"We are witnessing a struggle between forces of good and forces of evil,"

Meanwhile the………….

UOC-USA Bishops take the Low Road

In a November 24, 2004 communication on the election crisis in Ukraine the UOC-USA Bishop proclaimed……

“Neither can we simply say that this is a battle between “good” and “evil”.

That battle has already been won.”

and declared the 1932-33 Ukrainian Famine (Holodomor) as….

“great loss of life in Ukraine for political purpose or principles”.

and………

…. “we cannot simplify the issues by portraying Yuschenko as a friend of the West

and

Yanukovich as a friend of Moscow”.

At a time in Ukrainian history when a firm stand is necessary on the side of freedom, the UOC-USA Bishops take a non-committal position afraid to offend their canonical Moscow brethren.

The November 24^th press release of the Permanent Conference of Ukrainian Orthodox Bishops Beyond the Borders of Ukraine is a fence-straddling communication which is an insult to the hundreds of thousand of freedom loving protesters in Kyiv, Ukraine.

The UOC-USA Bishops declared from the comfort and safety of their “hideout” in So. Bound Brook….

“We, who protested for 75 years about the great loss of life in Ukraine for political purposes or “principles”, cannot justify physical harm or death inflicted upon anyone in this major crisis.”

As a famous “bard” once stated….. “Me thinks that thou protest too much”.

UOC-USA BISHOPS……..

STOP “PROTESTING” AND DO SOMETHING POSITIVE THAT WILL HELP UKRAINE AND HER FREEDOM LOVING PEOPLE RESIST THE YOKE OF OPPRESSION THAT THE KUCHMA REGIME IS TRYING TO PLACE ON THEIR NECKS AND DRAG THEM TO MOSCOW!

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N.J. Appellate Court

Hears

Arguments!

UOC-USA Church Court a “Kangaroo Court”???

On November 17, 2004, the long awaited oral arguments in the case of Archbishop Antony vs. the Holy Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Clifton NJ. were presented to a three Judge panel of the NJ Court of Appeals in Trenton, NJ.

The presentations for the defendants (Holy Ascension) were first made by Myroslaw Smorodsky, who argued the issues as they related to the facts and complaints of the defendants. Attorney Smorodsky outlined the historical roots of the Ukrainian Church, its constitution and its long standing practices where the Hierarchs oversaw the spiritual needs of the faithful and the congregational needs, ownership of the property and finances was the purview of the parish laity. He pointed out the unique nature of the UOC, its congregational structure, its genesis and continuum into today’s current institution. Attorney Smorodsky outlined the nature of this dispute pointing again to the fact that our Church has always been autocephalous and that the agreement struck by our then Bishops violated our Charter of Incorporation, our constitution and the trust our faithful placed in their previous Bishops. When questioned by the Judges, Attorney Smorodsky pointed out that the Parish of Holy Ascension had no desire to secede from the Diocese and sought to address this issue in an amiable way. Regrettably the rogue Bishops took this matter to a civil court. When asked why did we not avail ourselves of the Church court, the Mr. Smorodsky responded that the question needs to be directed to the Plaintiffs since that was an option they chose not to exercise.

Professor Lanier argued the Case Law pointing out the previous rulings of courts in similar cases, where they were applicable and were they were not. He explained the merits of those decisions as they pertain to this case or conversely why they do not. He emphasized the hybrid nature of the UOC which was founded in 1921 and continued in the USA to the present. He was asked about the expert witness, Professor Byrd. Prof. Lanier pointed out that not only was Prof. Byrd a world renowned expert on Orthodoxy and the Ukrainian Church reborn in 1921, but he was also honored by the Pope for his work on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church, of which he is a member.

Attorney Michael Rehill represented Archbishop Antony and essentially repeated his claim from previous appearances, that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was Hierarchical in structure and the issue is clear as to its immunity to civil court action.

When asked repeatedly by the Judges why this issue was not directed to the Church Court, attorney Rehill hesitated to provide a clear response. The Judge asked what does the Church Court represent and who presides over it. Attorney Rehill answered “the Bishops”. One Judge commented, “that is a Kangaroo Court, isn’t it?” The Judges, attorneys and observers were all bemused by the cutting, yet insightful observation.

When pressed with the question of why they, the Bishops, need a civil court’s decision, attorney Rehill responded….

“Because the Bishops have no way of enforcing their decisions. They have no police force; they have no way of making the Faithful follow their commands.”

The Judges were actively engaged in the proceedings and far exceeded the allocated time for the hearing. Unfortunately, no conclusions can be drawn from their actions. A ruling in this protracted court case is not anticipated for a number of months.

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Highlights from

17^th Sobor of UOC-USA

October 17, 2004

“Miracles” do happen even at the 17^th Sobor of UOC-USA!

As reported further down on this page, on Wednesday October 13, 2004 there were 39 parishes represented at the Sobor out of 56 that have met their financial obligations. But on Friday October 15^th……… “lo and behold” Fr. Diakiw reports to the assembled that now there are 49 parishes represented with a total count of 157 delegates (including 57 clergy) as compared to Wednesdays count 129 delegates (including 48 clergy). Where these “extra” parishes and delegates were found was not explained.

Legal Matters, Legal Fees and $300,000.00 UOC-USA Deficit

It has been brought to our attention that at the Sobor Finance Committee meeting a question was raised by Mr. George Fedoriw of St. Volodymyr Cathedral, NYC, as to where the legal fees were “hidden” on the Consistory 2001-2004 Financial Statement.

It is a well know fact that UOC-USA has incurred some considerable legal expenses over the last 3-5 years and Mr. Fedoriw suggested that it would be a good idea to see the fees as a separate item.

In reply to Mr. Fedoriw’s question. Ms. Natalia Honcharenko, Director of Cultural and Ethnic Affairs, explained that the legal fees were included within the Professional Fees as shown on the Financial Statement. When Mr. Fedoriw requested a breakdown of the legal fees for the past three (3) years Ms. Honcharenko provided the following:

§ 2001-02 Legal Expenses $12,800.00

§ 2002-03 Legal Expanses $7,000.00

§ 2003-04 Legal Expenses $26,900.00

o 3 year Total $46,700.00

It is very hard to believe that the TOTAL legal expenses incurred over the past 3 years amounted to $46,700.00.

In Archbishop Antony’s report to the Sobor he listed 4 cases that involved legal matters:

§ Holy Ascension Parish, Clifton, NJ

§ Turchyn vs. St. Vladimir Cathedral Board, Parma, Ohio

§ UOC-KP matter in Florida which according to Archbishop Antony cost the Consistory $12,000.00

§ Maria Krotiuk Estate matter in Denver, Colorado

§ Protodeacon Volodymyr Polischuk matter in physical injuries to his wife in 2003.

Again it is hard to believe that the above cost ONLY $46,700.00 unless you believe in “financial” miracles.

The Holy Ascension lawsuit ALONE probably cost the Consistory $100,000 over the last 2 years.

What about the Australian lawsuit that the Australian Consistory lost. Who had to pay almost $200,000.00 in legal fees in Australia?

Is it any wonder that the financial statement shows a deficit of $300,000.00 for 2003-04?

Some additional highlights:

· A new Metropolitan Council has been elected. Noteworthy is the fact that Dr. Anatolyj Lysyj was NOT re-elected to the Council and Fr. Nakonachny of Parma, Ohio did not stand for re-election to the Council. Dr. Lysyj was “appointed” to a newly created Committee on Inter-Church Relations to “develop a strategy that facilitates the establishment of a united local Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Ukraine”. New additions to the Council are Fr. Nestor Kowal, Fr. Oleh Hucul, and Fr. Kochis.

· As clarification on the position of UOC-USA to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Ukraine, Metropolitan Constantine stated….. “No doubt about that we will be part of a united, local (Pomisna) Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Ukraine. We will be spiritually united but not administratively. There can be no doubt about that. We are not an American Church. There can be no doubt about that we are part of the Ukrainian Church. But right now who are we part of? There are four (Ukrainian Orthodox) branches in Ukraine.”

· Fr. Gregory Chumak of Charlotsville, VA questioned Metropolitan Constantine exactly what does “spiritual unity” means? Metropolitan Constantine replied that UOC-USA is a Sobornopravna Church and not Synodal as is the case in Ukraine. To have administrative unity our Constitution would have to be changed and our Sobor will decide what we will do at that time.

· Fr. Bazylewsky questioned as to why Archbishop Vsevolod travels to Ukraine to meet with representatives of Moscow Patriarchate but not with UOC-KP or UAOC. Archbishop Vsevolod replied that he has meetings with everyone.

· It is interesting to note that a resolution “urging our hierarchs, clergy and faithful to defend the children and youth of our church and to defend them from any form of abuse or assault upon their innocence and supports the creation of policies to meet this end” was watered down by Archbishop Antony when he requested that the clause “and supports the creation of policies to meet this end” be stricken since UOC-USA “already has such a policy and inclusion of this clause would give the impression that we do not”. (Ed. Note…Where was this “policy” when Fr. Damian was apprehended in Naples, Florida?)

· Due to the financial crisis the finance committee recommended that two residential, unused properties in So. Bound Brook be sold. Treasurer Emil Skocypec emphasizes the magnitude of the crisis by suggesting that the Ukrainian Cultural Center might be considered for sale. Most of the discussion centered on how to raise income. Very little emphasis was placed on how to reduce expenses such as Salaries, the Facilities Management account, Utilities or Sobor expenses.

· A resolution to change the Church Constitution to hold Sobor’s every 4 years as compared to the current 3 year interval was defeated by a vote of 57 to 72 with no abstentions.

(Ed. Note. It is interesting that the total vote count on this resolution was exactly 129 votes. That is exactly the number of delegates that we reported were registered at the Sobor on Wednesday October 13 and not as Fr. Diakiw indicated in his revised delegate count of 157 on Friday October 15). Fabricated “miracles” do have tendencies to bite one’s backside.

· The most interesting point in the Sobor occurred near the end when all resolutions were presented and approved by the delegates. Mr. Ihor Sawon of St. Andrew’s Brotherhood, So. Bound Brook, NJ stood up to read his proposed resolution. Mr. Sawon proposed that:

“The 17^th Sobor of UOC-USA fully supports, with the grace of our Lord, when Ukraine will have one canonical, self-governing, Ukrainian Orthodox Church, UOC-USA will be spiritually united with the Mother Church”.

· A hushed silence followed a low toned “groan” from the audience. One could hear a pin drop at the far end of the hall. It seemed as though no one knew what to do or say at the conclusion of Mr. Sawon’s statement. Mr. George Krywolap at the podium called for a second to the motion. Looking around the hall not one hand was raised to second the motion except for the raised hand of Fr. Nakonachny of Parma, Ohio. Mr. Krywolap called for discussions of this resolution. There were several requests for a re-reading of the proposed resolution which Mr. Sawon did in his loud exuberant voice. Again, silence in the hall. At this time Mr. Krywolap questioned as to the necessity of a new resolution when at his recollection the 15^th Sobor approved a similar resolution calling for such unity with the UOC-KP. Mr. Sawon clarified that in today’s terminology the Sobor has been using “Pomisna” or “Local” designation to the united Church in Ukraine and that this resolution would clarify and up date the intentions of UOC-USA. Further, Mr. Krywolap questioned the use of the “self-governing” term within the resolution. Mr. Sawon replied that he was using the same terminology utilized in a just approved resolution no. 8 calling upon Patriarch Bartolomew to concentrate his efforts to establish a united, local, self-governing (Pomisna) Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Ukraine. In addition Mr. Sawon explained that he was re-stating the verbal pronouncements of Metropolitan Constantine that “there is no doubt that we are part of the Mother Church in Ukraine”. Finding no other objections from the floor Mr. Kywolap called for a vote on the proposed resolution. The resolution of Mr. Sawon was passed unanimously calling for spiritual unity of UOC-USA with the Mother Church in Ukraine when unity of all canonical, self-governing Ukrainian Orthodox Churches occurs in Ukraine.

As reported to us the general observations from the Sobor was that nothing extraordinary occurred. The same rhetoric, the same story. As one of the clergy remarked “Nothing has changed”. In Ukrainian “Perelyvaut z pystoho v porozhne”. But it has been reported that the “tone” at the Sobor was different. It was softer, milder and more conciliatory. It did not seem as “harsh” as it was at the 16^th Sobor. Why? Only time will tell.

It was noticed that Archbishop Vsevolod did not “hob-know” with Archbishop Antony or Metropolitan Constantine. Archbishop Vsevolod seemed to be remote and most of the time by himself either at head table or wandering at the back of the hall. At his opening remarks Archbishop Vsevolod took ill and almost collapsed. He was helped to his seat and remained there well over one hour. His face was white and cold towels were brought to him. After about one hour he recovered and presented his greeting to the assembled delegates.

There was no indication of any changes in the hierarchial structure of UOC-USA.

It was also noticed that Fr. Paul Jagnisz appeared at the opening day of the Sobor but was nowhere to be seen thereafter. From one reliable clergy it was learned that Fr. Paul had a meeting with his hierarchs on the first day and was "thrown out”. What “thrown out” means was not elaborated. But the clergy had a smile on his face and said "it’s about time."

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Sad, sad state of affairs were reveled at the opening session of the

17^th Sobor of UOC-USA.

From the preliminary information that we received there are 39 parishes represented at the Sobor out of 56 that have met their financial obligation to the Consistory and are eligible to participate.

Seventeen (17) parishes who have met their financial obligations to the Consistory are NOT represented at the Sobor due to their protest against the leadership of UOC-USA or they are unable to bear the financial cost of sending delegates to the Sobor.

There are ONLY 88 parishes (and 17 missions) in the entire UOC-USA structure.

Therefore, 32 parishes are either unwilling or are unable to pay their financial dues to the Consistory.

What was most noticeable during the procession from the Consistory rotunda to the Cultural Center meeting hall was that the clergy outnumbered the laypersons by more than 2 to 1. In the UCO-USA constitution each parish sends 2 laypersons and the parish priest to the Sobor. Therefore, laypeople should OUTNUMBER clergy by about 2:1. NOT AT THIS SOBOR. If a small parish cannot afford to send delegates or their parish priest the Consistory will pick up that tab for the priest ONLY. An excellent way to make sure you have the clerical votes you need!

In his written report Archbishop Antony states … “We face a crushing financial crisis in the life of our church. Our membership…..is shrinking rapidly and parishes are refusing or neglecting to fulfill their financial obligations…”.

Archbishop Antony……just look at your Income and Expense Statement. The salaries are 45% of the total Church income. How can any organization survive under those conditions. This was evident at the 16^th Sobor AND NOTHING HAS CHANGED.

And again we say…WHY HAVE SOBOR AT ALL??????

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Patriarch Bartholomew appears in

Istanbul Court…….

(so much for Cannon Laws which forbids lawsuits by the Orthodox Church)

If Patriarch Bartholomew does not abide by Orthodox Church Cannon Laws then how can we expect the hierarchs of Bound Brook to follow the same laws?

SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER
Monday, June 7, 2004 · Last updated 5:43 a.m. PT

Ecumenical patriarch defends himself
by JAMES C. HELICKE

ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

ISTANBUL, Turkey -- The spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians appeared before a criminal court Monday, defending himself against charges he broke the law by dismissing a Bulgarian priest. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I wore his long clerical garb into the courtroom, where he and 12 other senior clerics are on trial on rarely invoked charges of "preventing others from observing faith and conducting religious services. "Bartholomew insisted the Holy Synod, or governing council, had the authority to remove the priest, Konstantin Kostof. But members of a Bulgarian foundation who launched the lawsuit argue that Bartholomew has no power over the Bulgarian Orthodox Church because the church split from the Patriarchate in 1840.The Orthodox Church frequently sees struggles over authority, but they rarely end up in a criminal court - and the trial poses a challenge to Bartholomew's authority. The defendants face up to five months in prison if found guilty. The patriarch has spiritual authority over the world's 300 million Orthodox Christians and directly controls several Greek Orthodox churches around the world, including the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Turkey only recognizes the patriarch as the religious head of the tiny Greek community in Turkey. Bartholomew said Kostof was removed in 2002 after he refused to refer to the patriarch in prayers. "Mr. Kostof refused to mention the name of the highest religious leader in the liturgy as was required," Bartholomew told the court. "We warned him. When he didn't comply he was dismissed. "According to our rules, the Synod that grants spiritual authority can also take it back in the same manner," he said, according to a court transcript obtained by The Associated Press. Three of the other 12 clerics from the patriarchate also appeared before the court Monday, wearing business suits. The charges against the men were brought by Bozhidar Chiprov, head of a Bulgarian Orthodox Church foundation. The Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul dates from the Orthodox Greek Byzantine Empire, which collapsed when the Muslim Ottoman Turks conquered the city in 1453. Istanbul, then called Constantinople, was the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Although few Greek Orthodox Christians remain in overwhelmingly Muslim Turkey, the patriarchate is still based in Istanbul.

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Additional Background Information

Friday September 19, 2003 Kathimerini newspaper
www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_artic...9/09/2003_34237

Patriarch on trial over dismissal

ISTANBUL (AP) - Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomaios I, spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians, went on trial yesterday after a Bulgarian church foundation accused him of preventing a Bulgarian priest from
conducting services.

[The patriarch is already engaged in a bitter dispute with the Church of Greece over control of Greek sees liberated from the Turks after 1912.] The case, being heard at a court in staunchly secular Turkey, calls into question the authority of the patriarch, who directly controls several Greek Orthodox churches but also has moral authority over the rest of the world's Orthodox Christians.

Vartholomaios was not present in court. The presiding judge demanded more information, and scheduled a new hearing for January which he said the patriarch must attend.

Vartholomaios and 12 senior church officials could face up to five months in prison if found guilty of "preventing others from observing faith and conducting religious services." The charges were brought by Bozhidar Chiprov, head of the Foundation of Bulgarian Orthodox Churches. According to the indictment, Vartholomaios ordered the dismissal of Konstantin Kostov, a Bulgarian priest, in October announcing in a written statement that he no longer had the right "to conduct religious services in any church."

Chiprov's lawyer said Kostov was punished for refusing to refer to Vartholomaios in prayers and to conduct religious services in Greek. At the hearing, Vartholomaios's lawyer argued that "in a secular country, no case can be based solely on theology," and asked for the acquittal of the defendants.

Turkey only recognizes the patriarch as the head of Greek community in Turkey and not as head of the world's Orthodox Christians.

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Additional Article from NYTimes.com

TURKEY: ORTHODOX PATRIARCH (BARTHOLOMES) IN COURT ON CHARGES

Bartholomew, the patriarch of Constantinople and spiritual leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, appeared in an Istanbul court on criminal charges that he illegally dismissed a Bulgarian priest. He and 12 other members of the church's governing body are accused of "prohibiting basic religious activities, worship or holding religious services." A state prosecutor opened the case after complaints by members of Istanbul's tiny Bulgarian Orthodox community, which numbers about 300 people. The Anatolian news agency said Bartholomew argued that he had authority over all of Turkey's Orthodox Christians and that the priest, Konstantin Kostof, "despite all of our warnings," resisted including Bartholomew's name in the liturgy, "which is required." The Bulgarians who brought the case say Bartholomew has no power over the Bulgarian Orthodox Church because the church split from the Patriarchate of Constantinople in 1840. (Reuters)

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On April 21, 2002, as a sign of brotherly love in Christ, Archbishop Vsevolod accepted a “panahia” as a gift from the ruling hierarch of UOC-Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Sabodan.

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As a True “Ukrainian” Patriot

JACK PALANCE REJECTS RUSSIAN AWARD

Declaring "I'm Ukrainian, not Russian",

Jack Palance walks out of Russian Film Festival in Hollywood

“………excuse me, but I don't belong here. It's best if we leave."

(NT) - A week of "Russian Nights" in Los Angeles culminated with an awards ceremony on April 22 at the prestigious Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. The gala event was held at the end of a weeklong
"festival that celebrates Russian contributions to the world of art." The program of cinema, theater and music visual arts was sponsored in part by the Russian Ministry of Culture and enjoyed the support of
Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Scheduled to receive "narodney artyst" awards (cleverly translated as "the Russian People's Choice Award") were two Oscar winning actors: Dustin Hoffman and Jack Palance both of whom trace their roots to Ukraine.

In accepting his award, Dustin Hoffman noted that his grandparents came from "Kiev, Russia" and expressed gratitude to the "Russian people" for helping defeat Germany. He thanked them for saving his grandmother who otherwise "may have ended up as a bar of soap."

Next in line for the Russian government's highest artistic award was Jack Palance. Born Walter Palahniuk in Pennsylvania in 1918, Palance won the Academy Award in 1992 for his memorable portrayal of Curly in "City Slickers". Palance, proud as a Kozak of his Ukrainian heritage, is chairman of the Hollywood Trident Foundation.

After being introduced, Palance said "I feel like I walked into the wrong room by mistake. I think that Russian film is interesting, but I have nothing to do with Russia or Russian film. My parents were born in Ukraine: I'm Ukrainian. I'm not Russian. So, excuse me, but I don't belong here. It's best if we leave."

Palance and his entourage proceeded to get up and go. He was accompanied by four other guests that included his wife Elaine, and the Hollywood Trident Foundation's president, Peter Borisow. Palance refused to accept the award, even in private, or to view "72 Meters", the movie being screened as the festival finale.

Speaking from Los Angeles, Borisow commented on Hoffman's statements: "I don't think it's necessarily Hoffman's fault. I think it's tragic that he doesn't even know his own family history. His ignorance of the basic facts is shocking. That Hoffman lends himself, hopefully unwittingly, to denigration of Ukrainians (and thus of himself), as he did by endorsing a festival that featured the highly offensive and racist movie '72 Meters' is very disappointing."

Borisow is referring to Vladmir Khotinenko's 2003 film "Syemdesyat-dva metra." A drama surrounding events on the submarine "Slavianka", the film portrays Ukrainians as bumbling fools and repeatedly refers to Ukrainians with the racist pejorative "kh" word. As part of the film's plot development, the Ukrainian submarine's Russian officers refuse allegiance to newly independent Ukraine, steal the ship and sail it to Russia.

"This is a continuation of a centuries old effort to invent a history and culture for Russia by hijacking first the Ukrainian church, then Ukrainian history and finally Ukrainian culture," Borisow said. Borisow considered the festival to be part of a "coordinated, worldwide campaign to promote Russia and Russian culture and, in so doing, to make Ukraine seem part and parcel of Russia. "I'm certain that in Russia, Jack's acceptance of the mislabeled award would have been sold as his accepting being a 'National Artist' of Russia, not a 'people's choice' much like they sell "Russia" as a derivative of Kievan 'Rus' instead of the Ukrainian word 'rossiyane', meaning, 'the scattered ones, the nomads'. Jack is very proud to be Ukrainian and will not let anyone hijack his name or persona."

In total, twenty films were screened at the Pacific Design Center's Silver Screen Theatre including Ukrainian filmmaker Oleksander Dovzhenko's "Aerograd" (1935). The festival program did not mention that Dovzhenko was Ukrainian, and instead described him as "the son of illiterate peasants" who "incorporates elements of peasant lore and pastoral tradition."

"This latest incident is just another part of a long history of genocide that killed 10 million Ukrainians in 1933 and continues in more subtle form to this day - all of it still actively promoted and financed by Russia," Borisow said. Putin knows there can be no Russian Empire without Ukraine, so he is pushing the assault from all angles: military, industrial, energy, economic, religious and cultural.

In addition to Russia's Ministry of Culture, other sponsors of "Russian Nights" included East-West Foundation for Culture and Education, LA Weekly, Panorama Media, 7 Arts, Adelphia, Rodnik Vodka, Samuel Adams Beer,Movieline's Hollywood Life, IN! Magazine and the National Bartenders School. The festival was organized by the Stas Namin Centre.

The festival's website includes letters of greeting from actors Leonardo Dicaprio, Liv Tyler and producer-director Francis Ford Coppola. Previously held once in Germany in 2003, "Russian Nights" are scheduled to descend upon New York between October 23 and 30 later this year. (NT)

(For submission on June 11, 2004, prepared by S.Bandera for June 20 English language supplement of National Tribune (National'na Trybuna, NY))

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Article from NYTimes.com

TURKEY: ORTHODOX PATRIARCH (BARTHOLOMES) IN COURT ON CHARGES

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From the Archives……Who said (or wrote)????

All of us at one time or another regretted our own words that were either spoken or written. Once spoken words cannot be taken back or as someone once said you cannot “un-ring the bell”. And words that are committed to paper are black on white forever.

Such is the case with letters, memos and UOC-USA documentation. Such is the case with a letter that we received which was written on May 20^th 1992.

It is interesting what documents, correspondence and articles can be found if one knows where to look and whom to ask.

Eleven months prior to the repose of Patriarch Mstyslav on June 11, 1993, then Archbishop Constantine and Archbishop Antony in a deeply moving letter recognized Patriarch Mstyslav as prime hierarch and the highest spiritual authority of Ukrainian Orthodoxy in the world. They recognized the Kyiv Patriarchate and requested the approval for the 13^th Sobor of UOC-USA to appoint a Metropolitan for UOC-USA.

Therefore, the continuing and persistent arguments of the Consistory of UOC-USA, Dr. Krywolap and Dr. Lysij that Patriarch Mstyslav was a “Patriarch” in Ukraine but a “Metropolitan” in the USA are completely unfounded.

Eighteen months after the repose of Patriarch Mystyslav on June 11, 1993, Metropolitan Constantine and Archbishop Antony together with Dr. Lysij, Dr. Krywolap and an entourage of 35-40 members of the UOC-USA Metropolitan Council traveled to Istanbul, Turkey to sign the infamous “Points of Agreement”.

In so doing they betrayed the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the Ukrainian nation and all Ukrainian Orthodox faithful.

They betrayed His Holiness

Mstyslav I

Patriarch of Kyiv and All Ukraine

If there is any doubt read the following May 20^th 1992 letter from then

Archbishop Constantine and Archbishop Antony to

His Holiness

Mstyslav I, Patriarch of Kyiv and All Ukraine.

20^th May 1992

His Holiness Mstyslav I

Patriarch of Kyiv and All Ukraine

Patriarchal Chancellery

South Bound Brook, NJ

Your Holiness:

Christ is Risen!

After the lengthy conversations, which occurred yesterday 19 of May 1992 in Your Chancellery, we devoutly, as is our custom, addressed the current situation of our Holy Ukrainian Orthodox Church in USA. As we told you, we are convinced, that the matter of election of Metropolitan for our Ukrainian Orthodox Church is unavoidable. We, Your Holiness, are convinced, that your physical condition does not provide you with the necessary strength to administer the affairs of our Church here in America and in Ukraine. Being sincere and with all of our love, we want to effectively assist you, Patriarch of (the) entire Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church.

We believe that we can provide that assistance only when our Metropolia in USA will be judiciously and productively administered. Therefore we will recommend to the 13^th Sobor of Ukrainian Orthodox Church the following:

1) That the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in USA formally accept (the) proclamations of (the) Sobor of Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Ukraine of 5^th June 1990, recognize Kyiv Patriarchate and announce our spiritual fealty to the Patriarch of Kyiv and All Ukraine, as the highest spiritual authority of Ukrainian Orthodoxy in the world.

2) In view of the rapid growth and progress of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Ukraine which gradually takes away valuable administrative time of His Holiness Patriarch Mstyslav, and in view that the judicious and effective administration of church matters of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in USA is important for; - spiritual well-being of parish communities, clergy and faithful; - for the most effective assistance to His Holiness Patriarch Mstyslav; - for the continuing support of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Ukraine, we will recommend (to) the 13^th Sobor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in USA (to) elect a Metropolitan who will focus his administrative strengths on the life of our Church here in United States of America.

3) His Holiness Patriarch Mstyslav completely devoted his hierarchical life for the good, growth and progress of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in USA. Due to the untiring strength of His Holiness, (his) dream of the re-birth of UAOChurch in Ukraine came to reality. In gratitude for all of this, the 13^th Sobor of UOChurch in USA dedicates itself to continuing the well being of His Holiness by the following means: continuing for the rest of his life his monthly stipend; leaves at his disposal his current Patriarchal Chancellery; extends for the rest of his life the use of his current residence at Liberty Corners, NJ; (and) will be responsible for all his medical needs not covered by medical insurance.

These recommendations do not in any way lower the position or status of Your Holiness. On the contrary with these recommendations we are verbalizing our brotherly concerns and deep respect to the highest position, which was gifted upon the hierarch of the Orthodox Church, for the glory of God and well being of our Holy Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church.

Indeed He is Risen!

Constantine, Antony,

Archbishop of Chicago Archbishop of Washington, DC

Editorial Note:

Please note that at the time the above letter was written, Constantine was Archbishop of Chicago and Antony was Archbishop of Washington, DC.

After December 1994, after signing the infamous Points of Agreement in Istanbul, Metropolitan Constantine was conferred, by Patriarch Bartholomew, the ubiquitous title of Constantine of Irinoupolis and Archbishop Antony is now Antony of Ierapolis.

In all post December 1994 Church documents, letters of correspondence and official UOC-USA Church Calendars there is no mention of the above specific US cities in the hierarchs titles nor is there any mention of the official Greek titles conferred upon them by Patriarch Bartholomew.

Why are they not using the official titles bestowed upon them by Patriarch Bartholomew? Are they ashamed of them or is it a continuing charade of misrepresentation and deceit promulgated by the hierarchs of UOC-USA after signing the infamous “Points of Agreement”?

In Ukrainian

20 Травня 1992

Святішому МСТИСЛАВОВІ І-ому

Патріархові Київському і Всієї України

Патріарша Канцелярія

Савт Баунд Брук, Нью Джерзі

Ваша Святосте:

Христос Воскрес!

Після довшої розмови, яка відбулась вчора 19 травня 1992 у Вашій Кацелярії, ми молитовно, як є наш звичай, застановl