2015 Ukrainian Independence Day

August 30 2015

Ukrainian Independence Day Lunch & Concert 2015

At least 210 people attended the Ukrainian Associations Ukrainian Independence Day Lunch & Concert 2015 at the Maylands Sports & Recreational Club, Mayland.

A fabulous concert followed by an extraordinary lunch made the day a memorable one.

The afternoon was opened by Mykola Mowczan, President of the Ukrainian Association with a emotive welcoming speech. He spoke of Ukraine maturing and taking control of her own destiny. He mentioned the numbers that have perished to secure her sovereignity during the past 18 months and then spoke of St Michael’s statue which stand in Kyiv in the Maidan. M Mowczan invoked St. Archangel Michael to help his people and protect Ukraine and asked God to bless our Ukrainian nation and our mother Ukraine to give her people the courage, strength and determination to live in freedom and peace.

The concert was simply fabulous with everyone representing Western Australia performing. Roztiazhka Dancers were at their professional best, Vesna Choir led by Suzana Prushynsky (and accompanied by G Jones) enchanted all with a beautiful selection of songs. Speka Dancers entertained everyone with a Polisia Polka and the Ukrainian School and W.A.’s youngest dancers Zahidni Zirky, I think were the crowd favourites with poems, songs and dancing. Thank you to the teachers, Marta Osoba Buttrose and Stephanie Parin for preparing our students for such a fabulous performance.

After the concert all the performers gathered to sing the Ukrainian National anthem. Whilst everyone was standing Fr W Kalinecki was invited to bless the Independence Day Torte and the lunch to follow. (The UAWA extends a thank you to Tayissa Barone who baked the torte.

The following buffet meal was another major success. During sweets, the community sang Mr Ivan Jakiemowicz (a former committee member of the UAWA) Mnohaia Lita for his 78th birthday.

Many thanks to Janene Marunczyn, Gabby Mowczan and Danika Porter for toiling in the kitchen and preparing all the wonderful food.

Photos of the Independence Day Event can be viewed on the gallery here