The Commemoration of the Great Famine
The president of Ukraine designated the fourth Saturday of November each year as a Day of Commemoration for the victims of the Great Famine. On Saturday 22 November 2003, ukrainians commemorated the 70th Anniversary of the tragic period in Ukraine's history. Sumivchi (members of the Ukrainian Youth Association) together with other ukrainian community organisations in Manchester, took part in the service held at the Ukrainian Catholic Chuch. Before the altar, with their flags, stood representatives form AUGB, Former Combatants, Ukrainian Women's Organisation OUZ and CYM and the ukraianian national flag and the flag of OUN (Organisation of ukrainian nationalists). The requiem service was conducted by the parish priest Ft. Y. Rij and sumivchi stood with candles to honour the memory of victims of the Great Famine-Genocide.
Senior sumivchi read excerpts from history of the terrible suffering during the Famine-Genocide. Junior sumivchi read poetry in memory of the famine victims.
The general Consul Mr. Lazarov, who represented the Embassy of Ukraine, addressed the congregation, then all the participants formed a procession out of church and the Consul and the chairman of the Manchester branch of AUGB Mr. M. Mandzij laid wreaths in memory of the famine victims.
On Sunday 23rd November 2003, the manchester branch of AUGB held a commemorative function for the 70th Anniversary of the Famine. Sumivchi opened the programme with a montage of poems and prose, prayers and songs. Their performance was very moving and finished with the sentiments;
"Memorials to the millions of ukrainians that died and suffered are few. Perhaps, the greatest memorial to the victims, exists in our remembering. During the Artificial Famine, the struggle was for life itself. They happened to live in a country struggling for its own identity, regardless of the politics or economies of the ruling party. They wanted to remain ukrainians. We cannot forget."
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