Ukrainian History, Life and Culture

In May, Dr. Kazakova invited me to join a group that was visiting Cossack villages in extreme eastern Luhans’k oblast.  A local congregation was hosting a delegation of American medical professionals and clergy who were in Lugansk for a hospice conference.  Dr. Kazakova asked me to join them on their excursion to the settlement of Parkhomenko (Пархоменко) and the village of Stanitsa Luganskaya (Станица Луганская). This trip was very enlightening and one of the most educational during my six months in Ukraine.  I learned quite a bit about traditional Ukrainian life and history.  Below are some photographs that I took during our excursion.  I will add comments to each photo in the very near future.

 

 

 Some of the local residents of Parkhomenko who welcomed us to the

museum.  Note the traditional dress and embroidery on the linen on which the

bread was placed. This is a very traditional Ukrainian welcome ceremony.

 

 The interior of an 19th century Ukrainian home.

 

 

 

 

 A recreation of a Ukrainian potter's workshop. Pottery

production was a very important part of life in this

settlement during the 19th and early 20th centuries, and it

continues have an important place in Ukrainian culture even now.

 

 Foot powered potter's wheel. 

 

 

 

 

 

 A Ukrainian boy demonstrating how to

throw a pot using traditional methods.

 

 

 

 The kiln at the museum

 

 

Pieces of pottery made by some of the children in the settlement.

Note the traditional Ukrainian whistles in the shape of birds and animals.

 

Salo: raw pork fat which is traditionally eaten

with rye bread and pickles and served with vodka

 

Saying good bye with one more song.

 

 

 

The inclusion program at V. Dahl EUNU continues to grow

A few weeks ago, I received a letter from Dr. Krsek sharing the exciting news that more deaf students have been admitted to V. Dahl East Ukrainian National University.  Additionally, her program has opened a resource room for the deaf and hard of hearing students and university faculty.  This is a great accomplishment of historic significance for Ukraine.  While American college and university students are accustomed to studying with deaf and hard of hearing peers, Ukrainian students have not had the same opportunities.  For me, this was highly fulfilling, as it demonstrates that my work in Luhans'k was not temporary.  Of course, the majority of credit goes to Dr. Krsek and her colleagues for using the ideas I presented to develop and implement the inclusion program, a difficult task given the challenges they faced. 

Additionally, Dr. Krsek has asked me to assist a colleague in developing a cultural exchange project with a museum here in Kansas City.  This is another collaborative experience I am hoping bears fruit.  I have contacted the museum and hope to hear from one of the directors in the near future.  I will provide an update when I receive more information.