Over 200 experts from Ukraine, Poland, Germany and the Russian Federation are taking part in the international scientific conference on democratic standards of management and public administration, which opened in Lviv (West Ukraine) on Friday.
According to Volodymyr Zahorskyi, director of Lviv's regional institute of state management to the National Academy of Public Administration under the President of Ukraine, the meeting will work out standards for implementation of democratic processes in the training of civil servants. Future experts must work on the principles of democratic values, being guided by up-to-date technologies in achievement of European standards.
Particularly, it is said that a civil servant and a local executive officer are representatives of the state, working for the sake of providing services. Ukraine lacks an effective procedure of providing high-quality management services, and actually an official does a favor to a citizen when settles his problems, Zahorskyi noted. He emphasized that a civil servant must in the first place meet citizens' demands through granting high-quality services to them.
Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Young scientists and students discuss innovation processes of economic and social development of Ukraine and foreign countries in Ternopil
Young scientists and students of the Ternopil National Economic University discussed problems of innovation processes of economic and social development of Ukraine and foreign countries.
University Rector Serhiy Yuriy told UKINFORM correspondent that participating in the international conference were representatives of almost all the Ukrainian regions, scientists from Canada and the Netherlands.
According to participants in the conference, research of the regional innovation processes as a component part of the economic growth is caused by the fact that further economic development of Ukraine is only possible on the innovation basis, taking into consideration modern achievements of the scientific and technical progress and enhancement of the scientific and technological level of the country.
During the events like this, young scientists may put forward proposals on the ways of solving the innovation development problems at different levels.
University Rector Serhiy Yuriy told UKINFORM correspondent that participating in the international conference were representatives of almost all the Ukrainian regions, scientists from Canada and the Netherlands.
According to participants in the conference, research of the regional innovation processes as a component part of the economic growth is caused by the fact that further economic development of Ukraine is only possible on the innovation basis, taking into consideration modern achievements of the scientific and technical progress and enhancement of the scientific and technological level of the country.
During the events like this, young scientists may put forward proposals on the ways of solving the innovation development problems at different levels.
Expenses for Ukrainian films production planned to increase from UAH 51 to UAH 200 million in 2008 - First Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister
Expenses for Ukrainian films production are planned to be increased from UAH 51 to UAH 200 million in 2008, First Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister Vladyslav Korniyenko told a briefing.
The high official informed that "there is a support of such amendments to the Budget on the part of the President and the Government".
According to Vladyslav Korniyenko, this year the film production program under the auspices of the state includes films by such directors as K. Muratova, Y. and M. Illiyenko, K. Zanussi, M. Mashchenko, V. Hres and others. Production of full-length film-debuts by Ukrainian producers, winners and laureates of international competitions started. For the first time a program of animation films was launched, with "My Country - Ukraine" serial.
The draft agreement on cooperation between the Culture and Tourism Ministry and the Defense Ministry of Ukraine is being elaborated.
First Deputy Minister informed that expenses for development of cultural programs were increased 2.6- fold in 2008, in particular the matter concerns modernization of the cultural establishments' material base, enlargement of library funds, repair and restoration works.
The high official informed that "there is a support of such amendments to the Budget on the part of the President and the Government".
According to Vladyslav Korniyenko, this year the film production program under the auspices of the state includes films by such directors as K. Muratova, Y. and M. Illiyenko, K. Zanussi, M. Mashchenko, V. Hres and others. Production of full-length film-debuts by Ukrainian producers, winners and laureates of international competitions started. For the first time a program of animation films was launched, with "My Country - Ukraine" serial.
The draft agreement on cooperation between the Culture and Tourism Ministry and the Defense Ministry of Ukraine is being elaborated.
First Deputy Minister informed that expenses for development of cultural programs were increased 2.6- fold in 2008, in particular the matter concerns modernization of the cultural establishments' material base, enlargement of library funds, repair and restoration works.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
The US presidential couple visits Shool 57
Within the framework of his visit to Ukraine President Bush together with Mrs. Laura Bush paid a visit to Kyiv School 57. There the presidential couple saw a performance prepared by children from western Ukrainian town Perechyn. The performance was dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS and promotion of healthy living.
In his short speech after the performance President Bush stressed that he and his wife are thrilled to be in the country, which came through very harsh times and now stands firmly on a path towards liberty.
In his short speech after the performance President Bush stressed that he and his wife are thrilled to be in the country, which came through very harsh times and now stands firmly on a path towards liberty.
Presidential couples visit St. Sophia Cathedral
The President of Ukraine Victor Yushchenko with his wife, Mrs. Kateryna Yushchenko and The President of the USA George W. Bush with Mrs. Laura Bush had a tour of Kyiv St. Sophia Cathedral.
Presidential couples were shown the Cathedral, its wall paintings and the tomb of Yaroslav the Wise. Mr. and Mrs. Bush also signed the Book of Honorable Guests of the preserve.
Presidential couples were shown the Cathedral, its wall paintings and the tomb of Yaroslav the Wise. Mr. and Mrs. Bush also signed the Book of Honorable Guests of the preserve.
Monday, March 31, 2008
President opens Year of Tourism and Resorts in Ukraine
President Victor Yushchenko took part today in opening of the Ukraine International Travel & Tourism exhibition 2008. At the event President also opened the Year of Tourism and Resorts in Ukraine.
In his address to those present Victor Yushchenko encouraged to promote Ukraine as attractive for tourism. “We should show a new Ukraine to Europe and the world; the one that has huge spiritual, cultural and humane legacy. That has been hidden from our neighbors for many years”, - he said.
President Yushchenko also emphasized that Ukraine has unique nature, architectural and cultural places of interest which may be interesting for foreign tourists. He also expressed expectancies that holding Euro 2012 would present good opportunity for development of national tourism.
In his address to those present Victor Yushchenko encouraged to promote Ukraine as attractive for tourism. “We should show a new Ukraine to Europe and the world; the one that has huge spiritual, cultural and humane legacy. That has been hidden from our neighbors for many years”, - he said.
President Yushchenko also emphasized that Ukraine has unique nature, architectural and cultural places of interest which may be interesting for foreign tourists. He also expressed expectancies that holding Euro 2012 would present good opportunity for development of national tourism.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Festival of Ukrainian culture runs in New-York
The 29th annual "Ukrainian Festival on the 7th Avenue" drew representatives of the Ukrainian Diaspora from the entire world.
The event lasted three days. Within the framework of the festival a gala concert was initiated.
The "Syzokryli" ensemble from New-York treated the participants into their performance. The visitors were enabled to taste the traditional Ukrainian cuisine and tour the exhibition of books, CDs and embroidered pictures.
Similar event are held annually in Silver Spring, Glen-Spi, San-Diego, Warren and other towns and cities.
The event lasted three days. Within the framework of the festival a gala concert was initiated.
The "Syzokryli" ensemble from New-York treated the participants into their performance. The visitors were enabled to taste the traditional Ukrainian cuisine and tour the exhibition of books, CDs and embroidered pictures.
Similar event are held annually in Silver Spring, Glen-Spi, San-Diego, Warren and other towns and cities.
Ukraine to determine "Seven Wonders" in August
Best monuments and historical objects of Ukraine will be selected within the framework of the event "7 Wonders of Ukraine", which will be summed up on August 23 in Kyiv.
Every region is supposed to recommend three unique monuments of architecture and history. The Volyn region has already suggested the Lutsk Castle, Lesia Ukrayinka Museum and the complex of monuments in Volodymyr-Volynskyi. Kyiv suggested the Sofia Kyivska, Kyiv-Pecherska Laura and the House with Chimeras.
The Zaporizhzhia region suggested the national sanctuary "Khortytsia island”.
The organizing committee will decide upon 21 objects by July 7. The list of objects will be made public at the "Ethnic Summer" festival in the Cherkasy region.
Every region is supposed to recommend three unique monuments of architecture and history. The Volyn region has already suggested the Lutsk Castle, Lesia Ukrayinka Museum and the complex of monuments in Volodymyr-Volynskyi. Kyiv suggested the Sofia Kyivska, Kyiv-Pecherska Laura and the House with Chimeras.
The Zaporizhzhia region suggested the national sanctuary "Khortytsia island”.
The organizing committee will decide upon 21 objects by July 7. The list of objects will be made public at the "Ethnic Summer" festival in the Cherkasy region.
Azeri Friendly Association established in Odesa Communications Academy
On the basis of the Oleksandr Popov Odesa Communications Academy the Azeri Friendly Association has been established.
According to Director for International Relations of the Academy Olena Shulhan, Azeris have been undergoing courses in the academy since 1958. Presently, as many as 45 of them undergo training.
According to Director for International Relations of the Academy Olena Shulhan, Azeris have been undergoing courses in the academy since 1958. Presently, as many as 45 of them undergo training.
International exhibition "Woodworking 2007" opens in Lviv
The 10th international exhibition "Woodworking 2007" in Lviv has drawn participants from Ukraine, UK, Italy, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, Germany, Denmark, China, Czech Republic and Switzerland.
The largest exposition is presented by the joint Ukrainian-Czech enterprise Rojek-Lviv.
The largest exposition is presented by the joint Ukrainian-Czech enterprise Rojek-Lviv.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Ukraine to observe day of Europe on June 2
Day of Europe will be observed in Kyiv on June 2 on Khreshchatyk street.
As many as 27 Embassies of member-states of the EU intend to set marquees in Kyiv. In general as many as 50 marquees will be dispatched. Every tent will provide information about the country, it represents.
Within the framework of the event political discussions with free participation will be held in two marquees.
The discussions will be initiated by the Yalta European Strategy.
Traditionally, every eager will be able to taste European cuisine and learn a language lesson.
As many as 27 Embassies of member-states of the EU intend to set marquees in Kyiv. In general as many as 50 marquees will be dispatched. Every tent will provide information about the country, it represents.
Within the framework of the event political discussions with free participation will be held in two marquees.
The discussions will be initiated by the Yalta European Strategy.
Traditionally, every eager will be able to taste European cuisine and learn a language lesson.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
"In Free and New Family" event underway in Ternopil region
The Ternopil region is hosting the event "In Free and New Family" with participation of over 100 writers and literature critics from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia.
The participants laid flowers at the monument to Taras Shevchenko and attended a gala concert with participation of Nina Matviyenko, Bukovyna Ensemble of Song and Dance and best ensembles of the Ternopil region and Ukraine. Within the framework of the event the "Poetic Shevchenkiana of the Ternopil Region", "Literature Ternopil" and "Following Kobzar in the Ternopil Region" will be released.
The participants laid flowers at the monument to Taras Shevchenko and attended a gala concert with participation of Nina Matviyenko, Bukovyna Ensemble of Song and Dance and best ensembles of the Ternopil region and Ukraine. Within the framework of the event the "Poetic Shevchenkiana of the Ternopil Region", "Literature Ternopil" and "Following Kobzar in the Ternopil Region" will be released.
Astana and Kyiv to sign cooperation agreement in cultural sector, Culture and Information Minister of Kyrghyzstan says
Kyrghyzstan stated its intention to deepen cooperation with Ukraine in the information and cultural sector. This was disclosed by Culture and Information Minister of Kyrghyzstan Sultan Raev at the forum "Intergovernmental Media Cooperation in Central and Western Asia - 2007".
We find it as very important to develop cooperation with Ukraine in all the sectors, notably in the information domain, he said. The Culture Ministries of Ukraine and Kyrghyzstan are engaged, presently, in drafting a cooperation agreement. In 2008 the Days of Kyrghyz culture will be held in Kyrghyzstan.
Sultan Raev reminded that the Ukrainian Diaspora in Kyrghyzstan is the largest one among the ethnic minorities and has a potent influence.
Notably, Ukrinform participated in the forum, which is underway in the Xinjiang Uyugur Autonomous region.
We find it as very important to develop cooperation with Ukraine in all the sectors, notably in the information domain, he said. The Culture Ministries of Ukraine and Kyrghyzstan are engaged, presently, in drafting a cooperation agreement. In 2008 the Days of Kyrghyz culture will be held in Kyrghyzstan.
Sultan Raev reminded that the Ukrainian Diaspora in Kyrghyzstan is the largest one among the ethnic minorities and has a potent influence.
Notably, Ukrinform participated in the forum, which is underway in the Xinjiang Uyugur Autonomous region.
Church of the Tithes
Church of the Tithes (Desiatynna tserkva). The first and largest stone church in Kyiv and the burial place of the Kyivan princes. Dedicated to the Dormition, it was built by Byzantine and Rus’ artisans between 989 and 996 amid the palaces of Grand Prince Volodymyr the Great, who set aside one-tenth of his annual income (see Tithe) for its construction and maintenance (hence the name). The church was besieged and ruined in 1240 by Batu Khan's Mongol horde. In the early 17th century, under Metropolitan Petro Mohyla, the smaller, wooden Saint Nicholas's Church was built on a portion of the site. Between 1828 and 1842 the Russian administration leveled the remaining ruins and erected a new stone church that occupied half the original area. Its Russian style had nothing in common with that of the original structure (photo: Church of the Tithes, early 20th century). In 1935 Soviet authorities dismantled the 19th-century church.
Excavations of the foundations of the original church indicate that it was a three-nave structure with six pillars and wide, covered galleries on the sides. It occupied an area of approx 1,700 sq m. Its numerous cupolas in cruciform arrangement—a feature recorded in a 14th-century source—distinguished it from Byzantine prototypes and made it a model in the further development of Ukrainian architecture. The plan and surviving fragments of the mosaic floor, marble column, capitals, ceramic tiles, ornamental slate, frescoes, and sarcophagi (eg, of Volodymyr the Great and his grandmother, Princess Olha) testify to the artistry of the early period of Ukrainian architecture. The artifacts collected on the site of the church are preserved in the Saint Sophia Museum in Kyiv.
Excavations of the foundations of the original church indicate that it was a three-nave structure with six pillars and wide, covered galleries on the sides. It occupied an area of approx 1,700 sq m. Its numerous cupolas in cruciform arrangement—a feature recorded in a 14th-century source—distinguished it from Byzantine prototypes and made it a model in the further development of Ukrainian architecture. The plan and surviving fragments of the mosaic floor, marble column, capitals, ceramic tiles, ornamental slate, frescoes, and sarcophagi (eg, of Volodymyr the Great and his grandmother, Princess Olha) testify to the artistry of the early period of Ukrainian architecture. The artifacts collected on the site of the church are preserved in the Saint Sophia Museum in Kyiv.
Christianization of Ukraine
Christianization of Ukraine. Because of the geographical location of Rus’ close to the Black Sea and the Near East, Christianity was known on the present territory of Ukraine as early as the first century AD.
Origins. At first Christianity won converts among the Greek colonists who settled the northern coasts of the Black Sea (see Ancient states on the northern Black Sea coast) and Sea of Azov. The Primary Chronicle mentions Saint Andrew's mission on the Black Sea coast at Synope and his blessing of present-day Kyiv. There is no documentary evidence that the apostle Andrew visited the Kyiv region, but it is almost certain that he was assigned Scythia (ie, the territory of present-day Ukraine) for his mission, as Eusebius of Caesarea wrote, basing himself on Origen. From Synope Andrew was said to have traveled to Transcaucasia, the Black Sea, and Scythia (A. Kartashev). Evgenii Golubinsky and Stepan Tomashivsky believe that the story of Andrew's mission to Ukraine was of later origin, but Mykola Chubaty argues that it is largely historically true.
According to traditional belief the popes Saint Clement I (90–100) and Saint Martin (649–55) were exiled to the Crimea, which belongs to Ukraine today. The proximity of the Slav-settled lands to the Greek colonies on the Black Sea must have been an important factor in the spread of Christianity among the Slavic tribes.
More concrete data on the presence of Christianity on Ukrainian territories extend back to the 3rd century, when the Goths invaded these territories from the north. At first the Goths destroyed the Christian colonies and then conducted forays into Asia Minor, bringing back slaves from as far away as Cappadocia. These slaves acquainted the Goths with Christianity. The bishop of the Visigoths, Ulphilas, translated the Bible into Gothic, and this text, known as Codex Argenteus, is preserved today in Uppsala, Sweden. Theophilus, the bishop of the Goths, participated in the Council of Nicea in 325. Theophilus's successor was Bishop Unilo, who was consecrated by Saint John Chrysostom and made his residence in Dora in the Crimea.
The invasion of the Huns in 375 interrupted the spread of Christianity on Ukrainian territories for a long time, although not all the Goths migrated west under pressure from the Huns, some staying behind in the southern Crimea. Archeological excavations show that there were churches on the Black Sea coast in the 4th–5th century. The oldest church articles discovered in Chersonese Taurica and Kerch date back to the 4th and 5th centuries.
After capturing Kyiv in 860, the princes Askold and Dyr are said to have embraced Christianity, and Patriarch Photius wrote in one of his letters that in about 864 he had sent a bishop to Rus’. It is uncertain, however, where the eparchy was established—whether in Kyiv or in Tmutorokan. It is traditionally believed that Saint Nicholas's Church was built on Askold's grave (see Askoldova Mohyla), and this would indicate that the prince was a Christian. During the reign of Prince Oleh the pagan reaction suppressed Christianity, but it did not disappear completely. There is evidence that during Prince Ihor's rule Saint Elijah's Church existed in Kyiv, and during the signing of the treaty of 944 with the Greeks some of Ihor's deputies took an oath on the Bible while others swore by the pagan deity Perun.
Christianity entered Ukraine from the West as well, specifically from Moravia, where Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius and their disciples worked as missionaries. Both ‘Slavic apostles’ visited the Crimea on their way to the Khazars and found the relics of the pope, Saint Clement I. According to tradition Christianity spread from Moravia to Galicia and then to Volhynia, where (according to Nataliia Polonska-Vasylenko) a bishop resided in Volodymyr-Volynskyi before Grand Prince Volodymyr the Great adopted Christianity. Mykola Chubaty contends that an eparchy was established in Peremyshl at that time (see Peremyshl eparchy).
After Prince Ihor's death in 945 his wife, Princess Olha, was baptized (most likely in Kyiv in 955) before her voyage to Constantinople in 957. Presbyter Hryhorii, who is mentioned by Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus, was a member of her retinue. In 959 she sent a delegation to Emperor Otto I and in reply was sent a delegation from him headed by Bishop Adalbert. Olha's son Sviatoslav I Ihorovych remained a pagan, but his sons Yaropolk I Sviatoslavych and Oleh Sviatoslavych were probably Christians. In 979 Pope Benedict VII sent deputies to Yaropolk.
Christening under Volodymyr the Great. At first the Grand Prince, Volodymyr the Great, was the leader of the pagan movement in Kyiv, but, having concluded that the new faith would strengthen the state and increase its prestige among his Christian neighbors, he adopted Christianity and christened all his people. Volodymyr himself was baptized in about 987, probably through the influence of his friend Olaf I Tryggvason (according to F. Dvornik) or his Christian wives and Princess Olha, his grandmother (according to Nataliia Polonska-Vasylenko). Furthermore, Volodymyr sought to establish family ties with the Byzantine court. Having helped the emperor crush the rebellion of Bardas Phocas, Volodymyr demanded the hand of the emperor's sister Anna, which he had been promised. When the emperor refused to carry out his promise, Volodymyr captured the Byzantine colony of Chersonese Taurica and forced the emperor to sign a peace treaty. In fulfillment of its terms Volodymyr ordered that all his people be baptized in 988–9. The christening was probably carried out either by priests (including Nastas) from Chersonese Taurica who knew the Slavic language or by priests from Tmutorokan (according to George Vernadsky and Mykola Chubaty). It is also possible that priests were brought in from Bulgaria. The baptism of the Kyiv residents is described dramatically in the Primary Chronicle. First Volodymyr ordered all the pagan images (statues), including the statue of Perun, to be destroyed. Some residents grieved over the old gods, but everyone obeyed the prince's order to accept baptism in the Dnieper River. Members of every estate and every age waded into the river while the priests conducted the Divine Liturgy and baptized them. According to the chronicle this event took place on 1 August (OS) or 14 August (NS), which is now a holy day in the Ukrainian church.
The population of Kyivan Rus’ along the main water routes was baptized gradually. The larger centers were converted first, followed by the outlying regions. The process did not always take place as smoothly as it had in Kyiv. Most of the opposition came from the pagan priests (see Volkhv), who had little influence in southern Rus’ but in the north—in Novgorod the Great, Suzdal, and Belozersk—incited the people to hostile acts against the Christian priests. For a long time the pagan religion, mostly its rites, was practiced alongside the Christian religion.
To normalize religious life in his country, Volodymyr issued a law assigning a tenth of the state's property (see Tithe) to the church and recognizing various rights of the clergy. The first mention of a metropolitan for Rus’ dates back to 1039, but there must have been an archbishop in charge of the Rus’ church before then (according to F. Dvornik). The first-mentioned metropolitan of Rus’ was the Greek Theopemptos (see Kyiv metropoly and History of the Ukrainian church).
With the adoption of Christianity, Christian writings and culture spread throughout Ukraine. Volodymyr the Great established schools and built churches, first in Kyiv and then in other cities. Priests from Chersonese Taurica (Korsun), who spoke the Slavic tongue, served as teachers. The liturgy was in Slavonic, and this made the religion less alien. The introduction of Christianity did not lead to #Byzantium's political domination of Rus’, but rather to new contacts between Rus’ and its closer and more distant neighbors. Volodymyr attempted to secure for the new church the same position in the structure of his state as it enjoyed within the Byzantine Empire. Christianity gave religious unity to Volodymyr's domain.
Origins. At first Christianity won converts among the Greek colonists who settled the northern coasts of the Black Sea (see Ancient states on the northern Black Sea coast) and Sea of Azov. The Primary Chronicle mentions Saint Andrew's mission on the Black Sea coast at Synope and his blessing of present-day Kyiv. There is no documentary evidence that the apostle Andrew visited the Kyiv region, but it is almost certain that he was assigned Scythia (ie, the territory of present-day Ukraine) for his mission, as Eusebius of Caesarea wrote, basing himself on Origen. From Synope Andrew was said to have traveled to Transcaucasia, the Black Sea, and Scythia (A. Kartashev). Evgenii Golubinsky and Stepan Tomashivsky believe that the story of Andrew's mission to Ukraine was of later origin, but Mykola Chubaty argues that it is largely historically true.
According to traditional belief the popes Saint Clement I (90–100) and Saint Martin (649–55) were exiled to the Crimea, which belongs to Ukraine today. The proximity of the Slav-settled lands to the Greek colonies on the Black Sea must have been an important factor in the spread of Christianity among the Slavic tribes.
More concrete data on the presence of Christianity on Ukrainian territories extend back to the 3rd century, when the Goths invaded these territories from the north. At first the Goths destroyed the Christian colonies and then conducted forays into Asia Minor, bringing back slaves from as far away as Cappadocia. These slaves acquainted the Goths with Christianity. The bishop of the Visigoths, Ulphilas, translated the Bible into Gothic, and this text, known as Codex Argenteus, is preserved today in Uppsala, Sweden. Theophilus, the bishop of the Goths, participated in the Council of Nicea in 325. Theophilus's successor was Bishop Unilo, who was consecrated by Saint John Chrysostom and made his residence in Dora in the Crimea.
The invasion of the Huns in 375 interrupted the spread of Christianity on Ukrainian territories for a long time, although not all the Goths migrated west under pressure from the Huns, some staying behind in the southern Crimea. Archeological excavations show that there were churches on the Black Sea coast in the 4th–5th century. The oldest church articles discovered in Chersonese Taurica and Kerch date back to the 4th and 5th centuries.
After capturing Kyiv in 860, the princes Askold and Dyr are said to have embraced Christianity, and Patriarch Photius wrote in one of his letters that in about 864 he had sent a bishop to Rus’. It is uncertain, however, where the eparchy was established—whether in Kyiv or in Tmutorokan. It is traditionally believed that Saint Nicholas's Church was built on Askold's grave (see Askoldova Mohyla), and this would indicate that the prince was a Christian. During the reign of Prince Oleh the pagan reaction suppressed Christianity, but it did not disappear completely. There is evidence that during Prince Ihor's rule Saint Elijah's Church existed in Kyiv, and during the signing of the treaty of 944 with the Greeks some of Ihor's deputies took an oath on the Bible while others swore by the pagan deity Perun.
Christianity entered Ukraine from the West as well, specifically from Moravia, where Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius and their disciples worked as missionaries. Both ‘Slavic apostles’ visited the Crimea on their way to the Khazars and found the relics of the pope, Saint Clement I. According to tradition Christianity spread from Moravia to Galicia and then to Volhynia, where (according to Nataliia Polonska-Vasylenko) a bishop resided in Volodymyr-Volynskyi before Grand Prince Volodymyr the Great adopted Christianity. Mykola Chubaty contends that an eparchy was established in Peremyshl at that time (see Peremyshl eparchy).
After Prince Ihor's death in 945 his wife, Princess Olha, was baptized (most likely in Kyiv in 955) before her voyage to Constantinople in 957. Presbyter Hryhorii, who is mentioned by Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus, was a member of her retinue. In 959 she sent a delegation to Emperor Otto I and in reply was sent a delegation from him headed by Bishop Adalbert. Olha's son Sviatoslav I Ihorovych remained a pagan, but his sons Yaropolk I Sviatoslavych and Oleh Sviatoslavych were probably Christians. In 979 Pope Benedict VII sent deputies to Yaropolk.
Christening under Volodymyr the Great. At first the Grand Prince, Volodymyr the Great, was the leader of the pagan movement in Kyiv, but, having concluded that the new faith would strengthen the state and increase its prestige among his Christian neighbors, he adopted Christianity and christened all his people. Volodymyr himself was baptized in about 987, probably through the influence of his friend Olaf I Tryggvason (according to F. Dvornik) or his Christian wives and Princess Olha, his grandmother (according to Nataliia Polonska-Vasylenko). Furthermore, Volodymyr sought to establish family ties with the Byzantine court. Having helped the emperor crush the rebellion of Bardas Phocas, Volodymyr demanded the hand of the emperor's sister Anna, which he had been promised. When the emperor refused to carry out his promise, Volodymyr captured the Byzantine colony of Chersonese Taurica and forced the emperor to sign a peace treaty. In fulfillment of its terms Volodymyr ordered that all his people be baptized in 988–9. The christening was probably carried out either by priests (including Nastas) from Chersonese Taurica who knew the Slavic language or by priests from Tmutorokan (according to George Vernadsky and Mykola Chubaty). It is also possible that priests were brought in from Bulgaria. The baptism of the Kyiv residents is described dramatically in the Primary Chronicle. First Volodymyr ordered all the pagan images (statues), including the statue of Perun, to be destroyed. Some residents grieved over the old gods, but everyone obeyed the prince's order to accept baptism in the Dnieper River. Members of every estate and every age waded into the river while the priests conducted the Divine Liturgy and baptized them. According to the chronicle this event took place on 1 August (OS) or 14 August (NS), which is now a holy day in the Ukrainian church.
The population of Kyivan Rus’ along the main water routes was baptized gradually. The larger centers were converted first, followed by the outlying regions. The process did not always take place as smoothly as it had in Kyiv. Most of the opposition came from the pagan priests (see Volkhv), who had little influence in southern Rus’ but in the north—in Novgorod the Great, Suzdal, and Belozersk—incited the people to hostile acts against the Christian priests. For a long time the pagan religion, mostly its rites, was practiced alongside the Christian religion.
To normalize religious life in his country, Volodymyr issued a law assigning a tenth of the state's property (see Tithe) to the church and recognizing various rights of the clergy. The first mention of a metropolitan for Rus’ dates back to 1039, but there must have been an archbishop in charge of the Rus’ church before then (according to F. Dvornik). The first-mentioned metropolitan of Rus’ was the Greek Theopemptos (see Kyiv metropoly and History of the Ukrainian church).
With the adoption of Christianity, Christian writings and culture spread throughout Ukraine. Volodymyr the Great established schools and built churches, first in Kyiv and then in other cities. Priests from Chersonese Taurica (Korsun), who spoke the Slavic tongue, served as teachers. The liturgy was in Slavonic, and this made the religion less alien. The introduction of Christianity did not lead to #Byzantium's political domination of Rus’, but rather to new contacts between Rus’ and its closer and more distant neighbors. Volodymyr attempted to secure for the new church the same position in the structure of his state as it enjoyed within the Byzantine Empire. Christianity gave religious unity to Volodymyr's domain.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Korrespondent publishes rating of best higher educational institutions of Ukraine
Forty of 350 higher educational institutions of Ukraine of the third and fourth level of accreditation have been included into the rating of best higher educational institutions under the Korrespondent rating, referred to the Korrespondent.net.
The Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University was recognized the best classical university, the National Technical University "Kyiv Polytechnic Institute" was named the best technical higher educational institution, the Kyiv National Vadym Hetman Economic University - the best economic higher educational institution, the National Yaroslav the Wise Juridical Academy of Ukraine - the best juridical higher educational institution, the National Oleksandr Bohomolets Medical University - the best medical higher educational institution, the National Mykhaylo Drahomanov Pedagogical University - the best pedagogical higher educational institution, and the National Academy of Fine Art and Architecture was named the best art school.
The rating was drawn up following data by colleges and the Education Ministry, as well as upon opinions of Ukrainian personnel agencies and the Confederation of Employers of Ukraine. The main criteria were matriculation competitions and the appraisal of employers.
The Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University was recognized the best classical university, the National Technical University "Kyiv Polytechnic Institute" was named the best technical higher educational institution, the Kyiv National Vadym Hetman Economic University - the best economic higher educational institution, the National Yaroslav the Wise Juridical Academy of Ukraine - the best juridical higher educational institution, the National Oleksandr Bohomolets Medical University - the best medical higher educational institution, the National Mykhaylo Drahomanov Pedagogical University - the best pedagogical higher educational institution, and the National Academy of Fine Art and Architecture was named the best art school.
The rating was drawn up following data by colleges and the Education Ministry, as well as upon opinions of Ukrainian personnel agencies and the Confederation of Employers of Ukraine. The main criteria were matriculation competitions and the appraisal of employers.
Dnipropetrovsk National Mining University concludes agreements with universities of Germany and Poland
The National Mining University (Dnipropetrovsk) has concluded agreements on double supervision of candidate's or doctoral dissertations with the Technical University "Freiberg Mining Academy", the Brandenburg Technical University (both Germany) and the Krakow Mining-Metallurgical Academy (Poland).
Due to these agreements Ukrainian competitors for scientific decrees can now use German and Polish scientific equipment and receive double diplomas.
Higher education institutions of Canada have also expressed their interestedness in such cooperation.
Due to these agreements Ukrainian competitors for scientific decrees can now use German and Polish scientific equipment and receive double diplomas.
Higher education institutions of Canada have also expressed their interestedness in such cooperation.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Holidays in Ukraine
January 1. New Year. This is everybody's favorite holiday. Decorating the Christmas tree, going to New Year's parties, getting presents, - we love all this and impatiently wait for New Year's eve to come.
January 7. Orthodox Christmas. A great deal of old Ukrainian customs that go back to centuries ago are connected with Christmas. They are fortune telling, singing Christmas carols, cooking traditional Ukrainian Christmas dishes, going to church.
March 8. International Women's Day. This day is hugely popular among women in Ukraine as they receive flowers and chocolates from the men they know. They should not do any housework on this day.
Easter Day comes according to the lunar calendar. It could fall on any Sunday in April or May and is full of lovely traditions. Eggs are boiled and then painted brightly in different colors. Very special sweet Easter bread is baked, full of raisins. Often people will take food like the eggs and bread to the church to be blessed by a priest on Easter night.
1, 2 May - Labor Day. A traditional Soviet era holiday that is celebrated even now. In old times it was celebrated by numerous demonstrations of working people on the central streets of biggest cities. Nowadays it's just a good occasion to have another to have some rest. Some people visit public performances and concerts; the others prefer to have a picnic in the forest.
9 May - Victory Day. This is the day when people of Ukraine and other former Soviet Union republics celebrate the victory over the fascist Germany in 1945 and venerate the memory of 20 million Soviet people who put their lives on the altar of peace. That took life of nearly every 6th Ukrainian citizen. Because of its tragic content, the holiday is of lesser entertaining kind but instead it is celebrated with due in such cases respect. Celebration includes military parade and salutes.
Trinity Day - another great Orthodox holiday, which is celebrated on the 50-th day after Orthodox Easter.
28 June - Constitution Day. This holiday commemorates the adoption of Ukrainian constitution in 1996.
June 30. Day of Youth - On this day all young people celebrate their holiday. There are usually many interesting entertaining programs, concerts and performances organized by local authorities for this day.
24 Aug - Independence Day. This holiday is dedicated to the proclamation of Ukrainian independence from the USSR in 1991. Large public performances, concerts and festivals, competitions, and military parades are held this day.
If any of the above official holidays fall on Saturday or Sunday, it is customary for the following Monday to be an official public holiday. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine may also transfer Monday or Friday working days on a preceding or following Saturday if any of the above holidays fall on correspondingly Tuesday and Thursday.
January 7. Orthodox Christmas. A great deal of old Ukrainian customs that go back to centuries ago are connected with Christmas. They are fortune telling, singing Christmas carols, cooking traditional Ukrainian Christmas dishes, going to church.
March 8. International Women's Day. This day is hugely popular among women in Ukraine as they receive flowers and chocolates from the men they know. They should not do any housework on this day.
Easter Day comes according to the lunar calendar. It could fall on any Sunday in April or May and is full of lovely traditions. Eggs are boiled and then painted brightly in different colors. Very special sweet Easter bread is baked, full of raisins. Often people will take food like the eggs and bread to the church to be blessed by a priest on Easter night.
1, 2 May - Labor Day. A traditional Soviet era holiday that is celebrated even now. In old times it was celebrated by numerous demonstrations of working people on the central streets of biggest cities. Nowadays it's just a good occasion to have another to have some rest. Some people visit public performances and concerts; the others prefer to have a picnic in the forest.
9 May - Victory Day. This is the day when people of Ukraine and other former Soviet Union republics celebrate the victory over the fascist Germany in 1945 and venerate the memory of 20 million Soviet people who put their lives on the altar of peace. That took life of nearly every 6th Ukrainian citizen. Because of its tragic content, the holiday is of lesser entertaining kind but instead it is celebrated with due in such cases respect. Celebration includes military parade and salutes.
Trinity Day - another great Orthodox holiday, which is celebrated on the 50-th day after Orthodox Easter.
28 June - Constitution Day. This holiday commemorates the adoption of Ukrainian constitution in 1996.
June 30. Day of Youth - On this day all young people celebrate their holiday. There are usually many interesting entertaining programs, concerts and performances organized by local authorities for this day.
24 Aug - Independence Day. This holiday is dedicated to the proclamation of Ukrainian independence from the USSR in 1991. Large public performances, concerts and festivals, competitions, and military parades are held this day.
If any of the above official holidays fall on Saturday or Sunday, it is customary for the following Monday to be an official public holiday. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine may also transfer Monday or Friday working days on a preceding or following Saturday if any of the above holidays fall on correspondingly Tuesday and Thursday.
Language of Ukraine
Ukrainian is a language of the East Slavic subgroup of the Slavic languages. It is the official state language of Ukraine. Ukrainian uses a Cyrillic alphabet. It shares some vocabulary with the languages of the neighboring Slavic nations, most notably with Belarusian, Polish, Russian and Slovakian.
Beyond the polemics between several ideological conceptions, the continuous presence of Slavic settlements in Ukraine, since at least the sixth century, provides an underlying ethno-linguistic factual basis for the origins of the Ukrainian language. The westernmost areas of modern-day Ukraine lay to the south from the postulated homeland of the original Slavs.
Immigration of Slavic tribes to the Western Slavic and Southern Slavic portions of Eastern Europe led to the dissolution of Early Common Slavic into three groups by the seventh century (East Slavic, West Slavic, and South Slavic). During this time period, some East Slavic elements could have already provided a Slavic identity to the Antes civilization (of which nothing but an Iranian name is known).
The Ukrainian language is currently emerging from a long period of decline. Although there are almost fifty million ethnic Ukrainians worldwide, including 37.5 million in Ukraine (77.8% of the total population), only in western Ukraine is the Ukrainian language prevalent. In Kiev, both languages are spoken, a notable shift from the recent past when the city was primarily Russian speaking. The
shift is caused, largely, by an influx of the rural population and migrants from the western regions of Ukraine but also by some Kievans' turning to use the language they speak at home more widely in everyday matters. In northern and central Ukraine, Russian is the language of the urban population, while in rural areas Ukrainian is much more common. In the south and the east of Ukraine, Russian is prevalent even in rural areas, and in Crimea, Ukrainian is almost absent.
Use of the Ukrainian language in Ukraine can be expected to increase, as the rural population (still overwhelmingly Ukrainophone) migrates into the cities and the Ukrainian language enters into wider use in central Ukraine. The literary tradition of Ukrainian is also developing rapidly overcoming the consequences of the long period when its development was hindered by either direct suppression or simply the lack of the state encouragement policies.
The Ukrainian is a language of speech by ethnic Ukrainians that is approximately 36,894,000 people in the world. Most of the countries are either ex-USSR where a lot of Ukrainians migrated. Canada and the United States are also home to a large Ukrainian population. Broken up by country (to the nearest thousand):
Ukraine 31,058,000, Russia 4,363,000, Kazakhstan 898,000, United States 844,000, Moldova 600,000, Brazil 500,000, Hungary 300,000, Belarus 291,000, Canada 175,000, Uzbekistan 153,000, Poland 150,000, Kyrgyzstan 109,000, Slovakia 100,000, Argentina 100,000, Latvia 78,000, Romania 57,600 oth. countries
The Ukrainian language has six vowels. A number of the consonants come in three forms: hard, soft (palatalized) and long.
The alphabet of the Ukrainian language consists of 33 letters and is derived from the Cyrillic writing system. The modern Ukrainian alphabet is the result of a number of proposed alphabetic reforms from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, in Ukraine under the Russian Empire, in Austrian Galicia, and later in Soviet Ukraine. It was officially established at a 1927 international Orthographic Conference in Kharkiv.
The alphabet comprises thirty-three letters, representing thirty-eight phonemes (meaningful units of sound), and an additional sign—the apostrophe. Ukrainian orthography is based on the phonemic principle, with one letter generally corresponding to one phoneme, although there are a number of exceptions. The orthography also has cases where the semantic, historical, and morphological principles are applied.
Beyond the polemics between several ideological conceptions, the continuous presence of Slavic settlements in Ukraine, since at least the sixth century, provides an underlying ethno-linguistic factual basis for the origins of the Ukrainian language. The westernmost areas of modern-day Ukraine lay to the south from the postulated homeland of the original Slavs.
Immigration of Slavic tribes to the Western Slavic and Southern Slavic portions of Eastern Europe led to the dissolution of Early Common Slavic into three groups by the seventh century (East Slavic, West Slavic, and South Slavic). During this time period, some East Slavic elements could have already provided a Slavic identity to the Antes civilization (of which nothing but an Iranian name is known).
The Ukrainian language is currently emerging from a long period of decline. Although there are almost fifty million ethnic Ukrainians worldwide, including 37.5 million in Ukraine (77.8% of the total population), only in western Ukraine is the Ukrainian language prevalent. In Kiev, both languages are spoken, a notable shift from the recent past when the city was primarily Russian speaking. The
shift is caused, largely, by an influx of the rural population and migrants from the western regions of Ukraine but also by some Kievans' turning to use the language they speak at home more widely in everyday matters. In northern and central Ukraine, Russian is the language of the urban population, while in rural areas Ukrainian is much more common. In the south and the east of Ukraine, Russian is prevalent even in rural areas, and in Crimea, Ukrainian is almost absent.
Use of the Ukrainian language in Ukraine can be expected to increase, as the rural population (still overwhelmingly Ukrainophone) migrates into the cities and the Ukrainian language enters into wider use in central Ukraine. The literary tradition of Ukrainian is also developing rapidly overcoming the consequences of the long period when its development was hindered by either direct suppression or simply the lack of the state encouragement policies.
Ukrainophone population
The Ukrainian is a language of speech by ethnic Ukrainians that is approximately 36,894,000 people in the world. Most of the countries are either ex-USSR where a lot of Ukrainians migrated. Canada and the United States are also home to a large Ukrainian population. Broken up by country (to the nearest thousand):
Ukraine 31,058,000, Russia 4,363,000, Kazakhstan 898,000, United States 844,000, Moldova 600,000, Brazil 500,000, Hungary 300,000, Belarus 291,000, Canada 175,000, Uzbekistan 153,000, Poland 150,000, Kyrgyzstan 109,000, Slovakia 100,000, Argentina 100,000, Latvia 78,000, Romania 57,600 oth. countries
Language structure
The Ukrainian language has six vowels. A number of the consonants come in three forms: hard, soft (palatalized) and long.
The alphabet of the Ukrainian language consists of 33 letters and is derived from the Cyrillic writing system. The modern Ukrainian alphabet is the result of a number of proposed alphabetic reforms from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, in Ukraine under the Russian Empire, in Austrian Galicia, and later in Soviet Ukraine. It was officially established at a 1927 international Orthographic Conference in Kharkiv.
The alphabet comprises thirty-three letters, representing thirty-eight phonemes (meaningful units of sound), and an additional sign—the apostrophe. Ukrainian orthography is based on the phonemic principle, with one letter generally corresponding to one phoneme, although there are a number of exceptions. The orthography also has cases where the semantic, historical, and morphological principles are applied.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Ukraine - Verka Serduchka
Ukraine has quite a successful history of participation in Eurovision. Last year we got into the ten-top. Do you think you will manage to get into the top-ten or even to win? We don’t think of that because we are going to Eurovision as “a dove of peace”. Of course we would like to get into the top-ten. In fact I wish everybody could win but it’s impossible. The main thing is a good final concert for everybody to have a lot of pleasure and fun. And the reached places, these are just places.
What importance does a show have on stage of Eurovision?
Everything should be in the appropriate place. If it is to the point one should get out of the piano if it’s not - than the piano is needless.
What should we wait for from Verka Serduchka in Helsinki?
You should wait for Verka Serduchka! The most important task of the performance is that it must be rocking, with a smile and a good mood, for everybody to be positively stricken.
Are you going to promote your song in Europe at the moment?
As we’ve had the National Selection held very late we don’t have time for everything. There will be a single and also a video for the song “Dancing”, which we will bring to Helsinki as presents. Here is the meaning of the song. As Serduchka doesn’t know English, she calls to communicate in the language of dance and to dance to live, and not to live to dance.
There are some phrases in German, except for Ukrainian and English, in your song. Are you going to attract attention of the German speaking part of Europe in such way? I would like all the people to pay their attention to Serduchka. Certainly, it’s impossible to perform the song in all the languages so that it could be understood by everybody. I use German in the verses because it’s the language of order, as well as French is the language of love, Russian – of literature and Ukrainian and Italian – of a song. Each language is wonderful in its own way. When abroad I try to buy some music records performed in the language of the visited country, e.g. in Portugal – it’s in Portuguese, in France - French. Serduchka is a kind of a dancing-master and as for German - it just has come to the point.
Do you consider Eurovision to be a politicized contest?
It is, partially.
What do you want to say by your song?
I want call Europe to dance. Not to shoot, not to kill not to destroy but to dance!
What can you comment on the protest actions against Serduchka’s participation in Eurovision, in particular on the incineration of her effigy? It was very unpleasant. It was done by the people who wanted to advertise themselves owing to the popularity of this character. Only when European mass media had paid attention to this incident they apologized and said they realized their mistake.
How important is the victory and the possibility to host the contest one more time for Ukraine?
I should repeat I wish all the countries could win but it’s impossible. Let us suppose it would be Georgia – so it would be Georgia, if Ukraine – then it would be Ukraine. Nowadays Kyiv is more prepared to host the guests of Eurovision than it used to be. There are more hotels, many of which appeared owing to this contest… But let us not put the card before the horse.
Source: oikotimes.com
What importance does a show have on stage of Eurovision?
Everything should be in the appropriate place. If it is to the point one should get out of the piano if it’s not - than the piano is needless.
What should we wait for from Verka Serduchka in Helsinki?
You should wait for Verka Serduchka! The most important task of the performance is that it must be rocking, with a smile and a good mood, for everybody to be positively stricken.
Are you going to promote your song in Europe at the moment?
As we’ve had the National Selection held very late we don’t have time for everything. There will be a single and also a video for the song “Dancing”, which we will bring to Helsinki as presents. Here is the meaning of the song. As Serduchka doesn’t know English, she calls to communicate in the language of dance and to dance to live, and not to live to dance.
There are some phrases in German, except for Ukrainian and English, in your song. Are you going to attract attention of the German speaking part of Europe in such way? I would like all the people to pay their attention to Serduchka. Certainly, it’s impossible to perform the song in all the languages so that it could be understood by everybody. I use German in the verses because it’s the language of order, as well as French is the language of love, Russian – of literature and Ukrainian and Italian – of a song. Each language is wonderful in its own way. When abroad I try to buy some music records performed in the language of the visited country, e.g. in Portugal – it’s in Portuguese, in France - French. Serduchka is a kind of a dancing-master and as for German - it just has come to the point.
Do you consider Eurovision to be a politicized contest?
It is, partially.
What do you want to say by your song?
I want call Europe to dance. Not to shoot, not to kill not to destroy but to dance!
What can you comment on the protest actions against Serduchka’s participation in Eurovision, in particular on the incineration of her effigy? It was very unpleasant. It was done by the people who wanted to advertise themselves owing to the popularity of this character. Only when European mass media had paid attention to this incident they apologized and said they realized their mistake.
How important is the victory and the possibility to host the contest one more time for Ukraine?
I should repeat I wish all the countries could win but it’s impossible. Let us suppose it would be Georgia – so it would be Georgia, if Ukraine – then it would be Ukraine. Nowadays Kyiv is more prepared to host the guests of Eurovision than it used to be. There are more hotels, many of which appeared owing to this contest… But let us not put the card before the horse.
Source: oikotimes.com
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