Holodomor 1932–1933: Memory, Prayer, and Testimony
Today, we want to tell you about how this tragedy was commemorated in the United States in 1983. That year marked the 50th anniversary of this horrific genocide of the Ukrainian people, who remained under Soviet occupation. Ukrainians in America worked to share the truth about this atrocity with American society. At that time, the end of November was not yet designated as the official period to remember the Holodomor, so memorial events occurred at various times throughout the year.
One of the first major events covered by the press in Washington, DC, was a protest on May 21, 1983, in front of the Soviet Embassy. Initially peaceful, the protest escalated as participants broke through barricades and police lines in an attempt to bring their message about the genocide closer to the embassy.
On June 12, Bishop Vasyl Losten, together with clergy, led a parastas (memorial service) for the victims of the Holodomor at Holy Spirit Cemetery in Hamptonburgh, NY. Prior to the service, attendees listened to speeches about the Holodomor and the Stalinist regime, delivered in both English and Ukrainian by Dr. Archimandrite Victor Pospishil and Fr. Michael Peretyatko, S.Ss.R.
The largest event of 1983, which significantly raised awareness of the 1932–1933 famine, was a demonstration in Washington, DC, on October 2, 1983. On that day, more than 10,000 Ukrainians gathered near the Washington Monument and the Soviet Embassy. Participants came not only from the United States but also from Canada, Europe, and Australia. The demonstration remained peaceful, featuring speeches by representatives of Ukrainian organizations and churches, as well as members of the American government. That evening, a Ukrainian concert was held at Carnegie Hall.
Four days before the demonstration, four priests—including the current dean of the New Jersey Deanery, Fr. Taras Lonchyna—fasted and prayed for the Holodomor victims in front of the Soviet Embassy. For their actions, two of them, Fr. Peter Galadza and Lutheran pastor John Shep, were arrested by police. The group also included Orthodox priest Fr. Andriy Partekevych.
These events in 1983 marked the beginning of a large-scale movement for the recognition of the Holodomor as a genocide of the Ukrainian people. Over 40 years have passed since then, and through our memory, prayers, and testimony, the world has come to acknowledge the Holodomor as genocide and accept the truth it once overlooked.
Now, our people are enduring yet another genocide. Once again, we must pray and bear witness so that the world hears us and sees the truth.
