Congratulations to the Ukrainian Youth Association on the 75th anniversary of the restoration of the organization in the diaspora.
On behalf of the Philadelphia Archeparchy, Bishop Borys Gudziak congratulated the Ukrainian Youth Association on the 75th anniversary of the restoration of the organization in the diaspora.
“I highly appreciate the contribution to public and church life made by people raised in CYM. At a time when the syndromes of alienation, skepticism, and cynicism are spreading, the organization that unites, educates, and directs young people to serve the common good is worth its weight in gold. Having survived a century of genocidal trauma, the Ukrainian people need individuals, leaders and organizations that do not stop at slogans, but serve others with humble organic work, ” noted Metropolitan Borys in a letter to the CYM World Board.
He expressed hope that the organization and its members be ready for fruitful service: “to live long, to serve faithfully, to sing melodically, to laugh heartily.”
About CYM:
The Ukrainian Youth Association originated from the youth wing of the Union for the Liberation of Ukraine in the 1920s. Its leading members were destroyed by Stalinist terror. After the end of World War II in 1945, thousands of Ukrainians found themselves in Germany, Austria, France, and Italy. Among them, 44.1% were young people between 10 and 29 years old. In 1946 a meeting of CYM organizers who wanted to restore the CYM ideals in the diaspora took place in Munich. As a result of much hard work, departments of the organization had been established by July 7, with about 200 active members. In 1947, the First Congress of the Ukrainian Youth Union was held, which adopted the CYM Charter and Program.
