Roman Hruby for New Pathway, Ottawa.
In Ottawa, on June 24th, 2016 at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Assumption (Dormition) of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a farewell dinner reception was hosted by the Counsellor of the Ukrainian Embassy, Marko Shevchenko and his lovely talented wife, Olesia. It was a beautiful evening of song, dance, tasty food and comradery. About 80 people attended. Olesia sang wonderful romantic songs interspersed with poetry readings that she read together with three other ladies. The songs and the readings were so moving that they brought some members of the audience to tears.
Marko Shevchenko has served, with great distinction, for five years at the Ukrainian Embassy. He was the Charge d’Affaires, for long periods of time. He established very close relations with the Ukrainian community throughout the most difficult and dangerous times that Ukraine has recently experienced.
While representing Ukraine, his heart was with the courageous protestors and heroes of the Maidan. His own father, Oleksandr Shevchenko, a Member of the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament), stood in the Maidan during those dangerous times at great personal risk. After the success of the Revolution of Dignity, Marko aptly and effectively represented the interests of Ukraine during Putin’s illegal occupation and annexation of Crimea; Putin’s support of the terrorists, mercenaries and criminals in the Donbas; and then Putin’s covert and not so covert invasion of the Donbas region. Marko helped to sensitize the Canadian media and the Government to Putin’s criminal and heinous behaviour towards Ukraine and helped to mobilize substantial Canadian support for Ukraine.
Marko’s charming and impressively talented wife, Olesia, in her way contributed much. She was always ready to participate in the community’s activities – whether through teaching at the Ukrainian School, or carolling or singing in the church choir, or singing the national anthems or participating in cultural programs, including those of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. Her singing was most inspirational.
Both Marko and Olesia plan to participate in the second Ukrainian Capital Festival, July 21-24, 2016 before leaving for Ukraine.
The Ukrainian community is profoundly sad to see these wonderful representatives of Ukraine leave Ottawa. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the Ukrainian National Federation, the Ukrainian Professional and Business Association and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – all in turn presented them with special gifts in appreciation for all that they had done.
Although they are leaving, which is part of the normal life of diplomats, they will remain in the hearts of the community. Many are hoping to see Marko and Olesia Shevchenko back in Ottawa someday.
Roman Hruby is Vice President, Ukrainian National Federation, Ottawa-Gatineau Branch
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