Druzhynyky Conference

Toronto CYM’s Oselia “Weselka” in Acton, Ontario, Canada was host to the World Conference of Druzhynyky during the dates of Friday June 20^th until Sunday June 22^nd where Bohdana Bahriy, Olga Tymouch and Michael Kowal represented CYM Chicago -Mykola Pavlushkov branch.  This conference gave the 60 druzhynyky from the United States and Canada an opportunity to share programs that work well at their branches, collaborate on new ideas and events and start planning our next conference.  There was also time to walk around the beautiful Oselia, hang out by the bonfire, catch up with old friends and create new ones.

    During the conference, we had the opportunity to listen to some very interesting speakers who relayed their past experiences that at times made you feel like you were standing next to them at Maidan Square in Kyiv or sitting next to them at one of the roundtable discussions with many powerful leaders.  The speakers gave us real life and true accounts that they themselves experienced without any media twists or biased opinions.  Our speakers were Mr. Stefko Bandera, professor Taras Kuzio, the President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Pavlo Grod and Professor Volodymyr Zaryckyj.  They kept us all on the edge of our seats as they told us the true trials and tribulations Ukraine has gone through in the last 8 months, the misleading propaganda coming from Russian controlled media and about the suffering the Ukrainian people have endured. Our hosts Lesia Harhaj and Lida Jendzjowsky concluded the night with refreshments and a very intense game of Trivia.  Our conference ended on Sunday with Liturgy at the chapel and we also took part in the event “Sviato Vesny” which is opening of the summer season for the CYM youth.  After the event ended, we all packed up our luggage, exchanged information and said our goodbyes.

This 3-day conference brought 60 young students and professionals together to take a moment to remember the past, change the present and focus on the future as we are what will become of CYM.

Druh Michael Kowal