The Ukrainian Cultural Society “Prosvita” in Argentina recently marked its 100th anniversary. A delegation from the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), led by Paul Grod, joined celebrations that took place over a period of several days and began in the Golden Hall of the Buenos Aires City Council on August 7th.
UWC President Paul Grod extended his congratulations to the Ukrainian community on this significant milestone. “We know that Ukraine’s independence has always united Ukrainians in Argentina. With the onset of Russia’s full-scale aggression, your Society has further mobilized to defend and support the affected Ukrainian people. The substantial humanitarian assistance you initiated since the first days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and your advocacy for Ukrainian interests deserve special thanks today,” Paul Grod emphasized in his speech.
On behalf of the multi-million Ukrainian diaspora, Paul Grod awarded an honorary diploma to the “Prosvita” Cultural Society in Argentina and bestowed a special distinction upon its President, Jorge Danylyshyn.
The ceremony included Argentine dignitaries and lawmakers, including Marc Stanley, the U.S. Ambassador to Argentina; Marcia Levaggi, the Undersecretary of foreign policy at Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Matías López, the First Vice President of the Buenos Aires City Council; members of the diplomatic corps; and numerous representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora.
The UWC delegation also traveled to Berisso, a picturesque city 60 kilometers south of Buenos Aires, to congratulate the Ukrainian community on the 100th anniversary of “Prosvita.” Back in 1924, the first Ukrainian settlers in Berisso established the “Moloda Hromada,” which eventually blossomed into a branch of the “Prosvita” Cultural Society. This branch was instrumental in founding the Ukrainian Cultural Society “Prosvita” in the Argentine Republic, an organization cherished by us all today.
On Saturday, anniversary celebrations continued with a “Together for Ukraine” concert, featuring performances by the “Prosvita” dance ensemble, as well as with artists from Poland, Lithuania, Spain, and Italy. The event attracted a lot of interest and expectation, finally drawing an audience of nearly a thousand people.
Paul Grod and Jorge Danylyshyn delivered formal speeches, extending their congratulations to the members and guests of the “Prosvita” Society. The UWC President commended the organization for preserving traditions and wished it continued prosperity for the entire Ukrainian community.
On the morning of Sunday, August 11, a solemn Divine Liturgy and memorial service were held at the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Protection. The Ukrainian community prayed under the guidance of Bishop Daniel Kozlinsky, Eparch of the UGCC, and Father Vadym Drobnytsia of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church.
The clergy also held a memorial service for “Prosvita” Society members who have passed away and also for the soldiers who have given their lives for Ukraine’s freedom.
The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of Taras Shevchenko opened the service and performed “Bozhe velykyi iedynyi” to conclude the event.
The final stage of the “Prosvita” centennial celebration was the inauguration of the “Prometheus” library and documentary center, which will now be housed in the “Prosvita” Society’s premises in Buenos Aires.
The project is being carried out in cooperation with the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at the University of Alberta (Canada), headed by Prof. Natalia Khanenko-Friesen.
Argentinian journalists with experience of being correspondents in Ukraine covered the event, with the UWC delegation in attendance. Jorge Danylyshyn presented them with awards, and medals were also given to members of the “Prosvita” Society.
