Holodomor post-weekend round-up – Nov 24 2008

Taras from Ukrainiana has provided an excellent primer on the Holodomor.  He also reported from Kyiv Holodomor commemorations.

Pope speaks to Ukrainian pilgrims of 1930s famine

From the Associated Press:

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday prayed that no political ideology would ever again cost people their freedom and dignity, as he recalled the millions who died from famine in Ukraine and other Soviet regions under dictator Josef Stalin.

The pontiff spoke in Ukrainian to pilgrims from that country in St. Peter’s Square, and noted that this month marks the anniversary of Holodomor, or Death by Hunger, as the famine is known in Ukraine.

Benedict said he prayed that “nations go forward on the paths of reconciliation and build the present and the future in reciprocal respect and in the sincere search for peace.”

Pope Benedicts words are a lot more bipartisan than his more charasmatic predecessor Pope John Paul II – don’t expect much help from them!

Ukrainian-Canadians mark famine’s 75th anniversary

From Sympatico/MSN news:

Ukrainian-Canadians spent Saturday marking the 75th anniversary of the Holodomor, the nightmarish famine that killed millions in the Ukraine in the early 1930s.

National Holodomor Awareness Week in Canada begins this weekend with candlelight vigils and other events Saturday, and memorial services at Ukrainian churches across the country on Sunday.

Also in the article is a great news clip from Edmonton.

Holodomor news round-up – Oct 22 2008