On November 25, 2024, the Ukrainian Foundation held a Holodomor Remembrance event for the Ukrainian community in the Portland metro area. Community members gathered at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church to honor the victims of the Holodomor. This man-made famine claimed the lives of millions of Ukrainians in what was then Soviet Ukraine from 1932 to 1933.
Tetiana Pytel, the event’s host, created and shared a visual presentation detailing the timeline of the Holodomor. She also incorporated facts about two other famines into her narration. Many attendees admitted they had never learned about these famines in school but had heard stories from their families. Everyone was genuinely moved by the recollections and appreciated Tetiana’s presentation and wealth of historical detail.
A highlight of the evening was Tetyana Chub’s performance of three lyrical compositions, including “Plyve Kacha,” a well-known Ukrainian folk mourning song. This song served as a poignant reminder of what unites us in grief. Tetyana’s soulful singing resonated deeply with everyone present. Her powerful voice conveyed the pain and suffering endured by those who experienced the famine, paying tribute to those who perished during this tragic period in Ukraine’s history.
At the event, attendees had the opportunity to share their own family stories related to the Holodomor. They also made candles to light later at home and placed them on their windowsills at sunset to remember all Holodomor victims.
At its 82nd Oregon Legislative Assembly in 2023, the Oregon legislature designated the fourth Saturday of November each year as Holodomor Remembrance Day. Senate Bill 583 aims to raise awareness about one of the greatest human life losses in the 20th century.
The Ukrainian Foundation extends its gratitude to everyone who helped organize the Holodomor Remembrance event and to those who attended and shared their personal stories. The gathering served as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the importance of commemorating those who suffered and perished during one of history’s darkest chapters. Participating in events like this helps unite our community and preserves our shared history.
We would also like to thank Father Volodymyr Yavorskyi and St. John the Baptist UOC in Portland for allowing us to use the church’s facilities to host this event.
