When the Russian invasion began February 24, 2022 I became completely determined to get involved- however that may be.

I also became obsessed with learning everything there is to know about my heritage. Growing up, I really loved the Ukrainian culture although I did not get to grow up with it like I would have liked because there was no Ukrainian community in Cincinnati at that time. When my dad came to America, his family lived in Cleveland, Ohio which has a very large Ukrainian and Polish community. I’d visit my тітка at her house for these lovely Christmas parties and I’d marvel over the native speakers.

I’d beg them to speak to me in Ukrainian language and they would say something along the lines of “чому слід я сказав що-небудь? Bам не розумієте що я сказати.” Or, “why should I say anything? You don’t understand what I am saying.” And I would just stare at them with so much adoration, desperate to one day know the language and know what they were saying.

Fast forward to now, and I am so proud to announce that I have spent the last year and a half learning українськa мова and still continue my lessons. I feel most confident in reading & writing.

I joined the UNWLA – BRANCH 144, CINCINNATI almost one year ago in October 2022. In that time I have been showered with culture, education, and friendship with other Ukrainian women.

We just hosted our Ukrainian Summer Food Festival last month which was such a beautiful day. The food was delicious, the performances were SO good, there was a basket raffle, children’s activities, vendors selling Ukrainian souvenirs and arts. It was a day full of smiles and laughter and good people and full bellies. We raised $35,000 to aquire medical supplies for a hospital in Kherson region that was destroyed in a devastating flood that happened on June 5, 2023. I am so happy to be a part of it.

Other Events we have hosted this year:

• We also ran the 5K in The Flying Pig Marathon to raise money for a Rehabilitation Center in Ukraine and we walked in the Reds Opening Day Parade.

• We held the very first Ukrainian church service in Ukrainian language in Cincinnati at St. James Antiochian Orthodox Church with Archibishop Daniel. It was so beautiful and included baptisms & in usual Ukrainian fashion- a large, delicious luncheon afterwards.

Our branch also began a Ukrainian Library this year as well and shared a Ukrainian cartoon- Mavka, Forest Song.

We have an upcoming powerful photo exhibit at the Xavier University Art Gallery beginning September 22 to showcase the destruction and devastation to the beautiful Mariupol, Ukraine as a result of the Russian Invasion as well as the resilience and strength of the Ukrainians who live there. It is a tribute to those who lost their lives in this horrific event and the ones who continue to live there and rebuild their town today. Opening Night is September 22 from 5-7 pm, please join us.

Fine Arts & Cultural Classes:

Ukrainian School

My kids began українськa школа which opened in February (2023) and absolutely love it! Ella and Mia went to elementary class while Sasha, Athena, & sometimes Moses went to preschool class. They began learning українськa мова as well through the school. They have been learning the history & culture as well and have been making friendships & memories. Even my 3 year old, Athena, can write her name in both English & Ukrainian language now.

We had our year end “graduation” celebration, then had a break for summer, but we just started back up in September and our family is so excited! Sasha joined the elementary group and Moses will be joining the preschool group this year.

This has been a dream come true to be able to be so immersed into my heritage and involve my children in it as well. Watching them take part in Ukrainian Children’s Day was so special for me. I am so happy they get to be raised in the Ukrainian community.

U4U Program

We also sponsored a family from Ukraine to bring to live in the United States. A family of 3 (mom, dad, and baby boy). Because we live in a very modest home, we asked to be matched with a family who did not require living accommodations.

It was a great experience. I am so pleased with and impressed by our family. They are already thriving here in America and quite honestly doing much better than us already! They are very kind people who want the very best life for their son and future children and I am so honored to be able to be part of their story.

If you are interested in bringing a Ukrainian or Ukrainian Family to live in the US, you can find more information about the Uniting For Ukraine Program HERE. The program is free & could really save a life.

Friendship

I have loved building friendships with these women and other members of the Ukrsinian dispora. They are the kindest, most caring, accepting, talented, determined, genuine women I have ever met. They have welcomed with me open arms and have showered me with culture, gifts, memories, delicious foods, education, and friendship. They have taught me the importance of coziness, how to be a better hostess, how to do more for others. They have taught me the importance of a community and how together with the right people anything can be accomplished no matter what it takes. I am so grateful and thankful for these women, and the ones I don’t have photos with every single day of my life. I can’t wait to see what this next year brings!

Until next time ♡ Mama Morozov