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Myron devoted his life to his homeland. The center of his work was in Amsterdam at the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church and Ukrainian–American Citizens’ Club.  During Ukrainian Saturday school, he taught the Ukrainian language, history, and traditions.

A loyal son of Ukraine

By Bob Cudmore

   Myron Swidersky’s voice of support for his native Ukraine has passed from the scene as we near the nine month anniversary of the Russian invasion. 

   His voice was often heard on Amsterdam radio in support of Ukraine and of fund raising projects at local Ukrainian churches.

   Born in 1925 near Zolochiv, Ukraine, Swidersky grew up knowing his wife-to-be, Domna, from childhood.  They were married for 67 years, prior to her passing in 2016.

   In the mid 1940s, Myron and Domna escaped Russian and German fronts that were converging near their home village.  They lived in a displaced persons’ camp in Germany.  Myron learned English in preparation for their new life in the United States.  

   In 1951, they settled in New York’s Capital District area and quickly became involved in the local Ukrainian-American communities of Amsterdam, Watervliet, Cohoes, and Troy.

   Myron was a draftsman for American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in Schenectady and a mechanical engineer at Mechanical Technology Incorporated Turbonetics in Latham.  He retired as a chief engineer from Atlas Copco Comptec in Voorheesville.

   Myron devoted his life to his homeland. The center of his work was in Amsterdam at the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church and Ukrainian–American Citizens’ Club.  During Ukrainian Saturday school, he taught the Ukrainian language, history, and traditions.

   As president of the Amsterdam Branch of the Organization for the Defense of the Four Freedoms for Ukraine, he chaired the greatly anticipated annual Ukrainian Easter Bazaar for more than 30 years.  He was also president of the local branch of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) and active within the Ukrainian–American Youth Association.

Tomorrow, Monday, November 28, 2022 The Story Behind the Story "Ukarine" More about Myron Swidersky

   Myron is survived by his daughters, Martha Swidersky and Iryna (Wolodymyr) Kohut; granddaughter Adriana Kohut (Gabriel) Galvao; great-granddaughter Sofia; nephews Bohdan and Ivan Kwasowsky; and nieces and their families as well as extended family in Ukraine.  He is predeceased by his younger sister and brother, Irena Kwasowsky and Orest Swidersky.

   Interment will be in St. Nicholas Cemetery, Widow Susan Road, Amsterdam.

   The history of Ukrainians in America goes back more than 200 years; possibly even farther. Individuals arrived perhaps as early as 1607, at the time of the founding of the Jamestown Colony in Virginia. Ukrainian names have appeared on the roster of enlisted men in both the American Revolutionary War and Civil War.

   Mass immigration of Ukrainians did not begin until 1875, and followed a pattern of four major waves: 1) 1875–1914; 2) 1920–1939; 3) 1947–1955; and 4) post-1991, after Ukraine declared its independence on August 24 of that year.  Although each group faced unique problems in the United States, the first group set the basic groundwork for future generations.

   The first Ukrainians to migrate to Amsterdam did so about 1903.  These early settlers included Simon Kolodeychuk and Elias Yurkwych.

   St. Nicholas Brotherhood formed in 1907 with 26 members from Amsterdam and other communities.  Construction of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Amsterdam began that year on Pulaski Street.  The church was completed and dedicated to St. Nicholas in 1910. 

   There were about 70 Ukrainian families in Amsterdam before World War I.  In 1914 the Sisterhood of the Immaculate Conception of Mary started. 

   At St. Nicholas in Amsterdam in the twenties and thirties, the church sponsored an orchestra, dance troupe and dramatic group.

Off the digital press Next Month

Friday, December 2, 2022

Episode 451-Environmental educator Anita Sanchez is author of Meltdown: Discover Earth’s Irreplaceable Glaciers And Learn What You Can Do To Save Them.

Friday, December 9, 2022

Episode 452-New York City correspondent Jim Kaplan looks at the Revolutionary War historical importance of Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette.

Mohawk Valley Weekend Weather, Sunday, November 27, 2022

Rain, mainly after 1pm. High near 48. Light and variable wind becoming east 5 to 8 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight
Rain before 9pm, then showers, mainly between 9pm and midnight. Low around 37. East wind 7 to 16 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Monday
A chance of showers, mainly before 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Northwest wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
 
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The HistoriansBy Bob Cudmore