200th Anniversary of the Birth of Taras Shevchenko

Canadians Celebrate 200th Anniversary 

of the Birth of Taras Shevchenko

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) invites Ukrainian Canadians to celebrate the 200^th anniversary of the birth of Taras Shevchenko, poet, painter and humanist, as we join the world in dedicating 2014 as the Year of Shevchenko.  March 9^th has been a special day of gathering and remembrance among Ukrainian’s for many decades, celebrating the birth of Ukraine’s bard recognized for his significant artistic work and contributions to the formation of a Ukrainian national identity.  This year we invite our community to undertake commemorate events and projects throughout this special bicentennial year.

Few men have had a more profound impact on Ukraine than Taras Shevchenko; his contributions are immeasurable.   During the 47 years of his brief but relentless life, Shevchenko produced numerous poems and artworks, which are valued and respected by nations around the world. His most prominent work Zapovit (Testament) was translated into over 100 languages.   And today as the citizens of Ukraine rise up in the name of democracy, freedom and their right to self-determination, the words of Taras Shevchenko remain close to their and our hearts.   Shevchenko’s poetry contributed to the growth of Ukrainian national consciousness, and his influence on Ukrainian intellectual, literary, and national life is still felt to this day.

As the entire year of 2014 will be devoted to the recognition of Taras Shevchenko, UCC encourages community organizations to remember the impact of Shevchenko’s work throughout the year and commemorate his life and legacy through art, word, and song.   

“We encourage our community, particularly our youth, to be involved in events remembering Shevchenko” says UCC President Paul Grod.  “This year is about commemoration and continuing Shevchenko’s legacy by creating new works of art or written word about what this world-renowned poet means to us today.” 

We also invite you to share video vignettes and photographs of your events and activities on our special Facebook page at www.facebook.com/UCCShevchenko200.  This site has been established to help promote your events as well as share with communities around the world the activities of our Ukrainian Canadian community.