THE HISTORY OF THE NATIVE LAND THROUGH THE PRISM OF THE UKRAINIAN-CANADIAN WRITER LYUBOV VASYLIV-BAZYUK’S LIFE AND WORKS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of Lyubov Vasyliv-Bazyuk’s life and works. The name of an unbroken woman, Volhynian by birth, is well known outside Ukraine. During World War II, she was forced to leave her native land, but she would return there more than once in decades, proving that her heart belongs to her fatherland. She is an example of a strong Ukrainian woman who has managed to remain faithful to her people. Today Lyubov Vasyliv-Bazyuk is a well-known writer, scholar, philanthropist, and a real patriot who, living overseas, in Toronto, does not lose touch with Volhynia. She takes care of the construction of Ukrainian churches, organizes fundraising for the restoration of the Volyn Theological Seminary, establishes scholarships for students, and writes books about events that are familiar to millions of Ukrainians. The creative and scientific heritage of Lyubov Vasyliv-Bazyuk, Honorary Professor of the Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, contains dozens of research articles, poems, and ten historical novels written on the basis of documentary materials, firsthand testimonies and her own personal memories. Her research articles and historical novels are devoted to the tragic events in the history of Ukraine and Volhynia in particular. The writer also covers important contemporary political events and social problems of Ukrainians both in Ukraine and abroad. She writes about her life and factors that influenced the formation of her character and her religious and political beliefs. Lyubov Vasyliv-Bazyuk sends copies of her books to Ukrainian universities, colleges, and libraries. For her great sacrificial work, Lyubov Vasyliv-Bazyuk was awarded the Orders of St. Nicholas, St. Barbara, and St. Cyril and Methodius. In 2019–2020 the life and works of Lyubov Vasyliv-Bazyuk were studied by scholars of the Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University and teachers of the Olena Pchilka Kovel City Gymnasium as part of a research project supported by the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies (Petro Czornyj Memorial Endowment Fund). A number of round-table discussions, seminars, scientific and artistic events were held.