To mark Ukrainian Literacy and Language Day, as part of the national project “Side by Side: United Communities,” the Ocheretynska settlement community and the Starobohorodchanska rural community came together for a creative online event dedicated to the beauty of the Ukrainian language, poetry, and love for their native tongue.
Special guests at the event were Svitlana Fomenko, a poet from Donetsk Oblast, and her sister Olena Konyushok—a collector, editor, and publisher of poetry anthologies.
The gathering began with heartfelt remarks about the importance of the Ukrainian language in each of our lives and its special role in preserving national identity. Svitlana Fomenko’s verses dedicated to the Donetsk region—a land of vast steppes, cherished memories, and resilient people—resonated deeply.
Equally fascinating was the conversation with Olena Konyushok, who spoke about her collaboration with her sister, the nuances of editing poetry, and the journey of a manuscript from draft to finished collection.
The highlight of the event was Svitlana Fomenko’s reading of her own poems. Each poem revealed a unique world of emotions, memories, love for her native land, and faith in the strength of the human spirit. And the songs performed by Svitlana and Olena added a special warmth, sincerity, and family-like coziness to the event.
The participants also actively took part in the gathering. Together, they created a symbolic treasure trove of beautiful Ukrainian words and shared their impressions of the poetry they heard. Every comment was filled with love, gratitude, and hope.
May the Ukrainian language be spoken in every family, live in our hearts, inspire us to do good deeds, and remain an integral part of our cultural heritage!
According to information from the Ocheretine Settlement Military Administration