Ukrainian Identity of Lemkos by the Example of Activity of the Defense Organization of Lemko Western Ukraine in America

Abstract

The Organization for Defense of Lemko Western Ukraine in America, Inc. (OOL) is one of the oldest and most influential Lemkos organizations in the United States. It was necessary for them to help families in the homeland. Material assistance was donated in large part to Ukrainian schools, churches, artistic ensembles, and Ukrainian educational institutions. OOL was formed in 1936 in Philadelphia and began to publish the monthly „Lemkivskiy Dzvin”. With the arrival of the Second World War, OOL halted its activities.
In 1958 OOL began to publish the monthly „Lemkivski Visti”. Having its own press organ OOL grew significantly during this time. It founded new branches, as well as increased the number of fundraisers to help the Lemko region, increased the number of subscribers to the newspaper. }e National Council of OOL in 1976 called to life the Lemko Research Foundation. From 1979 OOL publish „Lemkivshchyna” in place of „Lemkivski Visti”. Under the direction of OOL exists the Ukrainian Lemko Museum in Stamford. Members of the organization call themselves as Ukrainians. In their opinion Lemkivshchyna is a part of Ukraine.