sense that I could get back as a helper, I could be helpful, useful and maybe even work at this strange but persistent Slavic fever. And so, four years later he was in the Ukraine! Kiev, June 22, 1992: first each healer makes a presentation which will be followed by 3-day workshops and the people will choose which to attend. Not My Will but Thy Will, Oh Lord! Or Not My-Kraine but U-kraine 20 years have passed since that day when we heard for the first time the word Subud from the stage of a big conference room first in Kiev and then in Cherkassy. Emmanuel (then Seth) Aronie caem to Ukraine from the USA together with a group of hypnotherapists and healers on the program-trip called A Healing Arts Workshop Program in the Soviet Union (hypnotism, fire walking, aerobics, meditation, etc). Among them there were good acquaintances of his who had invited him to join them ( I asked if it would be within the guidelines of the program to present Subud, and the answer was yes ). Mysterious are the ways of God. We don t know why He chose this person, an American who had become a helper not long before, to bring Subud to Ukraine. As Emmanuel recalls, he does not know why he felt drawn to this part of the world (his roots are in Lithuania, though), why he started studying Russian (when he came to Ukraine, he could speak Russian fairly well). Do you know how it feels to suddenly get a constantly available energy to do something? Well, that year it was, and still is, Russian for me. In his letter from Kiev to Subud USA, Seth wrote: First night in Kiev, about 300 people showed up for the general session, in which all the ten healers made their presentations. My introduction went for six or seven minutes, with translation. But before I made this short talk, I already felt some light energies. In fact, as particular people took their seats in the audience, I felt several times an impulse inside. As you might expect, these were the people who ended up coming to the Subud workshop and being interested in the latihan. In Cherkassy, a city one eighth the size of Kiev, 22 people came back a second time and signed the book. In Kiev, 31 people 22 women and nine men signed up. The gender breakdown in Cherkassy was similar 16 women and six men. Why the women were more touched, I have no idea. The great majority reported having significant inner experiences, before or during the workshops. Seth had no choice but to start applicants meetings (men and women together, for which we jokingly called him papa-mama). He was staying in Kiev and coming to Cherkassy every two weeks. In so doing, he kept up a correspondence with the International Helpers. Several years before his visit to Ukraine, Seth began studying Slavic languages and in 1987 toured Poland, Russia and Scandinavia in 25 wonderful days, leaving Poland with a strong 1 IH Kadariyah Gardiner (centre in white) with members) After two months the IHs Kadariyah Gardiner and Leonard Lasalle assisted by Istafiyah
Is'harc, a Russian speaking helper from England, came to conduct the first openings. In all, a startling total of 98 people were finally opened in Ukraine and almost all sang and moved straight away. As Emmanuel wrote afterwards, I thought, maybe ten people will be opened in one city, maybe five in another. A friend, a Subud member, helped me tremendously with a gift of money to get me here, and he said: 'Just send me news that just one member has been opened there, and that will be all I need.' So, I was overjoyed when I could tell him that 98 people had been opened. And now even more. Emmanuel did not leave us but stayed in the Ukraine for a year shuttling from Kiev to Cherkassy to do the latihan with his new brothers and sisters and talk about the latihan. This was very important for strengthening Subud in the Ukraine. In autumn Subud started spreading: people in two more cities Dnepropetrovsk and Kharkov got interested in Subud which resulted in the establishment of Subud groups there. First National Chairman David Berdinskikh in the middle foreground The Meeting was held in a small hotel attached to the woods in the outskirts of Cherkassy. We greeted the guests with salt and bread. And there was a lot of fun amateur performances, singing, dancing, walks to the beach, etc Afterwards Emmanuel visited Ukraine several times, working as a teacher of English in Kiev and Cherkassy, regularly visiting all Subud groups, participating in applicant meetings and openings, helpers activities, formal and informal meetings, parties and talks being such a good example of service, respectful attitude to the Latihan and surrender to God. By the way, the 2008 Zonal meeting was held in Cherkassy, at the same place where our first and some other national congresses were organized. Emmanuel Aronie in the middle with Kiev members 2003 When Seth told us he was going to leave in May 1993, we decided to invite all those who were opened in the Ukraine to Cherkassy for a farewell meeting to say good-bye to Seth and invite other brothers and sisters from abroad to join and share our joy, as we put it in the announcement which we sent to Subud Voice. We did not know at that time that so many people would come together with the International helpers, that the meeting would turn into the first Subud Ukraine congress where we would hear explanations about the Subud organization and the IHs would help us test and elect our first National chair Alexander (now David) Berdinskikh. We were really a spoilt child in the Subud world: our Subud brothers and sisters from abroad kept visiting us and supporting in all aspects spiritually, morally and financially. At our last Congress (or, rather, a meeting as there were almost no organizational issues on the agenda) on August 24-26 we remembered with gratitude and love all those who were with us all these years. Here are some names: Sharif Horthy, his wife Tuti and his mother Rahmaniyah Bowden. They came to Kiev on a short but very fruitful visit just a month after the first openings. Three women helpers from Moscow where Subud was established in 1990 also attended the meeting in Kiev. I remember how excited and adventurous we, a group of Subud members from Cherkassy, felt when going for the first time together by 2
hydrofoil boat to Kiev where we were met by Seth. Rahmaniyah recalls: It was a big surprise when Sharif and Tuti informed me that during our time together in August, they planned to visit Kiev and had a ticket for me! I was going to Hungary for the 50 th anniversary of my husband s Sharif father s death. There was a lot of publicity in the Hungarian press and I was publishing a book on the circumstances of this tragedy, and the book was to come out on that date. I was asked to attend a press conference and give a long TV interview. At these events I was talking about and seeing pictures all the time of Kiev, where I had met my husband for the last time, 50 years ago! I was a war-nurse in Kiev and he came to visit me from the front line 2 days before he was killed. And now Sharif, Tuti and I were returning there! Seeing Kiev again was very moving to me, but obviously I had to shut this away as it was not what we were there for now. The meeting was so full of content, so fruitful and at the same time so enjoyable. Especially when we went to the river Dnieper to swim or just to relax in the open air and talk, talk about our first experience of the latihan. Helena Milan from England lived for almost a year in Cherkassy and made trips together with Emmanuel to other Subud groups. Helena Milan is from UK. She decided to spend some time in Ukraine for herself, traveling there alone by train. In Warsaw all her belongings were stolen (luckily, she kept her handbag with money with her). We tried to surround her with care while she was waiting for a parcel with clothes from UK. In 2007 we met her in the Subud camp in the Crimea. Lucia and Raynor Witt, helpers from England were among the first visitors and left wonderful memories of their visit.. Patricia Lacey (we lovingly called her Patrisha) who came to attend one of our national congresses and then stayed in Ukraine for some time, particularly in winter, visited Subud groups in Cherkassy and Kiev, and was so brave, at her age, to go by an overnight train to Dnepropetrovsk and Kharkov. She gave English lessons, shared her reminiscences about Bapak with many funny stories that caused a roar of laughter among us. Hamilton and Hassanah Wilson as IHs at that time. Especially memorable was our 2 nd national congress in Kiev. It was a dramatic time for the Cherkassy group. We were going by bus to Kiev and bringing our problem with us (there was a conflict in the group) hoping that IHs will administer justice. During congress events we waited and waited for Hamilton to handle the problem of the Cherkassy group. But there was always no time, something else was happening; however, on the last day when it was already time for us to leave, we came up to Hamilton to remind him about our problem. He said OK and proposed a series of tests to the helpers. The topic was forgiveness (How I forgive my brother and how God wants me to forgive, etc ). We were waiting for the helpers to come out of the room and when they appeared, we were amazed by changes in their faces, by an otherworldly look in their eyes. We asked them what the result was, but they were just smiling. And at that moment the Cherkassy group was asked to get on the bus, people gathered around the bus, the process of hugs and kisses, tears and laughing started. And all of a sudden the tension was gone, we did not want to solve the problem any more. in short, we were joking and singing all the way back home. Later the helpers shared their receiving with us, telling how they started falling, one by one, to their knees during testing overwhelmed by a deep feeling of love and forgiveness. Osanna Vaughn in her numerous Subud functions (even as a WAS chairlady!) visited the Ukraine several times. Very straightforward, knowledgeable and open to contacts, a person of creativity, humor and so many talents her playing the guitar and singing are still in our memories. Ilaina Lennard, editor of Subud Voice and a big friend of Subud Ukraine. When she learned from Emmanuel that Subud came to Ukraine, she immediately organized a free subscription to the Subud Voice for all the Ukrainian groups and for our translations and publications unit. It was a very precious gift because it helped us feel part of the world Subud brotherhood. Harold Temple of Ukrainian origin from Australia visited us several times, living for many months in the Ukraine. He helped us start 3
the translation and publication of Bapak s talks. His approach was very scrupulous. He devoted great attention to explanations about the spiritual meaning of this project and worked individually with each translator of the newly established translation group. And we did a lot of testing. We remember our many hours talks about many things with him. Being an ardent patriot, he initially persuaded us to do the translations into Ukrainian. But gradually he realized that translations into Russian will serve many more members in the territory of the former Soviet Union where Russian was a common language. He bought the first computers with his own money and then organized funds from Subud worldwide. All this was very inspiring to us. We pay tribute to Harold and were grieved to learn that he recently passed away. At present, thanks to the World Subud Association, Subud Publications International (SPI) and the Gerrand-Hermes Foundation, we have a well functioning translation unit (22 volumes of Bapak s talks, about 150 Ibu Rahayu s talks, the autobiography and Susila Budhi Dharma by Y.M. Bapak, 20 books and booklets by Subud authors, four sets of information for applicants approved by ISC. Special thanks to Leonard Hurd, Istafiah and Ridwan Is'harc, Maxwell Shorter and Tuti & Sharif Horthy for their consultations and clarifications concerning translations and publications. of several Subud entrepreneurs. The purpose of the Fund was to help Ukrainian Subud members start their own small business and further direct and teach them in this process. They came several times to conduct workshops where they were explaining about the purpose of the Fund and, in general, about how to start and run enterprises. Afterwards they came several times to visit the newly established enterprises in Kiev and Cherkassy. Unfortunately, due to Ukrainian currency default in 1998 and other reasons, most enterprises failed, but the experience was tremendous. And we will always remember with warmth their willingness to help, to share their experience, to give advice despite being themselves so far away and busy. All our Zonal Reps, among them our beloved Mark Merlin and his wife Ilona. He loved Subud Ukraine and took constant care of us. Attending the Zonal meeting in Israel in 1995 followed by an excursion to Jerusalem and other places associated with Jesus Christ was like a fairytale for the Ukrainian participants. I remember our discussion about criticism in Subud when he compared Subud with a ship: If there is dead calm in the sea, the ship is not moving. If there is a storm, it can be shipwrecked. But a soft breeze smoothly pushes the ship forward in the right direction. We will always miss you, Mark. Ukrainian members with Valentin Willecke far left. 2008 Valentin Willecke, Samuel Simonsson from Germany and Maarten Giel from Holland came on a visit in 1996 to set up the so called Revolving Fund established thanks to donations Michael Sold in the middle The next Zonal Rep. Michael Sold came in 1998 with his wife Vardina and laid four stones brought from Jerusalem into the foundation of 4
our future latihan halls. Oliver Haizmann visited Ukraine twice. Valentin Willecke visited Ukraine many times both as an administrator of the Revolving Fund, then as Zone Rep and many times just as our dear brother. We learned a lot about the Subud organization from him. His explanations were always so clear and precise. We are so grateful to him and his wife Roswitha for their care of us, for practical and spiritual help. A special role in the development of Subud in Ukraine was played by Valentine and Robert Goebel from Germany. They made 25 visits to the Ukraine over these years! Attending our congresses, helping in all possible ways, giving advice, sharing reminiscences of their opening, of their early years in Subud, sometimes living together with Subud members or renting an apartment for a month or even more. The organization of the Subud summer camp in 1995 in Poland will be imprinted in our memories forever! It was really fantastic! Robert Goebel on the left Robert full of energy, joy and humor, so helpful in many practical things and organizational matters. Valentine so knowledgeable about all aspects of Subud, always ready to help, very straightforward when needed. We felt very close to her and learned a lot from her. In 1994 Robert and Leuthold Aulig drove a truck with medical equipment and medications from Germany to Cherkassy for the children's oncology hospital. In 1996 Robert came to Ukraine together with early Ukrainian entrepreneurs in a van purchased for their business. He was driving in turn with two Ukrainian brothers all night through. It was an adventure! Valentine Goebel in brown jacket All these years we have been in constant touch with them. Many times they helped us organize our national congresses and other big events. They helped us furnish the kitchen in the Cherkassy Subud house and did a lot of good things for Subud Ukraine. We will never forget our picnics, where we once elected Robert our Hetman (a leader of the Cossacks), our walks in the woods, trips to our villages etc., etc. Many thanks, hugs and kisses to you! We would like to say many thanks to Subud Germany in general for inviting us to their national congresses (never-to-be-forgotten memories!), for sending us their national magazine Informationen as a gift, for attending our congresses. Special thanks to Subud Wolfsburg for being close to us, arranging visits of Ukrainian members to Wolfsburg, keeping in touch with us. And since the first years of Subud's existence in the Ukraine we felt great care and support on the part of our Zone and WSA. Thanks to their support, our delegates were able to attend many World Congresses and Zonal Meetings. All the IHs visited the Ukraine at least once during their terms. We are grateful to all of them for their devoted job, help, support and such a precious feeling of unity. Thanks to MSF we have our main assets a Subud apartment in Dnepropetrovsk (a grant from MSF) and a Subud house in Cherkassy (a loan and a grant). 5
The latter became a national center of Subud Ukraine for holding National Council meetings, Ukrainian helpers meetings, kejiwaan meetings and even national congresses, and several international gatherings, among them the Spirit of Enterprise Meeting (40 participants from 6 countries), the Wings meeting (110 participants from 10 countries), the Crimea Subud Camp (90 participants from 14 countries). On 22-27 of July Subud Ukraine celebrated its 20 th Birthday. 2003 Int. Wings Meeting in the Cherkassy Subud house The greatest event was a never-to-be-forgotten visit of Ibu Rahayu together with her sister Ibu Yati to Kiev for the Zonal meeting in 2001, followed by a visit to the Cherkassy Subud house. It was filled with such a warm atmosphere and such great love, that Ibu gave a spontaneous talk speaking of her memories of Bapak when she was a child. Sharif and Tuti, Bapak's granddaughter, also accompanied them. There was latihan followed by a party in the Cherkassy Subud house. The groups in Kiev and Dnepropetrovsk also did the latihan and organized parties. Then from 23 to 26 of August our celebration culminated in a national kejiwaan gathering in a recreation suburb near Dnepropetrovsk. It was attended by our dear brothers Emmanuel Aronie and Robert Goebel, and the IHs Ragna Valli and Hassan Czwiertnia. Before the gathering Ragna and Hassan, together with the Ukrainian national helpers, visited all the five Subud groups traveling round Ukraine by bus and even by overnight trains. They worked as busy as bees till late at night, solving our problems, testing, doing latihan, talking, again testing, with incredible patience and good will, but also firm and clear when needed. Also we were lucky to listen to Hassan s guitar playing, which was fascinating and latihan-like. Here you can see more pictures taken by Hassan during their trip around the Ukraine: http://go.rhc.at/ihtravel/galleries/ribbon_fullsize /index.php?gallery=12&theme=dark Ibu Rahayu, Ibu Yati, Sharif & Tuti Horthy among Ukrainian Subud musicians. 2001 Some years later several tours of our musicians around Europe were organized thanks to support of our brothers and sisters from France, Sweden, Finland, Germany. They even took part in a Folk Festival in Provence where they played an encore. Summing up, the past 20 years have been rich in unforgettable events and vivid impressions. As for our spiritual development, there were the highs and lows, suffering and joy, successes and failures but we so much hope that, for all that, we were gradually moving forward, or, rather, God was gently pushing us ahead. 6
We did not tell you about all of our dear brothers and sisters who left a part of their soul with us Maarten Giel who visits us every year, Sharifin Gardiner, Leonard Lassalle, Istafiah and Ridwan Is harc and many, many others ALL OF YOU ARE PART OF US, HERE, IN UKRAINE, and ALL TOGETHER WE ARE ONE. Some of the Ukrainian Subud members today... We are happy to be a part of the world Subud family. Many, many thanks! We are waiting for all of you, dear Subud brothers and sisters. Welcome to the Ukraine. Above photos: Some of our young singers, dancers and performers With lots of love, Marsiya Belinska assisted by Sandra Lykhatska on behalf of the National committee and all Ukrainian Subud members 7
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