Stefan Romaniw | |
---|---|
Стефан Романів | |
![]() Romaniw in 2014 | |
First Vice President of the Ukrainian World Congress | |
In office 2018 – 26 June 2024 | |
Personal details | |
Born | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | 12 November 1955
Died | 26 June 2024 Warsaw, Poland | (aged 68)
Profession | Activist |
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Stefan Romaniw OAM ( Ukrainian: Стефан Ількович Романів; 12 November 1955 – 26 June 2024) was a Ukrainian-Australian activist who served as the Co-chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations [1] [2] and the First Vice President of the Ukrainian World Congress. [3] [4] According to historian Gregorsz Rossolinski-Liebe, he was also elected leader of the Organisation of Ukrainian Nationalists in 2009. [3]
Romaniw was formerly the chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission and Multicultural Arts and has received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). [5] [6]
A state funeral was held for Romaniw in the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of Sts Peter and Paul in Melbourne, 12 July 2024.
Romaniw was the head of the OUN-B from 2009 [4][ better source needed] to December 2022, when Oleh Medunytsia was unanimously elected to replace him. [7]
Romaniw died on 26 June 2024. [8] Among many tributes there is this one from the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain: "We were extremely saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Stefan Romaniw OAM, First Vice President of the Ukrainian World Congress, Co-Chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations and leading or prominent member of many other organisations. Stefan was genuinely very humble, modest, approachable and friendly, always exuding incredible energy, determination and a tremendous ability to inspire all who had the pleasure of working with him or being in his company. He was a true Australian and Ukrainian patriot who will be sorely missed and mourned by all who knew him worldwide. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends and will keep them in our prayers and thoughts, particularly at this very difficult time.May Stefan’s soul Rest in Peace! Goodbye to you, our dear trusted friend! Вічная пам’ять!"
In 2009 the Twelfth Great Congress of the OUN elected Stefan Romaniw as leader of the OUN. Both Haidamakha and Romaniw grew up in the diaspora and were recruited to the OUN when they were members of SUM. Like many other civic leaders, Romaniw has also been an activist of multiculturalismm, civil liberties and the right of national self determination.