Ukrainian Marian Collection
Preserving a Culture Devoted to the Blessed Mother
In 1981 Helen Nykolyshyn, a cataloger for the Marian Library, established the Ukrainian Marian Collection. Nykolyshyn, originally from Ukraine, was especially interested in preserving the religious and cultural heritage of Ukraine. She sponsored exhibits at the University of Dayton on Ukrainian religious art and culture and, through her vast networks throughout the United States and Canada, secured donations of Ukrainian Marian artwork and artifacts for the Marian Library collection. Acquired during the 1980's and early 1990's, the collection is representative of historic moments for Ukrainians during that time period, including the millennium of Christianity in Ukraine in 1988 and Ukraine's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Original paintings in the Marian Library by Ukrainian artist Roman Turovsky portray the Passion of Christ through the lens of hardship, flight, atrocity and upheaval.
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Preparing for Holy Week and Easter may include decorating eggs — including the Ukrainian pysanky tradition.
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Church architecture provides safe haven and embodies the cultural heritages of Ukraine; it also can fall prey to wartime aggression.
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In 1981, a Marian Library cataloger reached out to Ukrainian parishes and organizations across the United States to build a collection demonstrating Ukraine's devotion to the Blessed Mother.
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Explore the fascinating history of the first known Marian apparition in Ukraine and a miraculous icon affiliated with a wartime victory.
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Icons of Mary hold significance in Ukraine and other countries; one, known as the "Impenetrable Wall," depicts the Blessed Mother as intercessor and protectress.
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The Marian Library shares paintings by the late Ukrainian artist Maria Harasowska-Daczyszyn, who frequently depicted the Virgin Mary and the Christ child in traditional Ukrainian attire.
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Ukrainian artworks in the Marian Library reflect long-standing Marian devotion.
Read moreKayla Harris, associate professor and archivist, writes an article for The Conversation.
Marian Library director Sarah Cahalan contributes to a Catholic News Service article.
International Marian Research Institute graduate Richard Lenar shares his doctorate of sacred theology dissertation.