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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. 

Informative Reads
Faith/Mission 04.14.22

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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Faith/Mission 04.10.22

Preparing for Holy Week and Easter may include decorating eggs — including the Ukrainian pysanky tradition.

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Libraries 04.04.22

Church architecture provides safe haven and embodies the cultural heritages of Ukraine; it also can fall prey to wartime aggression.

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Libraries 03.27.22

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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Faith/Mission 03.20.22

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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Faith/Mission 03.13.22

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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Fine and Performing Arts 03.06.22

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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Faith/Mission 03.01.22

Ukrainian artworks in the Marian Library reflect long-standing Marian devotion.

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"As War Rages, Some Ukrainians Look to Mary for Protection — Continuing a Long Christian Tradition"

Kayla Harris, associate professor and archivist, writes an article for The Conversation.

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"Centuries-old Marian Icon Offers Solace, Protection Amid Horror of War"

Marian Library director Sarah Cahalan contributes to a Catholic News Service article.

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"With the Bohoroditsa and Her Pokrov to Liberation: A Continuing Marian Presence in the History and Devotion of the Ukrainian Catholic Diaspora

International Marian Research Institute graduate Richard Lenar shares his doctorate of sacred theology dissertation. 

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Marian Library


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Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 1390
937-229-4214
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