Stepan Bandera

Stepan Bandera came into the world on the 1st of January 1909 in the village of Stariy Ugrinivin, Ivano-Frankivsk region. His father was a priest of Greek-Catholic church. The large extended family, as it was the custom of the time, included eight children: Martha, Stepan, Alexander, Volodymyr, Vasyl, Oxana, and Bogdan. The youngest Myroslava passed away being but an infant. In spite of the fact that Bandera’s family was large they all lived a very friendly life and highly respected each other. His father often told his children beautiful and unforgettable stories about Ukraine, Ukrainian traditions, customs, love and freedom, will and independence. Stepan’s mother died leaving small children orphans. It is necessary to say that all members of Bandera’s family struggled heroically for Ukraine. His father and some of some of his brothers were executed by Soviet Security forces and fascists. Sisters Martha and Oxana were exiled to Siberia where they spent 48 years.
Very early young Stepan joined the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists. He became a very active participant of this organization. Stepan Bandera passionately loved Ukraine and his native people. His life is a great example for us all. He lived an interesting life. He devoted his own life to Ukraine and Ukrainian people. Stepan Bandera wanted to liberate Ukrainian people from Polish and Russian yoke. I must say that Stepan Bandera didn’t reach the very top of happiness but he was happy because his struggle for Ukraine was necessary, just and true. He’s our pride and hope. He’ll always live in our souls and hearts. I think that Stepan Bandera is our Ukrainian Gadfly. Such heroes never die.