BOGDAN HAVRYLISHYN AND CULTURAL LIFE IN THE POST-WAR DI-PI CAMPS ON THE TERRITORY OF GERMANY (1945–1947)

Abstract

This study highlights part of the life of the Ukrainian scientist and well-known philanthropist Bohdan Dmytrovych Gavrylyshyn (1926–2016), related to his stay and participation in cultural life in the DP camps on the territory of Germany after the end of the Second World War. An analysis of scientifi c works devoted to the topic of Ukrainian displaced persons in post-war Europe was carried out. Characteristic features of their daily life in the camps, cultural and religious life, household arrangements, establishment of education for children and youth, etc. are highlighted and described. Based on the study of memories and interviews, the important moments of Bohdan Gavrylyshyn’s life in the period under consideration have been established. The important factors that influenced the formation of his personality, worldview, and, accordingly, his further life, were traced and noted. Considerable attention is paid to the general historical picture of events, the number and prevalence of camps in the western occupation zones of Germany and Austria, living conditions in them, international agreements regarding the fate of displaced persons, etc. Acquaintance and integration of young immigrants from different parts of Ukraine is considered. As a plastun, during his stay in the camps for overgrown persons, he joined the «Forest Devils» camp. Already in retirement, he devotes himself to Ukraine, in particular, he became the head of the Regional Plast Council (2006–2008) and created the Plast Development Fund in 2008. The negative phenomena of camp life are also considered, in particular, the risk of repatriation to the USSR, the uncertainty of the future, poor nutrition, insufficient conditions for training, lack of funds, etc. Among the factors that provided certain favorable opportunities for young people, a large percentage of the Ukrainian intelligentsia who had the desire and willingness to open schools stands out. This gave them the opportunity to complete secondary education, which would give them a chance to enter universities in different parts of the world. Bohdan Gavrylyshyn also used this opportunity, later entering a university in Canada. Keywords Bohdan Hawrylyshyn, Germany, Bavaria, camps for Displaced Persons, Plast, scouts, culture, gymnasium.