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1. Introduction

Orden Khrestonostsiv is a PLAST"kurin'" (Ukrainian for troop of PLAST Scouts/Rovers/Seniors) [5th kurin' UPS (Ukrainian Scouting Seniors) and 20th kurin' USP (Ukrainian Scouting Rovers), combined]. Our motto - Z Khrestom i Metchem -translates to "With Cross and Sword".

With a deep rooted ideology, the kurin' members pursue their work all over the world (Ukraine and the diaspora). This bond amongst us serves well in our collective effortsto further the interest in the Ukrainian community and PLAST in particular.The education of Ukrainian youth is an all important factor that influencesthe role of the kurin' in PLAST - the Ukrainian Scouting Organization of which every Khrestonosets is a member.

2. Who we are

The name "Orden Khrestonostsiv" literally means .....Orderof the Crusaders. It is a name taken from Ukrainian history, dating backto the Medieval age of Knights and Princedoms.

Five principles form the main ideology of the Kurin':

1. A Christian Worldview
2. Active Patriotism
3. Elements of a Plast-like and Chivalrous Spirit
4. Enrichment of One's Intellectual Qualities
5. An Active Involvement in the Spiritual Revitalization of Today's World.

The kurin' has many customs and traditions that stem from Medieval traditions and that are intertwined with the PLAST curriculum. PLAST upbringingis one that teaches self-discipline and a conscientious way of life, in a friendly setting among one's peers. Much of the learning experience is done in the mostnatural of settings - the outdoors.

3. History

The kurin' Orden Khrestonostsiv was founded in March 1946 in the Bavarian hamlet of Traunstein. It's founders were 16 young, enthusiastic, Ukrainian students, all members of the Plast organization, who shared 5 common principles in life.

As you may have already heard, the Orden recently celebrated it's 50th anniversary. There will be a Kurinna Rada (a fraternal convention of sorts) scheduled for Summer / Fall, 2001, in the USA.

4. What we do

Most Krestonostsi dedicate a large proportion of their free time to being youth counsellors, or take-on other leadership roles in PLAST. Theseactivities include (but are not limited to) weekly meetings with Ukrainian Scout (PLAST) troops throughoutthe year, hiking & camping trips, field trips, specialized PLAST camps in many different curricula, leadership training workshops & conferences, three (3) week PLAST summer camps in the wilderness, as well as culturaland religious celebrations in the Ukrainian community. All work is done in the traditional PLAST framework. Aside from that, many Khrestonostsi are dedicated to community work - whether within the Ukrainian community or outside of it. This is done voluntarily and for the benefit of society as a whole.

5. Our emblem

Some of the things that distinguish our kyrin' from others is our heraldry... our panoply of emblems & crests. They are displayed in many different forms on various parts of our PLAST uniform, as well as on our impressive line of casual wear and accessories. If you are interested, take a look at our coat of arms.

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Please direct questions/comments/suggestionsabout the Orden Khrestonostsiv Homepage to the Grand Meister Istyna (Andrey Hankevych)

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