As in most cities of the world the primary social locus for Ukrainians (and those seeking to congregate with them) is a Ukrainian church, a place not just for religious observance but one which offers the chance to meet new and old faces, and nurture acquaintanceships. In this category Paris has two long-lived ones: a Catholic one - Saint Volodymyr's at the intersection of rue des Saints-Peres and the trendy Boulevard-St. Germain in the central 6th arrondisement (district) , as well as an Orthodox one – St. Simon located in the 20^th in the northeastern reaches of the city not far from the "Jourdan" Metro stop.

The latter is more of a "kaplytsia" located in the Bibliotheque Ukrainienne Symon Petlura building. Being across from the St. Jean-Baptiste de Belleville (one of Paris’s cathedrals) it is dwarfed even more. Nevertheless, its longevity is a testament to its congregation’s commitment. The former, perched on one of Paris’s prominent streets, is draped in typical pale limestone and wrapped by the petit yet picturesque Taras Shevchenko Park ("Square Taras Chevtchenko", in French), competing for attention with the St. Germain de Pres Church a few blocks to the west. In the recent past maintenance of the church had lapsed. However currently, its interior is undergoing an aggressive restoration under the leadership of the new pastor.

As is the case with other major metropolitan destinations (New York, Cleveland, Chicago, Prague, and others) Paris has seen an influx of recent immigrants from Ukraine seeking some sort of basic economic relief. Billboards in the building’s foyer swarm with notices posted by those seeking and offering various services. As in the past so too now, the churches have seen their attendance balloon for services and "poludnevi perekusky". In the case of St. Volodymyr’s, the crowd spills out the doors and into the adjacent streets and park. According to the church’s priest, Pere Michel Romaniuk, he has had to assuage the concerns of some of the church’s neighbors given the size of the crowds.

With its small playground and benches and adjacent to St. Volodymyr’s, Taras Shevchenko Park offers a respite from as well as a picturesque view of the hustle and bustle of the Boulevard-St. Germain. A bust of the Ukrainian bard stands to the back and center of the park - yet one more international tribute to Ukraine’s great poet.

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Complete article with images:

1. Ukrainians in Paris - Les Ukrainnienes de Paris
   
2. Paris’ Ukrainian social focal points – churches and parks
   
3. Ukraine’s First President – Symon Petliura
   
4. Other Ukrainian institutions of note in Paris
5. Assorted images of Paris