Pylyp Orlyk


In 1710 a new Hetman, Pylyp Orlyk, was elected as head of the exiled Ukrainian Cossacks. He was one of the outstanding statesmen of the 17th - 18th centuries, an unselfish Ukrainian patriot, who dedicated his life to the fight for Ukrainian independence.

Born in 1672 he studied Philosophy and Debate at the famous Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and was a pupil of the famous educator Stefan Yavorskiy.

During his 30 years in exile Orlyk brought to the attention of many European leaders the need for an Independent Ukraine as a buffer against the growing strength of Russia.

Pylyp Orlyk, and his son Hryhoriy Orlyk (general of the French Army) introduced the idea of Ukrainians in exile as Apostles of an Independent Ukraine, which is why the dance group adopted his name.