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On December 20, in Uzhhorod, at the house where the famous Transcarpathian poet, writer, and archaeologist Fyodor Potushnyak lived and worked, a memorial plaque in his honor was ceremoniously unveiled. This was the second time it had been done, as the first plaque was stolen in the spring of 2017. For over two years, the only reminder of it was the hole in the wall. The restoration was undertaken by well-known Uzhhorod philanthropist and Nobilex CEO Andriy Piven. Mr. Andriy shared that his motivation to return the plaque came from his connections with people who, to some degree, were connected to Fyodor Mykhailovych, as well as a series of interesting coincidences throughout the story.
“I’ve been running a column on my Facebook page for a long time, where I tell stories about talented and worthy Transcarpathians and Uzhhorod residents. During one of these meetings, with historian Yosyp Kobal, I learned many interesting and previously unknown facts about Uzhhorod and its outstanding residents, including Fyodor Potushnyak. Among other things, Yosyp Vasylovych told me the story of the memorial plaque’s theft. It struck me deeply and stayed in my mind. First and foremost, I respect people who genuinely love their homeland and work for it. Additionally, I found out that Fyodor Potushnyak and I were born on the same day, February 27, though 67 years apart. Later, I met with Mrs. Gabriella Potushnyak, the daughter-in-law of Fyodor Mykhailovych, who shared many fascinating stories from the life of her distinguished father-in-law. I also met sculptor Bohdan Korzh, who brought my idea of restoring the memorial plaque to life. As it turned out later, Bohdan studied under sculptor Ivan Harapko, the author of the original plaque, which was stolen in the spring of 2017.”
The unveiling was attended by Vasyl Kuzan, Vasyl Hushti, Ivan Andrusyak, Serhiy Fedaka, and also the family members of Fyodor Mykhailovych. Specifically, the great-grandson of the famous writer symbolically and ceremoniously removed the veil from the memorial plaque.
“Every time I came home from work or walked past the house and saw the holes in the wall instead of the memorial plaque, it was very unpleasant and painful. So, for our family, this is an invaluable gift. Especially now, ahead of the 110th anniversary of Fyodor Mykhailovych’s birth, which we will celebrate in February,” says Gabriella Potushnyak, the daughter-in-law of Fyodor Potushnyak.
The plaque was restored based on photographs taken at its unveiling in 1970, as it was important for it to have its original appearance. Now, the memorial plaque will once again remind the residents of Uzhhorod and the city’s visitors of the outstanding person who lived and worked here.