Vasyl Antonovych Pohoretskyi was born on November 22, 1954, in the village of Polivtsi, Chortkiv district, Ternopil region. In 1970, he graduated from Polivtsi eight-year school, and in 1972 from Dzhuryn secondary school. From 1973 to 1975, he served in the military in the city of Sumgait, Azerbaijan. Later, he received higher education in the Russian Federation, Poland, and Ukraine.
Doctor of Theology, Candidate of Historical Sciences. Member of the national unions of Writers, Journalists, and Historians of Ukraine. He was a member of the Public Association “Honorable Cossacks of Ukraine named after Vitaliy Rakulenko,” the Ukrainian Brotherhood of St. Nicholas, the International Order of Knighthood, the All-Ukrainian Society “Prosvita” named after Taras Shevchenko, and chairman of the “Prosvita” organization in the Kopychyntsi community.
Public figure. Awarded the Golden Star “Hero of the Cossack People,” as well as many non-state orders and medals. Author of scientific works, literary and journalistic writings. Laureate of several international and all-Ukrainian literary and cultural awards. Provides spiritual service. Currently lives in the city of Kopychyntsi, Ternopil region.
The poet dedicated his new book to Ukrainian–Azerbaijani brotherhood. From the book “Polivtsi – Sumgait” we present one poem:
Polivtsi – Sumgait This road was not easy, It stretched for thousands of long kilometers. Trains, migrations, the first anxiety, And the solemn sounds of the military orchestra...
After school I searched for my path – Sadly, in this search I was alone. Forgive us, Lord, our fleeting sins, Do not let us become cruel.
Sumgait – Polivtsi... On two airplanes I saw three capitals on the way back. I brought the sun, hope in God, And prayed in the North by candlelight...
Two long roads – from home and to home, Pass through my heart all my life. For the essence of human existence is one: Paradise is everywhere, when Christ is near.
Suddenly fears fell silent in the withered willows, Pain, like a bird, hid its wings until morning. I was awakened, chained by the raven’s voice: “Put on your mother’s gift – the vyshyvanka!”