- He was one of 13 children of Hryhorii Tychyna’s deacon.
- He wrote his works only in pencil.
- He mastered almost 20 foreign languages on his own.
The future poet and a conductor Hryhorii Verovka knew each other since childhood. They both studied at a theological school and seminary in Chernihiv. Both refused to pursue a “church career”. They were friends throughout their lives. Verovka wrote music for almost 40 of Tychyna’s works.
ABOUT LOVE
Tychyna’s wife was Lidiia Paparuk. Their love was tested by time, hardship, and distance. They met when Lida was 16 and married when she was 39. Although Tychyna is credited with having numerous affairs with other women, and Lida with “marrying Pavlo to herself,” when you read their correspondence, you become convinced that it was a balanced decision for both of them.
ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT AND HIS POSITION
Pavlo Tychyna was appointed Minister (People’s Commissar) of Education during the evacuation in March 1943. The position was not a reward from the party, but a mandate for hard work. Post-war education developed in the face of a catastrophic lack of premises, equipment, textbooks, heating, clothing, and footwear. Many students were orphaned and did not study during the occupation.
As Minister of Education, Tychyna advocated not only the development of schools with the Ukrainian language of study but also the introduction of the Ukrainian language in all areas of activity, which led to the poet’s resignation from this position.
ABOUT HIS LIFE AND PERSONALITY
Tychyna was capricious about his wardrobe. He wore only untucked shirts with a collar open, only black shoes, and almost never a hat. And he considered a turtleneck coat “too chic”.
Over time, his wardrobe changed. The status of a public official required an appropriate appearance. Therefore, the suit was complemented by ties (both domestic and foreign manufacturers). By the way, there are more than 60 of them in the collection of the Pavlo Tychyna Memorial Museum.
ABOUT HIS ILLNESS AND DEATH
The cause of Pavlo Tychyna’s death was kidney problems, as evidenced by his death certificate. This was caused by diabetes.
Pavlo Tychyna was buried on the main alley of the Baikove cemetery.
