PARMA, Ohio – The City of Parma, together with the United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio, celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Ukrainian Village section of the city and the 28th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence with a parade.
It was back on October 8, 2008, that the city had passed a resolution designating a two-mile stretch on State Road as “Ukrainian Village”; the major thoroughfare is located in a commerce-friendly neighborhood where over 15,000 Ukrainian Americans live.
The annual parade kicked-off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, from Cleveland Selfreliance Federal Credit Union, the entry way to Ukrainian Village, home to many Ukrainian American businesses, proceeding past St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral to the main stage on the grounds of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral directly across from the Ukrainian Heritage Park, dedicated by the City of Parma 10 years ago.
The 10th anniversary of the Ukrainian Village welcomed the participation of Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S. Valeriy Chaly, with his wife, Ludmila, and children, Jaroslav and Olya.
Over 40 organizations marched in this year’s parade led by the City of Cleveland Police Color Guard, Ukrainian American Veterans Post 24, the Polish Legion of American Veterans FD Roosevelt Post 58 and Joseph J. Jacubic American Legion Post 572. Participating local businesses and Ukrainian organizations were surrounded by the music of two Parma high school marching bands: Normandy and Parma High.
The grand marshal and initiator of the Ukrainian Village, Father John Nakonachny of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, greeted the crowds lining the street. The grand marshal was sponsored by the Ukrainian Federal Credit Union – Osnova branch.
Alexander Fedorchuk
The parade’s Grand Marshal Father John Nakonachny and other parade marshals, Bishop Bohdan Danylo and clergy, leaders of the United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio and Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S. Valeriy Chaly with his family.
Officiating during the program were United Ukrainian Organizations Ukrainian Village Committee Chair Roman Fedkiw and the umbrella organization’s president, Marta Liscynesky-Kelleher. Opening prayers were led by Bishop Bohdan Danylo of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Josaphat. The commemoration began with the raising of the flags by the City of Cleveland Police Color Guard and Ukrainian American Veterans, followed by the singing of both national anthems by Julie Hulenko and Ihor Bohdan.
The keynote address by Ambassador Chaly highlighted the bitter-sweet anniversary celebration taking place during the sixth year of unprecedented difficult conditions in Ukraine. Participating in the festivities were Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter, Ohio Rep. Jeff Crossman, along with Parma Councilmembers Mark Casselberry, Allan Divis, Kristin Saban, Roy Jech and Deborah Lim, who greeted the community and Ukraine on the occasion of Independence Day.
Students from the Ukrainian Academy performed joyous songs followed by Grand Marshall Father Nakonachny’s address and benediction. At the conclusion of the program, children released blue and yellow balloons in honor of the fallen of Ukraine.
Following the parade, St. Josaphat hosted its annual festival, offering authentic Ukrainian food and drink, live music, activities for kids, and various cultural performances.