Author: Stefan P. Stefaniuk

Ever since I can remember, I’ve enjoyed growing up in Parma, OH, and appreciated the great sights and sounds the Greater Cleveland area has to offer. After serving five years in the U.S. Navy while stationed in Virginia Beach, VA, I decided to return to my hometown of Parma in 2009. Between my active involvement with various neighborhood revitalization initiatives in the local area and graduate studies at the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, I’m constantly looking for ways to create a sustainable, positive impact in my community and I’m grateful to work with those passionate individuals who feel the same. Together, we will move the Parma forward for the benefit of current and future generations.

Ukrainian Village Parade & Festival On Saturday, Aug. 24

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On August 24th, the Ukrainian Village Committee will hold its 10th annual Ukrainian Independence Day Parade in Parma’s Ukrainian Village. The Committee invites all to join them and celebrate this special occasion! The parade procession begins at 11 a.m. on Grantwood Drive, continues north along State Road, and ends at Ukrainian Heritage Park, located across the street from St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral (5720 State Road).

The Grand Marshal this year will be the Very Rev. John R. Nakonachny, pastor at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, who was instrumental in the creation of Parma’s Ukrainian Village district. Thanks to his involvement, a productive dialogue was initiated with Parma city officials and Ukrainian Village was formally established in September 2009.

nakonachny-2018

Photo © 2018, 2019 Stefan P. Stefaniuk

Father Nakonachny himself grew up in Taylor, Pennsylvania, and began his spiritual ministry in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He received his Licentiate of Theology (1969) and Bachelor of Divinity (1972) from St. Andrew’s College in Winnipeg, and Bachelor of Arts (1972) from the University of Manitoba. His ordination took place on November 19, 1972, by Metropolitan Mstyslav, head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Europe. He served his first liturgy at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Holy Ascension in Maplewood, New Jersey, on December 14, 1972, as the church’s pastor, where he continued to serve for 14 years. In 1987, he came to St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Parma, Ohio, where he has served for over 30 years.

This year’s parade will showcase more than 40 marching units. Parade participants will include Ukrainian church communities, Parma area social clubs, local businesses, the mayor and city council representatives, city school officials, police honor guards, Veterans organizations, floats, and more! Spirited musical numbers will be performed by local high school marching bands.

Ukrainian Village Parade 2018

Photo © 2018, 2019 Stefan P. Stefaniuk

After the parade, at Ukrainian Heritage Park, there will be a flag-raising ceremony celebrating Ukrainian Independence Day.

There will also be a festival at St. Josaphat’s astrodome for all to enjoy! Festival admission and parking are free. It begins at noon and will feature a beer garden, authentic Ukrainian cuisine, live music, the Kashtan Dance Ensemble, and the Zorya Ukrainian Female Vocal Ensemble. There will also be games for kids, a petting zoo, hay wagon rides, balloon twisting, face painting, and more!

Questions? Email the Ukrainian Village Committee at ukrainianvillageparade@gmail.com.

Source: http://parmaobserver.com/read/2019/08/01/ukrainian-village-parade-festival-on-saturday-august-24

JOIN THE FESTIVITIES! 10TH ANNUAL UKRAINIAN VILLAGE PARADE IS AUGUST 24, 2019

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When: August 24, 2019

10 a.m. groups gather at State Road School lot
11 a.m. parade step off on State Road

Where: The parade route is on State Road, beginning at the State Road School lot to
Ukrainian Heritage Park.

How do I take part: Click here to download the parade participation form.
Please return it to Ukrainian Village Committee via mail or email by July 31, 2019.

Email: ukrainianvillageparade@gmail.com
Mail: PO Box 34084, Parma, Ohio 44134

Why: It’s a fun community event in the heart of Parma! Also you can win a prize! Once
again this year, we will be awarding a distinction to the most creative and colorful
participant in the parade. We encourage all participants to create floats, decorate cars,
and wear costumes and uniforms that are relevant to their specific organization or group.

Preparation: On Friday, August 16, 2019, a meeting will be held with representatives of
the participating parade units. The meeting will be at St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic
Cathedral Annex Building at 7:00 p.m. At this time, unit representatives will receive detailed parade instructions including their assigned staging area.

Point of Contact: If you need to speak with us directly, call or text Roman (614) 425-1309.

Email: ukrainianvillageparade@gmail.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/UkrainianVillage

Thank you for supporting this major City of Parma annual event!

If you know of others who would like to participate in the parade, please share this letter
with them. And if your group is unable to participate, please come and join the festivities
on the parade route!

Very truly yours,
Zoriana Zobniw
Secretary of Ukrainian Village Committee

2019 Ukrainian Village Parade Confirmation Form

Caroling in Ukrainian Village, Jan 13, 2019

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Winter festivities in Parma’s Ukrainian Village set for January 13, 2019.

2 p.m.: Make a Ukrainian craft

3 p.m.: Caroling choirs and choral ensembles

5 p.m.: Kutya tasting contest (contestants to bring 3 or 4 cups)

To enter your Kutya into the competition, contact us at:
UkrainianVillageParma@yahoo.com
Facebook Ukrainian Village Parma

Event sponsored by the Ukrainian Village Committee

Koliada2019