PARMA, Ohio — In the heart of Parma is a close community that shares a love for church and the country of Ukraine.
“We probably have at least around 50,000 people of Ukrainian descent in this area, and as you know, if you want to be in Ukraine, not far from Cleveland, just come to Parma,” Bishop Bohdan Danylo said.
Danylo, who leads the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Josaphat, continues to listen to concerned parishioners and pray for those affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In March, he traveled to Poland to show support for those he calls his brothers and sisters.
“You’re seeing the streets of your city overwhelmed by those who are your brothers and sisters. So, I just felt that I have to go over there and at least touch them, give them the help that I was able to bring,” said Danylo.
His trip included a visit to the border city of Przemyśl, Poland, Bishop Danylo’s childhood home, which has been a main port of entry for displaced Ukrainians fleeing the conflict.
With the help of donations from across the state of Ohio and beyond, churches in Parma have been gathering and buying items to send to those in need.
“How much you can take when you are hearing bombs exploding in your neighborhood? You just take a suitcase, or if you have a child, and you leave,” he said.
Danylo distributed some donations collected and met with clergy and volunteers to distribute food and medicine. He said the week-long trip showed him just some effects of the war.
Since returning to Parma, Danylo said his mission is to help keep what’s happening to the people of Ukraine in the spotlight and to encourage everyone to help. He said if you can’t send donations, please send prayers.
“Let us pray, first of all, for them. Let us do as much as we can to stop the war and help those who are less fortunate,” Danylo said.
