Eparchy of Parma

PARMA, Ohio — The annual Boys and Girls Camps of the Eparchy of Parma were combined this year and held at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, June 19-22, so that the campers could participate actively in the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the eparchy. The camp drew 33 young people, some from as far away as Iowa. The nuns of Christ the Bridegroom Monastery led the camps, with the support of many volunteers. The camps are usually held at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mariapoch and at Christ the Bridegroom Monastery in Burton, Ohio. However, the change in venue allowed teens to be front and center for this important milestone in the eparchy’s history. READ MORE.

PARMA, Ohio — It was a double golden jubilee weekend for the Byzantine Ruthenian Church in the United States, June 21-23. Both the Metropolia of Pittsburgh and the Eparchy of Parma turned 50 this year, and a series of events were organized to mark the milestone. In Parma, the community gathered for a two-day program at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, June 21-22. More than 300 people participated at the various events throughout the weekend. The next day, a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the cathedral in Pittsburgh, followed by a reception. READ MORE.

I would like to say a few words about St. John the Baptist, a humble person and great saint, who lived his life close to Jesus Christ. Many people thought he was the Messiah, but he told them, “I am not the Messiah… I am ‘the voice of one crying out in the desert, “Make straight the way of the Lord’” (Jn 1:20,23). As Scripture says, John “was not the light, but came to testify to the light” (Jn 1:8). For this reason, our tradition gives him the title of “Forerunner” to underscore his preparatory role. READ MORE.

GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio — Bishop Milan Lach, SJ, of Parma, Deacon Bill Fredrick and Barry Sabo, a parishioner at St Joseph Parish in Brecksville, Ohio, received the honors of the Fourth Degree in the Knights of Columbus April 27. Both Bishop Lach and Deacon Fredrick are now knighted in the highest degree of the Knights of Columbus and hold the title Reverend (Bishop/Deacon) Sir Knight. READ MORE.

CAREY, Ohio — Retired Bishop John Kudrick of Parma led the Seventh Annual Women’s Retreat at the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, March 15-17, on the theme “How Does Penance Heal?” Retreatants prayed Small Compline, the Akathist to the Mother of God, a Panachida and Vespers. They celebrated Divine Liturgy and had quiet time for private prayer and reflection. Bishop Kudrick gave the didactic sessions on the role of penance in the life of a Christian. Firstly, he said, Christians must be with Jesus. Christians must stand still and listen to Jesus, as did the Apostles on Mount Tabor, surrender to his plan, then act accordingly. READ MORE.

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. — Jamee Nycole West received her high school’s highest award at convocation May 31. West, who was baptized at St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Parish in Merrillville, received the Bishop Andrew Grutka Award for Christian Service, conferred to the senior at Andrean High School who “best exemplifies a deep faith and commitment to serving others in little ways and in large ways, one who is motivated by their faith to serve others.” The award is named for the first bishop of the Diocese of Gary, who was deeply committed to Catholic education. READ MORE.