Eparchy of Parma

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The Eparchy of Parma, a suffragan eparchy of the Byzantine Rite, is an active eparchy serving Ukrainian Greek Catholics residing in seven states of the United States: Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Erected on 22 February 1960 by Pope John XXIII, it is led by Bishop Bohdan Danylo since his installation on 4 December 2014. As part of the Ukrainian Catholic Metropolitan Province of Philadelphia, the eparchy comprises 68 parishes and 11 missions, preserving the rich liturgical traditions of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church amid a diaspora community.[1][2]

Stored in Cargo: Eparchy of Parma

Diocese: Eparchy of Parma
Status:Active
Rite:Byzantine
Type:Eparchy
Ecclesiastical Province:Philadelphia Ukrainian Catholic Metropolitan Province
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archeparchy of Philadelphia
Country:United States
Region:Florida; Illinois; Indiana; Michigan; Minnesota; Ohio; Wisconsin
Bishop:Bohdan Danylo
Website:https://parma.org/
Catholic %:0.1%
Elementary Schools:4
High Schools:0
Deaneries:7
Priests:81
Existence:1960–
Catholic Hospitals:0
Rating:4.7
Chancery Address:1900 Carlton Road

Parma, OH 44134

United States

Establishment

The Eparchy of Parma was canonically erected on 22 February 1960 by Pope John XXIII through the apostolic constitution Quo Ecclesia to provide pastoral care for Ukrainian Greek Catholics in the central and midwestern United States, drawing from the territory previously under the Archeparchy of Philadelphia.[3][4] It was established in response to the growing Ukrainian immigrant community following World War II and earlier waves of emigration.[5]

History

The eparchy was formed to serve the spiritual needs of Ukrainian Catholics dispersed across a vast territory, building on the foundations laid by earlier apostolic exarchates for Eastern Catholics in the United States. Under its first bishop, Michael Dudick, the eparchy expanded its network of parishes and institutions, constructing numerous churches in the 1960s and 1970s. It continues to support Ukrainian cultural and religious identity, particularly through bilingual liturgies and community events amid ongoing immigration from Ukraine.[6][7]

Geography

The Eparchy of Parma encompasses the entirety of seven states:

  • Florida
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Ohio
  • Wisconsin

This expansive territory, spanning over 500,000 square miles, reflects the diaspora nature of its Ukrainian faithful and is situated within the Ukrainian Catholic Metropolitan Province of Philadelphia.[8][9]

Mother church

The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Parma, Ohio, serves as the mother church of the eparchy. Completed in 1966, this Byzantine-style cathedral features iconic architecture with golden domes and icons, symbolizing Ukrainian heritage, and hosts major liturgical celebrations including the Divine Liturgy in the Ukrainian rite.[10]

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bishop Bohdan Danylo, installed on 4 December 2014, leads the eparchy. A native of Ukraine who immigrated to the United States, he previously served as chancellor and pastor, emphasizing youth formation and support for recent Ukrainian refugees.[11][12]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Michael Dudick 1960–1992 First eparch; oversaw extensive church construction and expansion.
Robert Moskal 1992–2014 Focused on education and cultural preservation; retired.
Bohdan Danylo 2014–present Current eparch.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[13][14]

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The eparchy maintains a strongly conservative traditional orientation (rating: 4.7), with the Byzantine Divine Liturgy celebrated daily in traditional form across parishes, a primary emphasis on doctrinal teachings including family and pro-life issues rooted in Eastern Christian tradition, and leadership under Bishop Danylo that promotes fidelity to Church magisterium and Ukrainian patrimony.[15][16]

Statistics

As of 2020, the eparchy serves 56,796 baptized Catholics across 68 parishes and 11 missions in its vast territory, with 61 diocesan priests, 20 religious priests, and 41 deacons.[17][18]

Religious Communities

Order of Saint Basil the Great

The Basilian Fathers (OSBM) staff several parishes and the cathedral, contributing to liturgical and educational ministries. Address: Various locations including Parma, OH.[19] Basilian Order

Sisters of Saint Basil the Great

The Sisters of Saint Basil the Great operate schools and provide catechetical formation. Address: 1900 Carlton Road, Parma, OH 44134.[20] Sisters of Saint Basil

Congregation of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate

The Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate (SSMIs) engage in education and healthcare support. Address: Various missions.[21]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in the Eparchy of Parma
Eparchy of Parma

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_pageName City MailingAddress
Mother of God Byzantine-Ukrainian Catholic Church (Archdiocese of Atlanta) Conyers, GA 2880 GA-138, Conyers, GA 30013

The eparchy oversees 68 parishes and 11 missions organized into 7 protopresbyterates: Chicago, Cleveland (Parma), Detroit, Florida, Gary (Indiana), and St. Paul. These communities celebrate the Byzantine Divine Liturgy, often bilingually in English and Ukrainian, serving a diverse diaspora with strong ethnic traditions.[22]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The eparchy supports four elementary schools fostering Ukrainian Catholic identity:

School Name City Type Website
Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic School Parma, OH Elementary https://icucs.org/
St. John Paul II Ukrainian Catholic School Warren, MI Elementary
SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic School Canton, OH Elementary
St. Mary Ukrainian Catholic School Chicago, IL Elementary

Data from diocesan directory; high schools are not operated directly.[23][24]

Community Outreach

The eparchy provides aid through its Office of Social Services, supporting Ukrainian refugees, food pantries, and family assistance programs, with heightened efforts following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.[25]

Notable Events or Figures

  • Bishop Michael Dudick, the founding eparch, consecrated over 50 churches, laying the foundation for the eparchy's growth.[26]
  • The eparchy hosted the 2001 Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, a significant gathering for Eastern Catholics in America.[27]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Eparchy of Parma:


  • Did you know? Pope John XXIII established the Eparchy of Parma in 1960 specifically to nurture the Ukrainian Greek Catholic faith among post-WWII immigrants scattered across seven U.S. states!
  • Surprise! The golden-domed Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Parma, Ohio, isn't just a church—it's a stunning beacon of Byzantine beauty completed in 1966, where Divine Liturgies echo with ancient Ukrainian chants.
  • Here's something cool: Spanning Florida beaches to Minnesota winters, the eparchy covers seven states—making it one of the widest Eastern Catholic jurisdictions in America!
  • Wow moment: Founding Bishop Michael Dudick built over 50 churches from scratch, turning frontier missions into thriving Ukrainian spiritual homes in just three decades.
  • Little-known gem: The eparchy's protopresbyterates buzz with festivals like Pysanka egg-painting contests and kolachi baking, keeping Ukrainian Easter traditions alive for new generations.
  • Fun fact: In response to the 2022 Ukraine crisis, Parma parishes rallied to welcome thousands of refugees, offering icons, pierogis, and prayer in their native tongue.
  • Did you know? The Basilian Sisters here teach kids not just ABCs, but also how to chant the Jesus Prayer—blending faith formation with Ukrainian heritage in their schools.
  • Surprise! Parma's clergy include descendants of the original 20th-century emigrants, creating a beautiful full-circle story of faith passed down across generations.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Eparchy of Parma". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dparmu.html. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    2. ↑ "Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Parma". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Catholic_Eparchy_of_Parma. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    3. ↑ "Eparchy of Parma". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dparmu.html. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    4. ↑ "Quo Ecclesia (1960)". https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xii/la/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_p-xii_apc_19600222_quo-ecclesia_lt.html. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    5. ↑ "History". https://parma.org/about-us/history/. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    6. ↑ "History". https://parma.org/about-us/history/. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    7. ↑ "Eparchy of Parma". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dparmu.html. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    8. ↑ "About Us". https://parma.org/about-us/. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    9. ↑ "Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Parma". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Catholic_Eparchy_of_Parma. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    10. ↑ "Our Cathedral". https://parma.org/our-cathedral/. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    11. ↑ "Bohdan Danylo". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bdanylo.html. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    12. ↑ "Bishop Bohdan Danylo". https://parma.org/bishop-bohdan-danylo/. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    13. ↑ "Eparchy of Parma". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dparmu.html. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    14. ↑ "Bishops". https://parma.org/about-us/bishops/. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    15. ↑ "Home". https://parma.org/. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    16. ↑ "Eparchy of Parma". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dparmu.html. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    17. ↑ "2020 Pastoral Directory". https://parma.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2020-Pastoral-Directory.pdf. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    18. ↑ "Eparchy of Parma". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dparmu.html. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    19. ↑ "Religious Clergy". https://parma.org/clergy/religious-clergy/. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    20. ↑ "Religious Clergy". https://parma.org/clergy/religious-clergy/. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    21. ↑ "Religious Clergy". https://parma.org/clergy/religious-clergy/. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    22. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://parma.org/parish-directory/. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    23. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://parma.org/parish-directory/. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    24. ↑ "Immaculate Conception School". https://icucs.org/. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    25. ↑ "Ukraine Crisis". https://parma.org/ukraine-crisis/. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    26. ↑ "History". https://parma.org/about-us/history/. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 
    27. ↑ "Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Greek_Catholic_Church#Synod_of_Bishops. Retrieved 2024-11-01. 

    External Links

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