The centennial celebration of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Parma, OH, held on October 12-13, 2024, was a deeply spiritual and historic event, commemorating the parish’s rich legacy and its unwavering dedication to Christ and His Church. For over a century, the cathedral has stood as a beacon of faith for generations of Ukrainian Orthodox Christians, and the weekend’s celebrations reflected both a profound respect for the past and a hopeful vision for the future.

The weekend began on Saturday morning with a special visit by His Eminence Archbishop Daniel to the Taras Shevchenko School of Ukrainian Studies, an integral part of the cathedral’s ministry. Over 250 children gathered in prayer, led by the Archbishop, who offered words of spiritual guidance and encouragement. Addressing the teachers, parents, and children, he emphasized the importance of maintaining both their Ukrainian heritage and Orthodox faith, particularly in times of global uncertainty and challenges to cultural identity. This visit underscored the cathedral’s commitment to fostering the spiritual growth of the younger generation, ensuring that they carry forward the legacy of faith.

Later that evening, the clergy of the cathedral gathered for the solemn Vespers service. Metropolitan Antony, Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, joined Archbishop Daniel in prayer as the faithful filled the church. Vespers, the evening prayer service of the Orthodox Church, was an opportunity for the community to prepare their hearts and souls for the Sunday celebration of the Divine Liturgy.

Following Vespers, a special blessing ceremony took place, where Archbishop Daniel, in the presence of Metropolitan Antony, consecrated several important new items for the cathedral community. Among these were a new depiction of Golgotha, which would serve as a visual reminder of Christ’s sacrificial love for humanity, a new Eucharistic chalice set, symbolizing the ongoing life of the Church through the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, and a new outdoor electronic sign, providing the parish with a modern means of sharing vital information with the surrounding community. These new additions to the life of the parish were made possible through the generosity of parishioners, reflecting the communal spirit that has always been at the heart of St. Vladimir’s.

The spiritual significance of these moments was profound, as they represented both continuity and renewal - bridging the historical depth of the parish with the evolving needs of the modern world. The consecration of these gifts highlighted the dedication of the faithful to ensure that the cathedral remains not only a place of worship but also a thriving center for community life, education, and outreach.

On Sunday morning, the cathedral community led by Very Rev. Fr. Michael Hontaruk - pastor, with Protopresbyter John Nackonachny as pastor emeritus and Protodeacon Ihor Mahlay assisting, welcomed both hierarchs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA - His Eminence Metropolitan Antony - prime hierarch of the UOC of the USA and Archbishop Daniel - spiritual father of the Western Eparchy of the UOC of the USA) for this solemn celebration. Their presence embodied the unbroken connection between the clergy and the faithful, offering prayers for the community as it embarks on a new century of ministry.

The celebration began with a warm greeting from the children of the parish, presenting flowers to the bishops, symbolizing the purity and hope of the future. Young adults followed by welcoming the hierarchs and requesting archpastoral prayers for their spiritual growth and the well-being of the cathedral. Representatives from various parish organizations, including the parish board, brotherhood, sisterhood, and youth ministry, joined Very Rev. Fr. Hontaruk in asking for the bishops’ intercessory prayers, signifying the communal desire to be guided by Christ’s love as they continue their journey of faith.

The Divine Liturgy, a true manifestation of unity in Christ, was concelebrated by the current and former clergy of the cathedral, including Very Rev. Fr. Michael Hontaruk, Protopresbyter John Nackonachny, Very Rev. Fr. Volodymyr Steliac (present pastor of St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Silver Spring, MD), Very Rev. Fr. Petro Levko (St. George Ukrainian Orthodox parish in Yardville, NJ), Very Rev. Fr. Roman Yatskiv, Very Rev. Fr. Milorad Orlic (Serbian Orthodox Church), Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Pasakas (St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church in South Bound Brook, NJ), Rev. Fr. Dimitri Belenki, Protodeacon Ihor Mahlay, and Deacon Maksym Zhuravchyk (Three Holy Hierarchs Chapel of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary). The seminarians from St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Seminary, together with over 25 altar servers, ensured that the service flowed smoothly, adding a youthful energy to the sacred celebration.

In his homily, Metropolitan Antony delivered a profound reflection on the Gospel parable of the sower, drawing a parallel to the seeds of faith planted a century ago in this cathedral community. He emphasized that these seeds have borne much fruit—through the sacrifices, prayers, and love of both clergy and faithful. As the cathedral enters its second century, the Gospel’s call to nurture the soil of our hearts through repentance, good works, and faithfulness to the teachings of Christ remains paramount.

During the service, the participation of over 350 faithful in Holy Communion was a powerful testament to the vibrant spiritual life of the parish. The choir, under the direction of Maestro Markian Komichak, beautifully led the bilingual congregation in traditional Kyiv and Halych Chants, a deeply spiritual form of liturgical singing that connects the faithful to their roots while offering glory to God. The involvement of the youth in the choir is particularly noteworthy, as it ensures the continuity of this sacred tradition and emphasizes the vital role young people play in the life of the Church.

At the conclusion of the service, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Hontaruk presented the hierarchs with prosphora, the church bread from which particles were taken for the commemoration of the faithful. This act symbolized the unity of the Church, the connection between the living and the departed, and the bishops’ spiritual leadership in guiding the flock. As Protodeacon Ihor Mahlay and Deacon Maksym Zhuravchyk intoned “God Grant You Many Years,” the congregation joined in heartfelt prayers for the well-being of their hierarchs, clergy, and community.

The centennial banquet, attended by over 360 people, was held in the parish hall, where exhibits showcased the rich history, art, and youth ministry of the cathedral. These displays paid tribute to the cultural and spiritual contributions of the parish over the past century. During the banquet, the hierarchs presented awards to various parish organizations in recognition of their dedication and ministry, highlighting the collaborative efforts that have sustained the parish.

As the community reflects on the past 100 years, it is with profound gratitude for the sacrifices and love of those who came before. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral is poised to continue its mission of spreading the Gospel, nurturing the faith of the youth, and serving the wider community for the glory of God in the new century to come. May the prayers of the saints and the intercession of the Theotokos be with the cathedral community as they embark on this new chapter of their spiritual journey.