Eparchy of Parma

Eparchy of Parma Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma Established 1969. Fostering the spiritual life among Byzantine Catholic faithful in the Midwest.

Glory to Jesus Christ!In today’s Gospel (Mt 22:35–46), on this 15th Sunday after Pentecost, the Lord reveals that the wh...
09/05/2026

Glory to Jesus Christ!

In today’s Gospel (Mt 22:35–46), on this 15th Sunday after Pentecost, the Lord reveals that the whole Law and the Prophets hang on two commandments: to love God with our entire being and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Christ then asks the Pharisees a question about the Messiah that they cannot answer, gently exposing that true understanding of God is not merely intellectual but relational—rooted in love, humility, and communion.

This call to love resonates deeply with Bishop Robert’s teaching on Eucharistic Communion and the Parochial Community. He reminds us that the Eucharist forms us into one Body, a people who live missionary discipleship, godly fellowship, authentic worship, and sacrificial stewardship. Our yearning for unity, “to be one with ourselves, one with each other, and one with God”, is fulfilled in Christ, and it is expressed most concretely in the parish family. When we receive the Eucharist, we are not only united to God but also to one another; if we leave church “without kindness, without mutual love, and without mutual forgiveness, something is amiss”.

Jesus’ command to love God and neighbor is not abstract. It becomes flesh in the way we worship, the way we treat one another, and the way we commit ourselves to our parish community. Bishop Robert teaches that healthy parishes grow through fellowship, shared responsibility, and sacrificial giving—mirroring the early Church, which “devoted themselves to the communal life… and to the breaking of the bread”.

Love of God naturally flows into love of neighbor, and love of neighbor draws us back to the Eucharist, where Christ makes us one.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities has launched a nationwide prayer and action in...
09/05/2026

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities has launched a nationwide prayer and action initiative, running from August through October, encouraging Catholics to pray, learn about the impact of abortion pills, and advocate for policies that protect both mothers and unborn children. The effort coincides with Respect Life Month and includes educational resources and opportunities for public engagement. https://www.respectlife.org/

Long before customers arrive and lines begin to form, volunteers in parishes throughout the Eparchy are already hard at ...
09/04/2026

Long before customers arrive and lines begin to form, volunteers in parishes throughout the Eparchy are already hard at work preparing one of our most beloved traditions: homemade pierogi.

At St. Mary Magdalene Byzantine Catholic Church in Fairview Park the process begins days in advance with planning, preparation, and dedicated teamwork. On a recent Saturday, more than 20 volunteers gathered early in the morning to handcraft 180 dozen pierogi, including potato and cheese, sauerkraut, and seasonal fruit varieties made from fresh ingredients.

The popularity of these parish-made pierogi is undeniable. Customers arrive early, lines form quickly, and purchase limits are often necessary to ensure everyone has an opportunity to enjoy them.

But these efforts are about far more than food. Across the Eparchy, pierogi ministries are powerful examples of stewardship in action. Volunteers share their time and talents while building friendships, strengthening parish communities, and welcoming newcomers. Many participants are lifelong parishioners, while others simply enjoy being part of the camaraderie and service these events foster.

These gatherings also provide opportunities for evangelization. Through hospitality, fellowship, and joyful service, visitors encounter the warmth and welcoming spirit that define our parish communities. In some cases, a visit to purchase pierogi has even led to parish tours and deeper conversations about the faith.

Whether in Fairview Park or elsewhere throughout the Eparchy, these ministries are more than fundraisers or cherished traditions. They are living examples of faith in action, bringing people together through service, fellowship, and a shared commitment to supporting the mission of the Church.

One of our parishes has created a beautiful way to share faith, community, and tradition beyond its own walls. St. Mary ...
09/04/2026

One of our parishes has created a beautiful way to share faith, community, and tradition beyond its own walls. St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Whiting, Indiana, is making its handcrafted Garden Stones available to families throughout the Eparchy, offering a meaningful keepsake for your home, garden, or prayer space.

Now is the perfect time to reserve one for yourself or stash one away as a thoughtful Christmas gift for a loved one. Stones measure 7-3/4" x 11-1/2" and come with and easel. They cost $30 each, or $48 including shipping and handling, and can be mailed anywhere within approximately two weeks of ordering.

To purchase a Garden Stone, please contact the St. Mary Parish office by phone at (219) 659-0277 or email [email protected].

One of the many blessings that comes from a Hope event is the opportunity to bring people together in fellowship and com...
09/03/2026

One of the many blessings that comes from a Hope event is the opportunity to bring people together in fellowship and community.

Recently, St. Mary Magdalene parishioner Cole Metzger enjoyed one of the silent auction experiences made possible through last fall's Evening of Hope: a round of golf for four at the historic Tam O'Shanter Golf Course. Cole invited Fr. Vasyl, Alex Heinly, and Joe Tombazzi to join him, making for a memorable day on the links filled with conversation, laughter, and camaraderie. While not a single word has been shared regarding the final scorecard, we can only assume that the true winners were the friendships strengthened along the way.

Not to be outbid on a different experience, St. Emilian parishioner John Olesik secured the private Cleveland Browns Practice Facility Tour package. In John's own words: "What an incredible behind-the-scenes tour! We are huge sports fans, and having the opportunity to get closer to all that is Cleveland Browns football was like being part of the orange-and-brown family. We were beyond amazed by the facility and the information shared. Chris was an awesome tour guide! It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we would love to experience again!"

These are just a couple of examples of the experiences and memories that continue long after a Hope event concludes. Whether it's a day on the golf course, a behind-the-scenes tour, or simply time spent with friends old and new, these moments remind us of the joy found in gathering together and building community.

As additional Hope opportunities are introduced throughout the year, we look forward to sharing more stories from participants across our parish and the Eparchy. If you have photos or stories you'd like to share, we'd love to hear from you.

Until then, keep an eye out for future Hope opportunities or consider starting one in your community. You never know what memorable experience, lasting friendship, or unexpected blessing might be waiting for you.

Fore The Faith — Registration Is Open!Last week, we introduced Fore The Faith, a new Eparchy of Hope community golf outi...
09/03/2026

Fore The Faith — Registration Is Open!

Last week, we introduced Fore The Faith, a new Eparchy of Hope community golf outing designed to bring people together through fellowship, friendship, and a little friendly competition. Now it's time to join us on Friday, October 16, at Seneca Golf Course in Broadview Heights, Ohio.

Golfers of all skill levels are welcome, including singles. Invite friends, family, coworkers, clients, or neighbors and enjoy a fun day on the course while building new connections within our Byzantine Catholic community and beyond.

Can't attend? You can still make an impact. Share Fore The Faith on social media to help spread the word, introduce others to our faith, and expand the reach of this exciting event. You can also sponsor a golfer or treat someone to a round, a thoughtful way to support both a friend and the mission of the Eparchy.

Whether you golf, sponsor, donate, invite someone, or simply help spread the word, there's a place for everyone at Fore The Faith.

Registration and sponsorship opportunities are now available. https://secure.qgiv.com/for/eparchyofparma/event/forethefaith/

Fr. John Paul Kuzma, O.F.M. Cap. has recently been granted bi-ritual faculties in the Byzantine Catholic Church, allowin...
09/02/2026

Fr. John Paul Kuzma, O.F.M. Cap. has recently been granted bi-ritual faculties in the Byzantine Catholic Church, allowing him to celebrate the Holy Mysteries and assist Fr. Jan Maturkanic in Northeast Ohio and the faithful throughout the Eparchy of Parma.

A native of Erie, Pennsylvania, Fr. John Paul has been a Capuchin friar since 2009 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2015 during the Jubilee Year of Mercy. He currently serves on the Formation Staff of the Capuchin Formation Program and as a Spiritual Director at Borromeo Seminary in Cleveland, following years of parish ministry and service in priestly formation. We are grateful for his willingness to share his gifts and ministry with our Byzantine Catholic community.

09/02/2026

Final Days to Register for the Preparatory Gathering

The Eparchy of Parma is charting the course for its future, and every active parishioner has a place on the journey. The Preparatory Gathering of the 2026 Eparchial Assembly (October 17-19) is open to all clergy and faithful and offers a unique opportunity to pray, learn, share ideas, and help discern the pastoral needs of our Church. Together, we'll explore how to strengthen missionary discipleship, authentic worship, fellowship, and stewardship while renewing Christ's mission throughout our Eparchy. Come be part of the conversation, connect with fellow Byzantine Catholics, and help shape the future of our Church. Don't miss this opportunity to gather as one Eparchy and listen to where the Holy Spirit is leading us.

Learn More & Register by 9/7! https://secure.qgiv.com/for/eparchyofparma/event/eparchialassembly/

Today, we also celebrate the life and devotion of Our Venerable Father Simeon the Stylite, a model of prayer and enduran...
09/01/2026

Today, we also celebrate the life and devotion of Our Venerable Father Simeon the Stylite, a model of prayer and endurance in the early Church. www.parma.org/saints

The Beginning of the Church Year is also referred to as the “indiction.”  The First Ecumenical Council (325) decreed tha...
09/01/2026

The Beginning of the Church Year is also referred to as the “indiction.” The First Ecumenical Council (325) decreed that the Church’s year should begin on September 1. The lunar month corresponding to September on the Jewish calendar was the beginning of the civil year (cf. Exodus 12:2); it was at this time that our Lord Jesus went into the synagogue at Nazareth and read the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me... to proclaim ‘the acceptable year of the Lord.’” (Isaiah 61:1-2; Luke 4: 16-21)

Address

5000 Rockside Road
Independence, OH
44134

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+12167418773

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