Governor Mike and First Lady Fran DeWine open their home to displaced Ukrainians and Ohio Ukrainian community leaders
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Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 12:00 Noon, St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Catholic Church, 5913 State Rd, Parma, OH
The United Ukrainian Orgainizations of Ohio (UUOhio) invite the Community to join with our Ukrainian Schools in commemorating the memory of four million victiums of the Holodomor-Genocide.
Following an ecumenical panakyda (service for the repose of souls), we will proceed to the hall of St. Vladmir for a very brief program about the Holodomor.
As usual, we thank Governor Mike DeWine for issuing a proclamation declaring November 2026, Holodomor Rememberance Month.
Presented by Cleveland Public Theatre in partnership with Educational and Cultural Ukrainian American League.
A Mystical Fantasy Drama
Written and directed by Kseniia Lysiuk.
Portion of proceeds will go to Educational and Cultural Ukrainian American League (ECUAL) to support educational programs, cultural events, artistic collaborations, and community initiatives, and Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA) to preserve Ukrainian culture and heritage, advance education, and provide humanitarian assistance.
Cleveland Public Theatre у партнерстві з Освітньо-культурною українсько-американською лігою (ECUAL) представляє: містично-фантастичну драму «Потяг Укрзалізниця».
Авторка та режисерка — Ксенія Лисюк.
Частину коштів, отриманих від вистави, буде спрямовано на підтримку діяльності:
Освітньо-культурної українсько-американської ліги (ECUAL) — для розвитку освітніх програм, проведення культурних заходів, реалізації мистецьких проєктів та громадських ініціатив та Союзу Українок Америки (UNWLA) — для збереження української культури та національної спадщини, розвитку освіти й надання гуманітарної допомоги.
Group from Ohio went to Ukraine for a humanitarian mission
UUOhio expresses gratitude to our subcommittee responsible for the maintenance of the Ukrainian Cultural Garden and actively participates in the Cleveland Cultural Garden Foundation (CCGF). The subcommittee is chaired by Dozia Krislaty and includes Halyna Yarema and Alex Briskin.
Our subcommittee was well represented at CCGF’s 110th year Gala Celebration, held on October 2, 2026, UUOhio sponsored a table at the event. The theme for the Gala was the same as for our recent One World Day, namely “America 250”. The event was opened with a beautiful soprano rendition “God Bless America”. Soprano Julia Gulenko and baritone Joseph Trumbo sang a medley of beloved Broadway songs. The Cleveland Ballet provided an accompanying choreographed performance. Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, the guest speaker, mentioned his upcoming mission driving ambulances to Ukraine. Special achievement awards were given to Debbie Hanson (posthumously) and for their years of dedication and supporting CCGF cultural activities.
Attendees at the table sponsored by UUOhio
Dozia Krislaty, Chair of the UUOhio Subcommittee for the CCGF and Chris Ronayne, Cuyahoga County Executive
UUOhio expresses gratitude to our good ally, Mr. John Dunn who initiated a fundraising effort earlier this year in the service of delivering much-needed medical equipment to Ukraine. Thanks to John’s effort and the generosity of Andrew Dunn, John Dunn, David Goldberg, Donald Insul, Sanjiv K. Kapur, Jeff Malish, Richard W. Pogue, Taras Szmagala, Ken Vito and David Wilmot, nearly $16,000 was raised. Matched by an equal sum from the Fund to Aid Ukraine, the money was used to purchase high-quality ultrasound equipment and accessories.
John Dunn personally transported the equipment from the USA to Dr. Marta Sheremet at the L’viv Children’s Medical Center, which serves young patients with serious respiratory and other ailments. The ultrasound was placed into immediate use.
UUOhio also thanks Dr. Bohdan Pichurko, Ukrainian Medical Association of North America- Cleveland Chapter for his logistical support in identifying and arranging the purchase of the equipment.
A heartfelt thanks once again to the Henkel Company employee volunteers who did a wonderful fall cleanup in the Ukrainian Garden(established in 1940) as part of the historical gem of Cleveland Cultural Gardens !!!
Ukrainian Village Parade 2026
This year’s parade was a proud celebration of 35 years of Ukraine’s independence in the modern era, coinciding with the 200th Anniversary of the City of Parma and the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. These remarkable milestones remind us of the enduring strength of human rights, freedom, and democratic ideals.
Despite threatening weather throughout the day, the parade was a resounding success, with a record 60 parade entrants, including a number of first-time participants. Leading the parade was our 2026 Grand Marshal, Mayor Anthony (Tony) D. Biasiotta of Seven Hills, accompanied by his wife, Kimberly, and their son, Anthony Joseph Biasiotta Jr.
The parade proceeded along State Road from Grantwood Drive to the podium in front of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral. Our beloved master of ceremonies, Roman Fedkiw, Chair of the Ukrainian Village Committee, welcomed and announced each group as they completed the route.
We were honored to have the Presentation of the Colors performed by members of the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, Ukrainian American Veterans Post 24, and Joseph J. Jacubic American Legion Post 572. Polina Kornyushenko, a wonderfully talented student at the Cleveland Institute of Music, beautifully performed both the American and Ukrainian national anthems.
The Honorable Tim DeGeeter, Mayor of the City of Parma, welcomed the participants and underscored the significance of the celebration. George (Yuriy) Jaskiw, M.D., President of United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio (UUOhio), introduced our Grand Marshal, Mayor Anthony Biasiotta, who provided a historical perspective on Ukraine’s existential struggle to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Sean Brennan, Representative for Ohio State District 14, highlighted the contributions of Ukrainian Americans to the diversity, vitality, and energy of Northeast Ohio and emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine, the country of their heritage, in its ongoing war against the Russian Federation.
Marta Liscynesky Kelleher, Chair of the Ohio Commission on Eastern European Affairs, conveyed greetings from Governor Mike DeWine.
Representative Max Miller (Ohio District 7) noted that his district has the highest concentration of Ukrainian Americans in the United States. He emphasized that helping Ukraine prevail against a genocidal invader is not only a moral imperative, but also in the interests of all Ohioans and of the United States.
George Jaskiw concluded the program by providing an overview of the origins and significance of the parade. He expressed appreciation to the clergy, elected officials and other representatives, our many allies, all those who participated, our donors and the numerous volunteers whose dedication and hard work made this year’s parade such an outstanding success.
Together, we celebrated Ukraine’s 35 years of independence, the Ukrainian American community, honored our heritage, and demonstrated once again the strength of our community and our allies.
We are stronger together!
Slava Ukrayini! Glory to Ukraine!
God Bless our United States!
The program and the full list of donors is in the attached folder.
For photos and videos, please see the links below
In the media
From Petro Fedynsky
From our invaluable Dan Hanson
The program at the podium https://www.clevelandpeople.com/…/ukraine-festival.htm
The parade itself (in two parts).
Українське село в Пармі — 2026 рік
Цьогорічний парад став урочистим святкуванням 35-річчя незалежності України в сучасну добу, яке збіглося з 200-річчям міста Парма та 250-річчям підписання Декларації незалежності США. Ці визначні ювілеї нагадують нам про незмінну силу прав людини, свободи та демократичних ідеалів.
Незважаючи на загрозливу погоду протягом усього дня, парад мав величезний успіх і зібрав рекордну кількість учасників — 60 колективів та організацій, серед яких було чимало тих, хто брав участь уперше. Парад очолив наш Великий маршал 2026 року, мер міста Seven Hills Anthony (Тоny) D. Biasiotta, якого супроводжували його дружина Kimberly та син Anthony Joseph Biasiotta Jr.
Парад пройшов вулицею State Road від Grantwood Drive до трибуни перед Українським католицьким собором Святого Йосафата. Наш улюблений ведучий церемонії, Роман Федьків, голова Комітету Українського села, вітав та оголошував кожну групу, коли вона завершувала свій маршрут.
Для нас було великою честю, що Церемонію внесення прапорів провели представники Шерифського департаменту округу Cuyahoga, Посту 24 Українських американських ветеранів та Посту 572 Американського легіону імені Джозефа Дж. Якубіка. Поліна Корнюшенко, надзвичайно талановита студентка Клівлендського інституту музики, чудово виконала державні гімни Сполучених Штатів Америки та України.
Почесний мер міста Парма Tim DeGeeter привітав учасників та наголосив на значенні цього святкування. Др. Юрій Яськів, голова Українських Злучених Організацій Огайо (УЗО), представив нашого Великого маршала, мера Anthony Biasiotta, який розповів про історичний контекст екзистенційної боротьби України за збереження свого суверенітету та територіальної цілісності.
Sean Brennan, представник 14-го виборчого округу штату Огайо, відзначив внесок українських американців у різноманітність, життєву силу та енергію Північно-Східного Огайо та наголосив на важливості підтримки України — країни їхнього походження та культурної спадщини — у її нинішній війні проти Російської Федерації.
Марта Ліщинецька-Келегер, голова Комісії штату Огайо у справах Східної Європи, передала вітання від губернатора Mike DeWine.
Конгресмен Max Miller (7-й виборчий округ Огайо) зазначив, що саме в його окрузі проживає найбільша концентрація українських американців у Сполучених Штатах. Він підкреслив, що допомога Україні у перемозі над геноцидним агресором є не лише моральним обов’язком, а й відповідає інтересам усіх жителів Огайо та Сполучених Штатів.
Др. Юрій Яськів завершив програму, розповівши про походження та значення параду. Він висловив вдячність духовенству, обраним посадовцям та іншим представникам влади, численним союзникам і всім, хто взяв участь у святкуванні, а також нашим жертводавцям і численним волонтерам, чия відданість та наполеглива праця зробили цьогорічний парад таким надзвичайно успішним.
Разом ми відзначили 35 років незалежності України, вшанували українсько-американську громаду та нашу спадщину і вкотре продемонстрували силу нашої громади та наших союзників.
Разом ми сильніші!
Слава Україні!
Боже, благослови Сполучені Штати Америки!
Програма заходу та повний список жертводавців знаходяться у прикріпленій папці.
Фотo та відео можна переглянути за посиланнями нижче.
У засобах масової інформації
Від Петра Фединського
Від нашого незамінного Dan Hanson
The program at the podium https://www.clevelandpeople.com/…/ukraine-festival.htm
The parade itself (in two parts).
UUOhio congratulates Mr. Wasyl Liscynesky for receiving the Medal of St. Volodymyr the Great, the Ukrainian World Congress’s highest honor, for his lifetime of achievement.
We also greet Mr. Liscynesky on his recent 101st birthday! Mr. Liscynesky was born in Ukraine in 1925, was forcibly displaced during World War II, and eventually settled in Parma, OH. He served in military intelligence in the US Army, was a pioneering entrepreneur in computer-based data systems and founded Data Management Services in Parma, where he has lived for some 70 years.
Mr. Liscynesky was a member of the UUOhio board from 1970 to the present and served as its President for 27 consecutive years. In addition, he was a board member of the Ukrainian American Veterans at the national level and at local Post 24, board member since 1961 and President for 11 years of the Cleveland Selfreliance Federal Credit Union, board member of the American Nationality Movement and of the Ukrainian Congressional Committee of America (UCCA) at the national level. Throughout this career Mr. Liscynesky has remained enthusiastic about the freedoms we enjoy in our United States and continues to inspire successive generations to engage in political advocacy.
We also congratulate his wonderful wife Wira, his children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren on his award and greet them on his 101st birthday.
The traditional Ukrainian greeting for such occasions is Mnohaya Lita, which translates as “Many more years”.
So, Mr. Liscynesky, from all of us at UUOhio,
Congratulations! Happy Birthday! Mnohaya Lita!
Вітаємо Вас! Многая літа!
Every year the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) recognizes has young, proactive, and impactful Ukrainians living outside of Ukraine and recognizes them with the “30 Under 30” Award.
This year we are proud to recognize and congratulate two young individuals who were born and raised in Northeast Ohio and are active members of organizations belonging to UUOhio.
Yuri Kmiotek is a longtime member and leader within the Ukrainian Youth Association in Cleveland. He has also been the driving force behind the renewal of the Cleveland chapter of the Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine and the Executive Director of the American Friends of Anti-Imperial Bloc of Nations Inc.
Maksym Mahlay is a longtime member of the
Hryhory Kytasty Cleveland School of Bandura, the Cincinnati School of Bandura, and the Ukrainian Classical Music Project. An accomplished musician, musician, teacher, composer and lecturer, he has given concerts and ethnomusicological lectures nationwide.
We congratulate Yuri and Maksym along with their families. Kudos!
UUOhio would like to share President Zelensky’s letter with our community and its many allies. It underscores that Ukraine is seeking a just and lasting peace. The Russian Federation hypocritically, does what it does best, slaughters civilians and engages in lies while pretending to seek a negotiated settlement.
UUOhio expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) for being a driving force behind the approval of Ukraine Support Act (H.R.2913). Despite the political headwinds, Congresswoman Kaptur and allies shepherded the powerful bill through the discharge petition process and secured its passage.
Thank you Congresswoman Kaptur!
UUOhio greets Rev. Roman Zahursky, the pastor at the Holy Trinity Church – Orthodox Church of Ukraine on the 30th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. We are most grateful for Father Zahursky’s support of and collaboration with UUOhio and wish him God’s blessings and many years of good health! Mnohaya Lita!
On Sunday, May 3, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) marked the 85th anniversary of its founding with a gala in New York City.
For eight and a half decades, UCCA has been a driving force in elevating the voice and visibility of Ukrainian Americans—advancing political, civic, economic, and cultural engagement while building enduring partnerships with other communities. From the interwar years, through the Cold War and Ukraine’s independence, to the current struggle against Russia’s brutal invasion, UCCA has remained steadfast in its mission: strengthening the safety and prosperity of the United States and ensuring the full participation of Ukrainian Americans in that endeavor.
The United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio (UUOhio) proudly joins in celebrating this milestone. We extend our deep gratitude to UCCA’s leaders and members—past and present—and look forward to many more years of shared purpose and collaboration.
From L-R, Michael Sawkiw, President UCCA, Marta Liscynesky-Kelleher Vice-President UCCA, George (Yuriy) Jaskiw, M.D., President UUOhio, Andriy Futey, Immediate Past President UCCA, Josh Prest, consultant UUOhio. Liscynesky-Kelleher, Jaskiw and Prest are members of the State of Ohio Commission on Eastern European Affairs.
2nd from the L, Rachael Ray, renowned chef, television personality, businesswoman, and author who has been a stalwart supporter of the Ukrainian people’s existential struggle for their territorial integrity, sovereignty and identity. She has made numerous trips to Ukraine and has raised funds for humanitarian initiatives. 3rd from the L, Mary Kwit-Flynn, 2nd Vice-President, Ukrainian National Women’s League of America.
From L-R, Josh Prest, consultant UUOhio, George (Yuriy) Jaskiw, M.D., President UUOhio, Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Marta Liscynesky-Kelleher Vice-President UCCA. Liscynesky-Kelleher, Jaskiw and Prest are members of the State of Ohio Commission on Eastern European Affairs.
Ukrainian Congress Committee of America 85th Anniversary Gala with many special guests – CONGRATULATIONS UCCA!
“TOGETHER WE HAVE TRAVELLED TO LVIV ON 7 MISSIONS, WE WILL BE HEADING BACK TO UKRAINE LATE THIS MAY AND ONCE AGAIN TEACH A MASTER COOKING CLASS WITH STUDENTS AND ORPHANS AT JOHN BOSCO EDUCATIONAL CENTER AND MEET AND COOK WITH WOUNDED SOLDIERS AND CIVILIANS AT UNBROKEN.
RACHAEL AND HER HUSBAND JOHN HAVE COMMITTED THEIR TIME, RESOURCES, FINANCES AND ENERGY TO SUPPORT UKRAINE AND UKRAINIANS. THEY ARE OUTSPOKEN ADVOCATES.
FROM APPEARING AND SPEAKING IN MAINSTREAM MEDIA, TO PURCHASING MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, FIRST AID KITS, ENTIRELY EQUIPPING AND REMODELING KITCHENS TO BRINGING HOPE AND SMILES TO THOSE MOST AFFECTED BY THE AGGRESSION, I AM SO PROUD AND HONORED TO HAVE HER HERE WITH US TODAY.
UUOhio congratulates the Polish American community of Ohio with their celebration of Polish Constitution Day. The festivities included a Mass, a community parade and a festival. We offer a particular thanks to Tomasz Kacki, President of the Polish American Congress, Ohio Division and other members of the Parade Organizing Committee, Natalie Zidd, Joe Rutkowski and Mitch Bienia for inviting UUOhio.
Our members thoroughly enjoyed participating and celebrating the values of individual rights, liberty and democracy that Polish Constitution Day exemplifies. These are the same principles on which our United States were founded.
Niech żyje Polska!
We salute all our participants and thank Roman Fedkiw (2nd from L), Chair, Ukrainian Village Committee for leading the contingent. Our intrepid marchers were joined by our stalwart Lithuanian American allies (from R to L, Ingrida Bublys, Honorary General Consul of the Republic of Lithuania for the states of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, Richard Sirvinskas, President of the Lithuanian American Community of Cleveland).
On April 21, 2026 UUOhio joined representatives from other civic and ethnic groups in Cleveland to honor the 2026 Inductees to the Cleveland International Hall of Fame https://clevelandinternationalhalloffame.com/
Among those so honored was Andriy (Andy) Fedynsky, Director and Resident Scholar of the Ukrainian Museum Archives of Cleveland https://umacleveland.org/
As Andriy’s biography attests https://clevelandinternationalhalloffame.com/andy-fedynsky/ , his life has been one of commitment to human rights, fairness and a deep love for his Ukrainian-American heritage. UUOhio salutes Andy for his rich, lifelong accomplishments and remains grateful to him for all that he has done to preserve the Ukrainian American experience as well as the history and culture of Ukraine, the land of their heritage!
The Cleveland International Hall of Fame 2026 Awards Dinner was held at Windows on the River and followed its traditional format of introductory speeches and then induction of candidates by an individual familiar with their accomplishments. Dr. George (Yuriy) Jaskiw, President of UUOhio had the honor of introducing and inducting Andy, who then spoke about the trajectory and mission of his life.
The Ukrainian American community was well-represented by 5 tables, sponsored respectively by the Fedynsky family, Helen and Taras Szmagala Jr., the Ukrainian Museum Archives and UUOhio (two tables). Most Rev. Bohdan J. Danylo, Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saint Josaphat in Parma, the very Rev. Canon Andrew G. Hanovsky, Parish Administrator of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church and Rt. Rev. John Nakonachny Rt. Nakonachny, Pastor Emeritus of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral were in attendance.
Members of UUOhio was honored to be joined by Ingrida Bublys, Honorary General Consul of the Republic of Lithuania for the states of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, Duncan MacMillan, Deputy Regional Director for Northeast Ohio in the office of U.S. Senator Jon Husted (OH), Ray Paoletta, District Director for Congressman Max Miller (OH-07) Sean Brennan, State Representative (OH-14), Toomas Tubalkain, representative of the Estonian American community of Ohio and member of the Joint Baltic-American National Committee, Marta Liscynesky-Kelleher, Chair of Ohio’s Commission on Eastern European Affairs.
UUOhio salutes all the inductees and thanks Dan Hanson and the Board of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame for selecting such worthy individuals and for organizing the event.
On Sunday, March 8, 2026, the United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio (UUOhio) welcomed members of our community—especially our youth—to the annual commemoration of Taras Shevchenko. This year marked the 165th anniversary of the passing of the Great Bard, who remained unapologetically proud of his heritage and became renowned as a courageous and steadfast opponent of injustice, economic inequality, and imperial domination during a time when the Russian Empire had enslaved large parts of Ukraine and harshly punished such convictions.
Mrs. Mariya Ivankiv, Chair of the Program Committee, served as host for the event. Father Michael Drozdovsky opened the program with a prayer, after which the large audience enjoyed a series of wonderful recitations, theatrical scenes, songs, music, and dances performed by students from our schools and cultural institutions. Dr. George E. Jaskiw, M.D., closed the program by reminding those present that Taras Shevchenko called not only for moral clarity but also for action in the service of justice and freedom. Following the program, attendees of all ages had the opportunity to mingle and socialize over pastries and coffee.
UUOhio extends its sincere appreciation to Father Drozdovsky, parish priest of Pokrova Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church, and to the parish community for hosting this year’s commemoration. We also thank International Food and Deli, Ukrainian Village Food and Deli, as well as Rudy’s Bakery for generously donating pastries. Cleveland Selfreliance Federal Credit Union graciously covered the cost of printing the programs. Mr. Ihor Hnyda and Mr. Joseph Falat expertly managed the sound system and multimedia support.
On behalf of the United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio, we extend our gratitude to the teachers, parents, and all others who contributed to the preparation of the individual presentations and joined us in honoring Taras Shevchenko. This year’s Program Committee included Mariya Ivankiv (chair), Andriy Demjanczuk, Halyna Kleban Natalia Oryshkewych, Halyna Yarema, George E. Jaskiw.
Mrs. Maniya Ivankiv Chair of the Program Committee
Choir, Taras Shevchenko School of Ukrainian Studies at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral
Children’s Choir Pokrova Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church
Ukrainian American Youth Association
Plast, Ukrainian Scouting Association USA
School of Ukrainian Studies, Association of “Ridna Shkola”
Members of Ukrainian Cultural Association of Ohio (UCAO) and Cleveland Maidan Association @clevelandmaidan were honored to meet with Mayor Ginther @mayor_ginther who presented a Proclamation on the Fourth Year of Ukraine’s Resistance to Full-Scale Invasion and Twelve Years of Hybrid War. The Ukrainian community extends a heartfelt thank you to the Mayor and the City of Columbus @columbusgov Director of International Affairs Mike Schadek @mikeschadek for their continued support.
Aid to Ukraine
Shipping from The Port of Cleveland to Ukraine
Ukrainian Cultural Gardens, at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens in Rockefeller Park, Cleveland, Ohio
Click here to read about the Ukrainian Cultural Gardens on Cleveland.com:
Use this QR code to listen to an introduction to the Ukrainian Cultural Gardens.
UUOHio thanks the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) and the 80+ volunteers who despite the weather on April 25, 2026 (Earth Day) joined the first annual cleanup. Energetic students from John Carrol University, intrepid employees of Home Depot, Hilton Hotels and many more individuals and groups spruced up 17 gardens, including the Ukrainian Cultural Gardens. The results were immediately evident!
This is the first of several cleanups and we invite all interested in volunteering for future actions. https://clevelandculturalgardens.org/join-us/volunteer/
We also thank Dozia Krislaty, our principal delegate to the CCGF and Alex Briskin our alternate delegate, for leading our wonderful volunteers.
Comment – The new plaque with a QR code leading to a brief audio description of our garden is now in place.
Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine
Ohio Medical Supplies Arrived in Ukraine
Ambassador Markarova speaks to Ohio
Resources for Refugees
Donate to Fund to Aid Ukraine
Ukraine needs our continued support
Fund to Aid Ukraine, a not-for-profit entity, was established more than 30 years ago to provide support and humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people in their unrelenting fight for democracy, independence, and self-determination. The Fund has supported, and Ukraine has persevered through, an array of challenges in recent decades – an unparalleled nuclear disaster in Chornobyl, floods, support of hospitals and orphanages, and treatment of the wounded during the Revolution of Dignity of 2014 – all while withstanding the meddling of an oppressor determined on its failure.
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