PARMA, Ohio — From June 12 to 15, the Parish of the Intercession of the Theotokos in Parma, Ohio, became a spiritual hub for hundreds of young Ukrainians who gathered from all corners of the United States and even Canada for the VII All-American Youth Pilgrimage. Over 800 participants—from Philadelphia to California, from Texas to Mississippi—gathered to pray, reflect on faith, and build bridges between generations and cultures. This event, born in 2016 as a modest initiative for the Ukrainian diaspora, has today transformed into a powerful symbol of unity, faith, and hope, especially in times when the war in Ukraine casts a shadow on the hearts of its children around the world.
"This is a testimony of how God is acting among us," said Bishop Bohdan Danylo, Bishop of the Holy Josphat Eparchy in Parma, in an interview with The New York Times. "From a small spark of 70 people, we grew to 800, united by prayer and love." The pilgrimage, interrupted for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, returned with renewed strength, becoming not only a spiritual event but also a platform for strengthening Ukrainian identity in the diaspora. According to organizers, this year's theme—"Christians Yesterday and Today", "Set Out on the Road", and "What Is Our Tomorrow?"—prompted young people to deeply reflect on their role in the modern world.
The four-day event was filled with spiritual and cultural moments. Participants attended three thematic sessions led by spiritual guides, including Bishop Borys Gudziak, Metropolitan of Philadelphia, and Bishop Brien Baida from Toronto. In small groups, youth shared personal experiences that, according to Olena Korendy, newly appointed head of the inter-eparchial youth commission, “allowed everyone to feel support and understanding.” A foot procession to the St. Josaphat Church, covering over 5 kilometers, became the highlight of the third day, concluding with an Vespers led by Bishop Danylo. "It was a moment when we felt part of something bigger," recounts Maria Levytska, a 22-year-old participant from Chicago. "We walked together, prayed together, and it gave us strength."
The pilgrimage also included secular elements that unified the youth. Sports competitions among teams from Parma, Chicago, Stamford, and Philadelphia dioceses added a friendly competitive atmosphere. "This is not just about prayer but about community," says Ihor Khudyj, one of the founders of the pilgrimage. "We see how young people who speak English or Ukrainian find common ground through football or volleyball." An evening of spiritual singing featuring the Honored Artist of Ukraine Svitlana Vesna and local performers became yet another bridge connecting generations.
A distinctive feature of this year's pilgrimage was the presence of a Canadian delegation, including youth from the Uspinnya Parish in Mississauga. "This shows that our Church is not only the USA or Ukraine but a global community," said Bishop Baida. According to insider information, organizers plan to officially expand the pilgrimage to an international format, including communities from Australia and Europe by 2026, when the 10th anniversary of the event will be celebrated.
However, the pilgrimage is not only a spiritual journey but also a response to today's challenges. According to the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC, many young participants are children of émigrés who came to the USA after 2014 due to the war in Ukraine. Their stories of losses, hope, and the fight for identity added an emotional depth to the event. "This youth bears the burden of war, but here they find peace and a sense of home," shares Father Andriy Chirovskiy, spiritual guide from the Stamford Eparchy.
Organizers also announced ambitious plans for the future. According to Olena Korendy, the newly formed inter-eparchial youth commission will work on programs for all 207 UGCC parishes in the USA, connecting Ukrainian- and English-speaking youth. "We want our Church to be a place where young people feel they can change the world," she said. Bishop Gudziak, known for his support of youth, added: "These young people are not just the future — today they are already transforming our Church and the world."
For Parma, a city with a rich Ukrainian heritage where family-owned stores, like the Salo family butchery, have been thriving for over 40 years, the pilgrimage became yet another symbol of resilience. Local parishioners who prepared food and provided premises gave their all to ensure hospitality. "It was like a family celebration," says Anna Koval, a volunteer from the local parish. "We all worked together to make the youth feel love."
The climax of the pilgrimage was the Archiepiscopal Divine Liturgy on June 15, led by three bishops. In his sermon, Bishop Danylo urged the youth to "go with God" and to correct the mistakes of previous generations. "Hope is in you, Lord,"— words that became the slogan of the pilgrimage— sounded as a promise from the new generation of Ukrainians in the diaspora. As Ukraine fights for its future, these young people in Parma demonstrated that faith, community, and culture can become the foundation for change—both in hearts and in the world.
Sources: Synod of Bishops of the UGCC, Ukrinform
