Saint Vladimirs's parish was founded in the year 1924, predominantly
by pioneers-immigrants from Western Ukraine. By the Year 1926,
property was purchased in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland.
Construction began and the first church was dedicated in 1933.
Many of the parish organizations were established during the
early years of the parish.
After World War II, the parish was strengthened by more
immigration from all regions of Ukraine. The growth of the
parish and shift of population to the suburbs necessitated
the purchase of property in Parma in 1954. By 1959 the old
Parma City Hall was purchased, moved and renovated for a
chapel, which was simultaneously, with the old church, served
by the clergy. In 1967, the present church on State Road
in Parma was consecrated for use. Soon after, a beautiful
3-level baroque iconostas (icon screen) was installed and
dedicated. For the celebration of the Millennium of Christianity
in Ukraine, in 1988, an 800 square foot mosaic, depicting
the Baptism of Rus-Ukraine, was placed over the Main doors
of the Cathedral. In 1993, a monument commemorating the
over 7 million victims of the Artificial Famine in Ukraine
in 1933 was dedicated on the parish grounds.
Presently, St. Vladimir's parish facilities include a church,
seating over 450 faithful, a school with eight classrooms,
a library with over 3000 books and cultural displays, a
conference room with a photo display of the Famine of 1933,
a meeting room and church offices. The Grand Hall has seating
capacity of over 400. Two rectories and two additional homes
are also part of the parish complex. The offices of Zoe
for Life are housed in one of the homes.
Not far from the church, at the Brooklyn Heights Cemetery,
the parish administers a section for its parishioners. At
the center of the section stands a 12 foot memorial which
was dedicated in 1976 in the memory of all the deceased
parishioners. Recently the parish completed the interior
of the Cathedral, by adding iconography to the ceiling and
walls of the Church. In 1997, the Church was designated
as the Cathedral of the Central Eparchy of the UOC of the
USA.
The parish today has a vibrant spiritual and community
life which includes many parish organizations and groups:
the Ukrainian Orthodox League (Senior and Junior Chapters),
Brotherhood of St. Vladimir, Sisterhood of St. Ann, Sisterhood
of St. Olga, 60+ Group, Pyrohy Workers, Social Club, Ukrainian
and English Choirs, Ukrainian School, Altar Servers, Church
Elders, School of Ukrainian Folk Dancing, Parish Library,
School of Bandura, Sunday School, Vacation Church School
and Parish Youth Commission.
The spiritual needs of the over 700 member parish are met
by the presiding eparch, His Beatitude Metropolitan Constantine
and the pastoral staff of Fr. John Nakonachny (pastor),
FR. Michael Hontaruk, and Fr. Protodeacon Ihor Mahlay.