Northeast Ohio Ukrainians reflect on a year of war in their home country

PARMA, Ohio — Parma is residence to one of many state’s most concentrated populations of Ukrainians. Some fled there to security and plenty of others arrange lives there a long time in the past.

Information 5 Anchor, Courtney Gousman talked to these from our native Ukrainian neighborhood about how they really feel about these combating for freedom of their residence nation a 12 months later.

It’s the primary Friday of Lent and parishioners and guests of St. Josaphat Cathedral in Parma gathered for a barbecue. Today additionally marks the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“My coronary heart hurts for all of the family members.”

Olha Kalivoshko was born in Ukraine and got here to america on the age of 24, in 1998. Most of her rapid household is right here within the Cleveland space, however there are some family she left behind, together with an older cousin.

“Him and his handicapped spouse was within the first cities attacked and was underneath Russian siege. Him and his handicapped spouse couldn’t evacuate for nearly two months as a result of he was bedridden,” says Kalivoshko.

For the reason that starting of the conflict, Olha has volunteered with numerous drives to ship support to her residence nation. She’s most pleased with the women and men who stayed behind to combat for her homeland.

“Ukrainians treasure their independence. We treasure our tradition. Our tradition is unbelievable. No person can cross it out. They mentioned that is sufficient. That is our land. We’ll combat till the final drop,” says Kalivoshko.

Bishop Bohdan Danylo simply returned this week after spending greater than per week in Ukraine.

“Ten miles from the middle of town, you noticed a constructing completely destroyed. Automobiles in flames. Now principally a shell of a automobile on the facet of the street. And individuals are actually scared over there,” says Danylo.

Danylo was there for the ordination of a number of bishops however he additionally went to see how a lot assist remains to be wanted on the bottom, visiting a number of orphanages and army chaplain facilities.

He says greater than $1.2 million has been despatched to Ukraine from his diocese.

“Principally for refugees and for orphans and all hospitals. You recognize we assist with hospitals. Navy hospitals particularly,” says Danylo.

Whereas Danylo is praying for an finish to this conflict, he additionally says he’s seen the way it’s introduced the native Ukrainian neighborhood collectively.

“I wish to thank individuals in Cleveland if I could. On the primary anniversary of conflict, I wish to say thanks to everybody who prays for Ukraine. With out the assist of america, Ukraine would in all probability fall a very long time in the past.”

This Sunday, Feb. 26 at 5 p.m., there shall be a particular prayer service for Ukraine at St. Josaphat Cathedral Parish at 5720 State Rd., Parma, OH 44135.

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