The Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma’s
“Evening of Hope”
A Memorable Evening of Faith, Hope, Love, Generosity, and Gratitude
Faith, hope, love, generosity, and gratitude filled the ballroom at the Eparchy of Parma’s “Evening of Hope” Gala, leaving us with vivid memories that are a gift from God.
The 145 guests gathered on Saturday, October 21, 2023, in the beautifully adorned Holiday Inn South events center in Independence, Ohio to celebrate the love of God and to support the Eparchy of Parma’s mission. The “Evening of Hope” featured a delicious meal, singing by students from St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic School, a captivating story by the charismatic speaker, Bishop Nil Lushchak, Reverend Robert Jager spoke on the importance of the Benevolence Fund followed by a video presentation, and the successful Fund-A-Need. Sam Michel, parishioner from St. Nicholas, Munster, IN., served as the emcee for the evening.
Bishop Nil Lushchak serves as the Apostolic Administrator for the Eparchy of Mukachevo, Ukraine. Bishop Nil was born on May 22, 1973, and grew up in the city of Uzhhorod, where he attended the local high school. He served in the military from 1991 to 1993. In 1993, he enrolled in the Uzhhorod Theological Seminary. Upon completing his theological studies, he was ordained as a priest on July 2, 1996. Formerly, he was a teacher at the Uzhgorod Greek Catholic Theological Academy, a monk, and a member of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans). He holds the distinction of being the first Transcarpathian to be ordained as a bishop since Blessed Theodore Romzha. His ordination in 2013 took place at the Uzhhorod Greek Catholic Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Cross.
The event raised nearly $60,000 in support of the four established eparchial funds for 1) development of parishes; 2) promotion of vocations and seminary education; 3) the eparchial pension fund for priests; and 4) works of the apostolate. The Fund-A-Need was orchestrated by Auctioneer Bob Hale and exceeded its goal of $10,000, by raising nearly $15,000. The Fund-A-Need directly supported the Benevolence Fund of the Eparchy of Parma.
A heartfelt thank you is extended by Bishop Robert Pipta to our sponsors, donors, and guests for supporting the “Evening of Hope.” May God richly bless all our donors and guests who helped create a memorable and successful evening.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 19, 2024, for the Eparchy of Parma’s “Evening of Hope” to be held at the Holiday Inn South, Independence, OH.
Thank you to our very generous sponsors.
Diamond Sponsor
CBIZ
Ruby Sponsor
Elizabeth and John Budnik
Fedeli Family Charitable Foundation
The William and Mary Strippy Family
Sapphire Sponsor
Anonymous (2)
Jade Sponsor
Marlene Bodeker & Robert Lehman