PARMA, Ohio — It’s been about one year since Russia invaded Ukraine. Organizations across northeast Ohio gathered in Parma to honor the lives lost.

What You Need To Know

  • Locals gather in Parma to support Ukraine 

  • One local prays for family back home

  • Cleveland Maidan Association sends medical supplies to Ukraine

Residents also gathered on Saturday at the St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox cathedral in Parma. They prayed and sang. 

Natalie Dudzianyi said her heart is heavy for her country and that one year later the pain is still immense. 

“I’m here today to pray for the people who have lost their lives due to the war in Ukraine and give thanks to all the help that Ukrainians have had," she said.

Dudzianyi is asking for support during these tough times.

"Pray that the war ends, help as much as you can, not everyone can volunteer their money, but they can volunteer their time… there are organizations that are doing great work in northeast Ohio that you can join and participate in," she said.

One of those organizations, the Cleveland Maidan Association, has all hands on deck to help.

Dr. Taras Malay of the Cleveland Maidan Association is doing his part to ensure Ukrainian families in distress are taken care of.

"From the start of the war our church halls have been full of supplies in the beginning, now it’s much less," he said.

While medical supply continues to make its way to Ukraine, many are left praying for their loved ones back home.