Philadelphia, PA – Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) President Paul Grod together with newly-appointed UWC Executive Director, Roman Zyla participated in the 23rd Congress of Ukrainians in America (October 11-13) hosted by the Ukrainian Congress Committee of American (UCCA), delivering a heartfelt greeting to over 80 delegates. This significant event was hosted by the UCCA Philadelphia branch led by its Chairman Eugene Luciw, marking a historic moment for the Ukrainian American community.
During the convention, Paul Grod awarded outgoing UCCA President and current UWC Vice President Andriy Futey, recognizing his dedicated service and effective leadership. He expressed gratitude to Eugene Luciw for his efforts in organizing the event, which brought together key figures and delegates from across the nation.
In his opening remarks Andriy Futey thanked Paul Grod as President and the entire UWC organization for their partnership and strong cooperation. He further emphasized his continued role as UWC Vice-President and contribution as an integral member of the UWC leadership.
Left to right: Paul Grod, Michael Sawkiw, Andriy Futey.
Paul Grod also participated in a panel discussion titled “Quo Vadis – Where Are We Going,” where he addressed the challenges and opportunities facing UCCA, in particular on unifying and cooperating with a growing number of Ukrainian organizations in America. He emphasized the importance of UCCA’s role as the leading and unified voice of the Ukrainian American community. Grod called upon UCCA and its members to support the development of new Ukrainian communities globally, advocating for the creation of institutions that will unite Ukrainians and foster patriotic education in the diaspora for generations to come.
Grod greeted the newly elected UCCA President Michael Sawkiw, Jr. and the new Board of Directors. He expressed his eagerness to continue a close and effective working relationship with them, particularly in supporting the Ukrainian people as they fight for their liberty against Russia’s ongoing aggression.
This convention underscored the unity and resilience of the Ukrainian American community, highlighting their commitment to supporting Ukraine in its struggle for freedom and sovereignty.
The new UCCA leadership includes:
Michael Sawkiw, Jr., President
Marta Liscynesky-Kelleher, Executive Vice-President
Roman Hirniak, National Council Chair
Ihor Zwarycz, Treasurer
Marie Duplak, Executive Secretary
In remarks delivered to the convention, newly-elected UCCA President Sawkiw thanked the entire community for their support and called upon everyone to “work collectively to enhance our voice in Washington, DC; assist Ukraine in its humanitarian needs; and to bring new initiatives which will leave a lasting legacy of our community in the United States.”
The convention ended with the singing of the Ukrainian National Anthem.
