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- About
- Preparatory Gathering | October 17-19 *Open to All
- Speaker Bios
- Registration
- Formal Convoking | October 19-22 *Invitation Only
- Travel & Accomodations
- Thank You
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About
The Eparchy of Parma has set sail on an exciting journey of mission, vision, and strategic planning—revisiting the same creative, daring, visionary, charismatic, and evangelical spirit that shaped our founding in 1969 and the early 1970s. This journey calls all clergy and faithful to courageously and selflessly board the “Holy Flotilla” of Missionary DiscipleSHIP, Authentic WorSHIP, Godly FellowSHIP, and Sacrificial StewardSHIP.
In this spirit, the Eparchy calls its faithful to the 2026 Eparchial Assembly, where clergy, monastics, and lay members will gather to pray, listen, and discern the pastoral needs of our Church. Rooted in synodality and hope, the Assembly strengthens our unity and helps guide the future of our Eparchy as we renew Christ’s mission in our communities. Intentionally designed to foster genuine, prayerful interaction among all who participate, offering a blessed opportunity for praying, listening, and learning together as the convoked Assembly prepares for its canonical gathering immediately afterward.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gather as one Eparchy—listening to the Holy Spirit, strengthening our bonds, and renewing our shared mission in Christ.
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Charting the Course – Renewing Byzantine Catholic Life in the Heartland
Saturday, October 17
AGENDA5PM Great Vespers
6PM Dinner
7PM Presentation: Eparchial Synodality with Benjamin Auton
7:45PM Presentation: Fellowship and the Lay-Apostolate with Jonathan Shellnut
8:30PM Discussion: Walking Together as Missionary Disciples
9PM Social (Interactive Dance & Music)
Sunday, October 18
9AM Festal Matins (Bishop Robert with Bishop Fernandez of Columbus concelebrating)
10AM Hierarchical Divine Liturgy (Bishop Robert preaches; Bishop Fernandez of Columbus concelebrates)
12PM Lunch
1:30PM Presentation: Sharing the Gospel of God’s Wonder with Kieran McNulty, Ph.D.
3PM Presentation: Return to Authentic Worship and a Rule of Personal Prayer with Bishop Robert
4:30PM Presentation: Stewardship and Tithing with Laura Ieraci-Summerson
6PM Dinner
7PM Chat on Liturgical Chant with Bishop Robert
Monday, October 19
8AM Third Hour
8:30AM Breakfast (*on your own)
10:30AM Outing: Guided tour of the Latin Cathedral of St. Joseph with Rev. Jan Sullivan, followed by a visit to the State House
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Speaker Bios
Benjamin Auton
Benjamin Auton is a lay leader in the Byzantine Catholic
Eparchy of Parma and currently serves as the Eparchial Synod Leader, appointed by Bishop Robert Pipta. In this role, he represents the Eparchy in the Church’s ongoing Synod on Synodality, fostering prayerful listening, collaboration, and mission. Benjamin also serves as a lay member of the Eparchial Pastoral Council, supporting pastoral initiatives across the Midwest region. In 2025, he represented the Eparchy at the Jubilee of Synodal Teams in Rome, reflecting the Eparchy’s active engagement in the life of the universal Church.Laura Ieraci
Laura Ieraci is an award‑winning Catholic journalist, speaker, and coach, and the founder of AVIVA Ministries and Coaching. With a distinguished career in Catholic media—including service with Vatican Radio and ONE Magazine—Laura has brought thoughtful, faith‑centered insight to global audiences for decades. Since 2018, she has focused her ministry on helping individuals align their faith and finances in practical, transformative ways. Laura is the wife of Fr. Andrew Summerson, parish priest of St. Mary Parish in Whiting, Indiana, and St. Nicholas Parish in Munster, Indiana.Kieran McNulty, Ph.D.
Kieran McNulty is a paleoanthropologist at the University of Minnesota and a member of the Society of Catholic Scientists. He studies the evolution of apes and humans, focusing on paleontology of the earliest apes in Africa. Kieran has authored more than 60 scientific papers, was honored by the Archdiocese of St. Paul with a Leading with Faith award, and was named Heritage Champion by the National Museums of Kenya. Kieran and his family belong to the Church of St. Michael, located in Stillwater MN, where he also directs a non-profit organization to support education and health in rural Kenya.Jonathan Shellnut
Jonathan Shellnut is a dedicated lay leader in the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma, where he serves as Director of the Lay Apostolate. Appointed by Bishop Robert Pipta, Jonathan works in collaboration with the Protosyncellus to support, coordinate, and strengthen lay ministry across the Eparchy. He also serves as a lay member of the Eparchial Pastoral Council, representing the Great Lakes region. Jonathan’s ministry is rooted in fostering active participation, shared leadership, and spiritual growth among the faithful.
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Registration
Participation in the liturgical services, presentations, and discussions is offered free of charge to all attendees. Meal tickets may be purchased for those who wish to join the community meals; otherwise, participants are welcome to make their own dining arrangements off-site.
Click here to register!
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Codifying the Eparchial Mission and VisionMonday, October 19, 2026- Thursday, October 22, 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbus, Ohio:
Following the Preparatory Gathering, the Formal Convening brings together our clergy, monastics, and designated delegates to continue this work more deeply.
Monday, October 19- 5PM Moleben invoking the Help of the Holy Spirit
- 6PM Dinner
Tuesday, October 20- 8AM Third Hour
- 8:30AM Breakfast (*on your own)
- 9:30AM An overview of the work of those called to the Assembly (Very Rev. Jan Maturkanic)
- 10AM Begin committee presentations - Laity and its apostolate (Jonathan Shellnut)
- 11:30AM Monastics and their mission (Rev. Cyril Farmer)
- 1PM Lunch
- 2:30PM Clergy and its ministry (Very Rev. Robert Jager)
- 4PM Evangelization and catechesis (Very Rev. Thomas Loya)
- 5:30PM Ninth Hour
- 6PM Dinner
Wednesday, October 21- 8AM Third Hour
- 8:30AM Breakfast (*on your own)
- 9:30AM Financial State of the Eparchy (Matt McDonald)
- 10AM Liturgical life (Rev. Andrew Summerson)
- 11:30AM Administration (Very Rev. James Batcha)
- 1PM Lunch
- 2:30PM Eparchial structures and committees (Very Rev. Robert Jager)
- 4 PM Canonical Notes (Rev. Charles Strebler)
- 5:30PM Ninth Hour
- 6PM Dinner
- 7:30PM Meeting of the Integrity Committee and Preparatory Group
Thursday, October 22- 8AM Third Hour
- 8:30 AM Breakfast (*on your own)
- 9:30 AM Town Hall with reference to recent teaching on the parochial family (Bishop Robert)
- 10:15 AM Media in the Eparchy (Jacquelin Zubko-Cunha)
- 10:45-3PM ASSEMBLY CLOSING – Coming together as an Eparchial Church (including lunch, Divine Liturgy at St. John Chrysostom, and closing address by Bishop Robert)
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Travel & AccomodationsSet in the heart of Ohio’s capital, the Columbus area offers an ideal blend of urban energy, cultural richness, and welcoming neighborhood life—an inspiring backdrop for this year’s gathering. Attendees experienced the region’s vibrant character, from the lively Short North Arts District and historic German Village to the peaceful green spaces along the Scioto Mile.
At the center of the Assembly stands St. John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church, a beloved spiritual home for generations of faithful in Central Ohio. Founded in 1922 by Byzantine Catholic immigrants seeking to preserve their faith and traditions, St. John’s has grown into a diverse, intergenerational parish known for its warm hospitality, strong liturgical life, and commitment to forming disciples.John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is approximately 10 miles from St. John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church, making it a convenient and accessible option for attendees traveling to the Eparchial Assembly.
The airport is located just east of downtown Columbus and is well‑connected to the city via major highways, rideshare services, and public transit options, offering easy access to Columbus’s neighborhoods, hotels, and attractions.
Shuttle services, taxis, and regional transportation providers are available for smooth travel to nearby areas, ensuring a simple and stress‑free arrival for all participants.
For more information, visit the official website.Accommodations
To make travel simple, a 60‑room block has been reserved at:
Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbus
2700 Corporate Exchange Dr., Columbus, OH
Spacious suites, complimentary made‑to‑order breakfast, evening reception, and easy access to major highways and dining. The hotel is just a five‑minute drive from St. John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church, making it especially convenient for Assembly participants.
Make Your Reservation Today!
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Thank YouWe extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated members of the Assembly Planning Committee for their hard work and commitment:
- Most Rev. Bishop Robert M. Pipta
- Very Rev. Jan Maturkanic, Protosyncellus and Administrator of St. Joseph, Brecksville
- Very Rev. Robert Jager, Censor and Administrator of St. John Chrysostom, Columbus
- Rev. Charles Strebler, Judicial Vicar
- Matthew McDonald, Eparchial CFO
- Jacquelin Zubko-Cunha, Marketing and Communications Specialist
- Benjamin Auton, Eparchial Synod Leader
- Johnathan Shellnut, Director of the Lay Apostolate