Archbishop Daniel's visit for the celebration of the Sunday of All Saints of Ukraine was profoundly meaningful. His Eminence graced our community with his presence, delivering a poignant sermon that resonated deeply with the congregation. He emphasized the significance of saints in our spiritual journey, highlighting their unwavering faith and dedication as guiding beacons for all believers.
During the Great Vespers service, Archbishop Daniel shared inspiring stories of not giving up in our own lives and focusing on the lives of the saints, connecting their lives to the challenges and aspirations of our modern times. His words ignited a sense of unity and renewed commitment among parishioners, fostering a stronger sense of spiritual community.
The Divine Liturgy began with the children of the church greeting His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, followed by the parish president, Mykhailo Antonov. Before he entered the church the Archbishop was greeted by Fr. Volodymyr Yavorskyi. The service was made even more special by the presence of Fr. Andriy Matlak from our sister parish Holy Trinity in Seattle, adding to the spiritual richness of the occasion. Together, with Fr. Volodymyr, they led a deeply moving service. We express our gratitude to the choir for their hard work and dedication in making the Divine Liturgy beautiful. A special thank you goes to Maria Kamsha for her direction of the choir, enhancing the beauty of the Liturgy.
The Divine Liturgy was marked by a powerful sermon from His Eminence urging us to cultivate gratitude and positivity in our lives. He emphasized the detrimental effects of being negative and encouraged us to focus on the blessings and positive aspects of our existence. His words resonated deeply, prompting reflection on how we perceive and react to challenges. He illuminated the teachings with personal anecdotes and scriptures, illustrating the transformative power of gratitude and a positive mindset. His message inspired a renewed commitment among the congregation to embrace thankfulness and resilience in their daily lives.
The service concluded with a communal gathering where Archbishop Daniel engaged warmly with attendees, offering personal blessings and guidance. His presence left an indelible mark, reinforcing the importance of faith, community, and the enduring legacy of saints in Ukrainian Orthodox tradition.
The visit concluded with Archbishop Daniel warmly engaging with parishioners during a luncheon, offering guidance and prayers. His presence not only enriched the spiritual experience but also provided practical wisdom for navigating life's difficulties with a hopeful perspective.
During the luncheon, the Archbishop spoke passionately about Ukraine and the impact of our fundraising efforts. He shared how our contributions enabled the purchase of ambulances, as well as the provision of water and food to those in need. It was a touching moment as we reflected on our solidarity and support for Ukraine.
The luncheon was delightful, thanks to the dedicated efforts of many individuals. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ilyana Kits, Tetiana Feltsan, Nadiya Shushakova, Tanya Pytel, and others who contributed to organizing this wonderful event.
Overall, it was a beautiful day spent celebrating with our Brothers and Sisters in Christ, filled with gratitude and fellowship.
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