In the quiet, picturesque city of Mountain Home, Arkansas, nestled in the southern Ozark Mountains, an event of profound spiritual significance unfolded as Archbishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA (UOC of the USA) made a pastoral visit to the Holy Apostle Thomas Orthodox Church. His Eminence’s journey to this picturesque corner of the United States was marked by an outpouring of faith, community spirit, and a reaffirmation of the Orthodox Christian witness in a post-COVID environment.

Archbishop Daniel arrived in Mountain Home on Friday afternoon, escorted by Deacon Maksym Zhuravchyk and Subdeacon Andrii Akulenko, who provided invaluable assistance throughout the visit. The community, situated 1,173 miles from the spiritual center of the UOC of USA in South Bound Brook, NJ, and with the closest Ukrainian Orthodox community in Jones, Oklahoma, eagerly anticipated the arrival of their spiritual leader. The Holy Apostle Thomas Orthodox Church, under the pastoral care of Rev. Fr. Samuel Seamans, had prepared diligently for this momentous occasion, ensuring that the visit would strengthen the bonds of faith and unity within the parish.

On Saturday evening, August 10, 2024, Archbishop Daniel joined the members of the Holy Apostle Thomas parish family for dinner. This gathering was not just a social event but a time of deep connection and mutual edification. The Archbishop took the opportunity to get to know the faithful, particularly welcoming the new parishioners and converts to Holy Orthodoxy who had joined the community during the challenging times of the pandemic.

The dinner was a testament to the resilience and growth of the parish, even in the face of global difficulties. Archbishop Daniel listened attentively to the stories of the parishioners, their journeys to Orthodoxy, and the ways in which their faith had been a source of strength and hope. His presence brought a sense of renewal, reminding all in attendance that they are part of a broader Orthodox family that spans the globe.

The pinnacle of the visit came on Sunday (08/11/2024), as the parish gathered to welcome their archpastor to the Divine Liturgy. As the procession made its way to the church, the youth of the parish, led by Matrim Bunch, greeted Archbishop Daniel with great enthusiasm. The welcoming ceremony was a heartfelt expression of the community’s love and respect for their spiritual leader.

Upon entering the temple, Archbishop Daniel was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Pani Olga Seamans, a gesture that symbolized the beauty and purity of the faith maintained by the Holy Apostle Thomas community. Fr. Samuel Seamans then formally greeted the Archbishop, beseeching his prayers and guidance to further the growth of the Orthodox witness in Mountain Home and throughout Arkansas.

During the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Daniel was joined at the altar by Rev. Fr. Samuel Seamans and concelebrant Very Rev. Fr. Kenneth Devoie of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese. The collaboration of clergy from different Orthodox jurisdictions underscored the unity of the Orthodox Church, particularly in regions where Orthodox Christians are a minority.

In his homily, Archbishop Daniel reflected on the Gospel reading of the day, Matthew 9:27-35, which recounts the miraculous healing of the two blind men and the casting out of a demon from a mute man. His Eminence spoke about the Messianic message contained within the passage, emphasizing Christ’s role as the healer of both physical and spiritual ailments. He encouraged the faithful to seek Christ’s healing in their own lives, to embrace the transformative power of the Eucharist, and to be witnesses of His love and mercy in their daily interactions.

The Divine Liturgy was a deeply moving experience for all in attendance. Many faithful came forward to receive the Holy Eucharist, reaffirming their commitment to the sacramental life of the Church. The joy and reverence with which the Sacrament was received reflected the spiritual vitality of the parish.

At the conclusion of the service, Archbishop Daniel presented Fr. Samuel Seamans with a silver ecclesiastical cross, engraved with the Archbishop’s initials. This gift was not merely a token of appreciation but a symbol of the high esteem in which Fr. Samuel is held by his hierarch. It recognized his dedicated service to the Mountain Home parish community and his broader efforts in Christian outreach throughout Arkansas. The presentation of the cross was a moment of profound emotion, highlighting the strong bond between pastor and archpastor, as well as the ongoing support of the UOC of the USA for their communities.

The day concluded with a parish potluck dinner, where Archbishop Daniel continued to visit with all parishioners. This informal gathering allowed for more personal interactions, as the faithful shared their thoughts, concerns, and hopes with their archpastor. Vladyka Daniel, in turn, encouraged everyone present, offering words of wisdom and reassurance rooted in the love of Christ. His presence was a source of great comfort and inspiration, reinforcing the sense of community and shared purpose among the parishioners.

Archbishop Daniel’s visit to the Holy Apostle Thomas Orthodox Church in Mountain Home, Arkansas, was a significant event in the life of the parish. It served as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of the Orthodox Christian community, even across great distances. The visit brought spiritual renewal, strengthened the bonds of fellowship, and deepened the parish’s commitment to living out the Orthodox faith in their daily lives.

As the faithful of Mountain Home continue their spiritual journey, they do so with the knowledge that they are not alone. They are supported by their archpastor, by their fellow Orthodox Christians across the country, and most importantly, by the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The visit of Archbishop Daniel will be remembered as a time of blessing and encouragement - a testament to the enduring strength of the Orthodox faith.