The parish family of Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Millville, NJ gathered in reverence and celebration as they honored their beloved pastor, Very Rev. Fr. Orest Poukhalsky, on his 55th birthday. This special occasion was further graced by the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, who traveled from the Spiritual Center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA in South Bound Brook, NJ. Though His Eminence Metropolitan Antony was unable to attend due to illness, his blessings were with the community as they welcomed the archpastor.

The day began with a heartwarming procession. The children of the parish presented bouquets of flowers to Archbishop Daniel, symbolizing their love and gratitude, as they joyfully led him along a path of the parish’s church banners. The children’s reverent simplicity and the traditional church banners set a tone of holiness and honor as Archbishop Daniel entered the church. Members of the parish sisterhood and board of administration formally greeted him with a message reflective of their deep appreciation: “Your Eminence, we welcome you with open hearts as a shepherd of the faithful. We ask for your prayers over our parish community, for our beloved pastor Fr. Orest, and for the men and women of Ukraine, who daily face the trials of war. May God’s mercy and peace be upon us all.”

Very Rev. Fr. Orest Poukhalsky welcomed Archbishop Daniel with humility and gratitude, accompanied by clergy from the New Jersey and Pennsylvania area, and joined by a special guest, Very Rev. Fr. Petro Landvytovych of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Kyiv. This gathering of clergy, representing not only local parishes but also the broader Orthodox community in Ukraine, was a powerful testament to the unity and solidarity among the faithful.

The Divine Liturgy began, enveloping the congregation in a sacred atmosphere of prayer and reflection. During the initial litanies, the faithful lifted their voices in petitions for peace, strength, and unity, as Archbishop Daniel led with fervent prayers that resonated with all in attendance. As the small entrance approached, Vladyka Daniel paused to present Fr. Orest with a jeweled cross, an ecclesiastical award symbolizing his unwavering dedication and service to the life of the parish. The moment was one of profound spiritual fatherhood and sonship; Archbishop Daniel’s blessing upon Fr. Orest reminded everyone present of the deep, spiritual bond between pastor and parishioner, shepherd and flock. It was a moment that Fr. Orest and the faithful will carry with them, an embrace marking not just the archpastor’s approval but a fatherly affirmation of Fr. Orest’s role in their spiritual lives.

In his sermon, Archbishop Daniel spoke on the need for spiritual accountability, especially in times that challenge the faith and morals taught in the Gospel. Reflecting on Luke 8:26-39, he addressed the narrative of the man tormented by a legion of demons. Archbishop Daniel reminded the faithful that just as this man was restored to life and purpose through Christ’s compassion, so too are Christians called to confront the “legions” of temptation they face daily. The name “Legion” represents the many ways the world may pull us away from our calling to holiness. He urged the congregation to uphold the sacredness of life, even in moments when evil seems pervasive, by clinging to the Gospel and living in accountability, always with a view toward the light of Christ. His words served as a powerful reminder that, as believers, each of us carries the responsibility to resist what opposes the truth, to act with love, and to hold fast to God’s promise of salvation.

As the faithful approached the chalice to receive the Eucharist, nearly fifty people partook in communion, affirming their unity in Christ. The Eucharist, the very Body and Blood of our Lord, stands as a reminder of the sacred bond Christians share not only with Christ but with one another. Vladyka Daniel reflected on the beauty and importance of communion, encouraging everyone to view it as both a gift and a responsibility—an invitation to draw closer to Christ and a call to live as true members of His body.

After the service, numerous heartfelt greetings were extended to Fr. Orest, as Protodeacon Pavlo Vysotskyi intoned a prayerful rendition of “Many Years.” The parish choir responded with a resounding “AXIOS! Worthy! Гідний!” filling the church with joyous acclamation, honoring Fr. Orest’s years of faithful service. Each voice reflected the gratitude and admiration the parish holds for their pastor, echoing sentiments of love, respect, and blessing.

Following the liturgy, Archbishop Daniel led a procession to the remodeled sisterhood hall and kitchen, where he performed the blessing of the renewed space. A church’s social hall serves as more than just a gathering space; it is where the faithful come together to share in fellowship, and in doing so, fulfill Christ’s call to community and love. This hall, now vibrant and renewed, stands as a testament to the parish’s commitment to serve the faithful physically as well as spiritually. From borscht to varenyky, Ukrainian cuisine has long been a cherished expression of this parish’s heritage. In kitchens like these, generations of faithful have labored in love, preparing food that not only nourishes but serves as a form of ministry - feeding souls as well as bodies and providing support for the church’s many ministries.

The celebrations continued with an outdoor Fall festival, where parishioners, young and old, gathered in joy, singing, praying, and offering their warm greetings to Fr. Orest. The golden autumn leaves and the cool breeze created an atmosphere of gratitude and harmony, reflecting the spirit of togetherness that defined the day.

During the luncheon that followed, a heartfelt moment unfolded as Very Rev. Fr. Orest Poukhalsky expressed gratitude to his mother, who was present for his special day. Speaking with warmth and sincerity, he thanked her for the gift of life and the sacrifices she made throughout his upbringing. In a moving tribute, Fr. Orest presented her with a rendition of a song honoring a mother’s love—a love unbounded, enduring, and forever cherished. With a large bouquet of flowers in hand, he embraced her, and those present joined in the emotion of the moment, many with tears in their eyes.

The love a child holds for a parent, especially a mother, is sacred. A mother’s devotion and tireless care form the foundation of a child’s life, reflecting the selfless love that Christ calls each of us to emulate. In honoring his mother publicly, Fr. Orest reminded everyone of the importance of gratitude, respect, and devotion to those who have nurtured us. As the Scripture tells us to “honor your father and mother,” so too are we called to treasure them, recognizing that a parent’s love is a blessing and a mirror of God’s own unwavering love for His children. May we always hold our parents in high regard, cherishing the moments we have to show them the love and gratitude they so richly deserve.

As the day concluded, the faithful left with hearts full of gratitude, inspired by the example of Archbishop Daniel and Fr. Orest. The event was more than a birthday celebration; it was a reaffirmation of faith and a reminder of the power of unity within the Church. Archbishop Daniel’s words of wisdom and Fr. Orest’s steadfast example call each of us to embrace our faith with humility, courage, and love. May this gathering inspire us to walk in holiness, to support one another, and to strive to live lives that reflect the light of Christ.

In honoring Fr. Orest, the parish of Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church honored the very spirit of dedication and love that Christ calls each of us to emulate. May we, like Fr. Orest, answer the call to serve with open hearts, and may we, like Archbishop Daniel, continue to nurture and guide one another on the path of faith.