On Saturday, November 16, 2024, the parish community of the Protection of the Mother of God Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Allentown, Pennsylvania, witnessed a profound and historic day of faith, service, and divine grace.

In a service of extraordinary spiritual significance, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, the prime hierarchs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, Archbishop Daniel ordained Subdeacon Alexis Clodfelter to the Holy Deaconate. The day was made even more memorable by another sacred event - the baptism of Deacon Alexis's and Pani Delaney newborn daughter, Cecilia.

The day began early with the baptismal service for baby Cecilia, celebrated by the cathedral's pastor, Rev. Fr. Richard Jendras. Surrounded by family, friends, and parishioners, Cecilia was brought into the embrace of Christ’s Holy Church. Fr. Richard reflected on the profound beauty of this moment, where father and daughter simultaneously stepped into transformative spiritual milestones. Through baptism, Cecilia was illumined by the Holy Spirit and joined in the joy of her father’s ordination by partaking of the Eucharist together with him for the first time.

Fr. Richard’s words resonated deeply: "To witness a father dedicate his life in service to the Lord while his child begins her own spiritual journey is a powerful testament to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This day reminds us of God’s boundless love and His divine plan for each of us."

As the faithful gathered in anticipation, Archbishop Daniel entered the sacred temple, accompanied by seminarians from St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary and clergy from neighboring parishes. Among them were Rev. Fr. Philip Harendza of Holy Archangel Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Scranton, PA; Rev. Fr. Ivan Tchopko of Three Holy Hierarchs Seminary Chapel in South Bound Brook, NJ; Rev. Fr. Oleh Kravchenko of the Assumption of the Birth-Giver of God Parish in Northampton, PA; and Rev. Fr. Roman Marchyshak of Holy Trinity Parish in Trenton, NJ. Their presence, along with the prayers of the gathered faithful, seminarians of both St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary and St. Tikhon’s Theological Seminary underscored the unity and support within the broader Orthodox community.

At the cathedral's entrance, the parish board president, Bohdan Zhelehivsky, welcomed Archbishop Daniel with heartfelt words. On behalf of the community, he petitioned the Archbishop to offer prayers for peace in the United States and for Ukraine, still enduring the trials of war. He also asked for blessings upon Subdeacon Alexis as he prepared to take on the sacred responsibilities of the diaconate.

The Divine Liturgy, celebrated with solemnity and joy, honored the feast of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew. The chants of Protodeacon Pavlo Vysotskyi and Deacon Maksym Zhuravchyk filled the cathedral, lifting the hearts of all present. In his homily, Archbishop Daniel delivered a powerful message on the meaning of the deaconate, rooted in the Greek word diakonos, or "servant." He outlined the fourfold ministry of a deacon, emphasizing its spiritual and practical significance:

1. To Serve: The deacon embodies Christ’s example of humble service, attending to the needs of the Church and its people with love and dedication.
2. To Defend: The deacon is a guardian of the faith, standing firm in truth and guiding others through spiritual challenges.
3. To Evangelize: As a herald of the Gospel, the deacon bridges the sacred and secular, bringing the light of Christ into the world.
4. To Exemplify: The deacon’s life serves as a beacon of Christian virtue, inspiring others to live in the likeness of Christ.

At the appointed moment, Subdeacon Alexis approached the altar, escorted by seminarians. The congregation, clergy, and choir proclaimed with one voice, “Axios! Axios! Axios!” (“Worthy! Worthy! Worthy!”). With solemnity and reverence, Archbishop Daniel laid hands upon Subdeacon Alexis, invoking the grace of the Holy Spirit to descend upon him. Through the laying on of hands, Alexis was transformed into Deacon Alexis, entrusted with the sacred duties of the diaconate.

As the newly ordained deacon received the vestments of his office - the sticharion, orarion, and cuffs - along with the censer, service book, and liturgical fan, the congregation’s joy overflowed. Deacon Alexis, visibly moved, embraced his family, clergy, and parishioners, marking the beginning of his diaconal ministry with gratitude and love.

Archbishop Daniel, drawing from his own experience as a chaplain in the U.S. Army, offered heartfelt guidance to Deacon Alexis. “Your role as a deacon and as a future chaplain in the US Army is to serve with compassion, humility, and unwavering faith,” he said. “Minister to the spiritual needs of those in your care, whether in moments of peace or trial. Love them as Christ loves us.”

The Archbishop also acknowledged the presence of Ukrainian-American veterans, whose attendance honored both the Church's spiritual leaders and those serving in the chaplain corps. Their presence served as a reminder of the enduring link between faith and the courage of those who defend freedom and justice.

Following the Divine Liturgy, a festive luncheon prepared by the parish sisterhood brought the community together to celebrate this momentous occasion. Deacon Alexis along with his wife Delaney expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Archbishop Daniel, Rev. Fr. Richard Jendras, his family, and all who supported his journey. He thanked the faithful for their prayers and encouragement, pledging to serve the Church and its people with devotion.

Archbishop Daniel, in his concluding remarks, left a lasting message: “If there is one lesson to take away from today, it is this: love and serve unconditionally. We are all called to be servants of Christ, His Church, and one another.”

This day, woven with grace, faith, and community, marked a new chapter in the life of Deacon Alexis and the life of the Church. His ordination, alongside his daughter’s baptism, stands as a testament to the enduring mission of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA - to nurture faithful servants who bring Christ’s love into every corner of the world. Through this sacred ordination, the Church reaffirmed its commitment to service, reminding all present that every act of love and humility reflects the light of Christ in the world.