Palos Park, Illinois - On a warm and radiant summer Sunday – June 13, 2025, the faithful of Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church gathered in heartfelt joy and reverence to celebrate 116 years of service, faith, and spiritual witness in the life of the Ukrainian-American Orthodox community. The anniversary celebration was made even more profound with the archpastoral visit of His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, the spiritual father of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and President of the Consistory of the UOC of the USA.

As the bells of the Second Temple of the parish rang out across the leafy streets of Palos Park, Archbishop Daniel was prayerfully escorted into the parish temple by a procession of subdeacons, readers, and altar servers. The children of the parish greeted their spiritual father with flowers, while Subdeacon Denis Rehr, Parish Council President, Mrs. Natalie Bryndzia - Sisterhood President, and the Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Sendeha, pastor of the parish, formally welcomed His Eminence on behalf of the entire community - especially the many faithful who had recently arrived from war-torn Ukraine and found a spiritual home within the warm embrace of this historic church.

Among the special guests present was the Protez Foundation, which traveled from Minnesota for the occasion. They brought with them two wounded Ukrainian soldiers Ruslan and Ihor, heroes of the ongoing defense of Ukraine - who are undergoing prosthetic rehabilitation in the United States. Archbishop Daniel personally blessed these brave men, elevating them as living icons of sacrificial love for their ancestral homeland.

In his moving homily, Archbishop Daniel drew from Scripture and culture alike, quoting the famous line from a well-known film: “With great power comes great responsibility.” He reminded the faithful that every Christian receives the grace of the Holy Spirit and is endowed with unique talents - not for personal glorification, but for service, self-offering, and the building of God’s Kingdom on earth.

“Just as these young soldiers offered their bodies to defend their homeland, so too must we offer our hearts, our prayers, our time, and our strength to defend what is holy and true,” the Archbishop preached. “We cannot afford to live passively. We are called to act - to love boldly, to serve faithfully, and to live with divine purpose.”

The parish choir, directed by Subdeacon Yurii Cepynsky, led the congregation in harmonious responses to the Divine Liturgy, as the entire church was filled with voices of prayer, thanksgiving, and praise. Nearly every person in attendance approached the Holy Chalice, uniting their bodies and souls with the Risen Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist.

Fr. Vasyl, in his remarks at the conclusion of the Liturgy, expressed deep gratitude to Archbishop Daniel for his spiritual leadership, prayerful presence, and unwavering support of the parish community. In turn, Archbishop Daniel commended the pastor and faithful, presenting awards of recognition and gratitude to several members of the parish family for their extraordinary dedication and tireless service.

In a deeply emotional and uplifting moment, His Eminence presented honorary recognitions to the following parishioners:

Natalka Cepynsky, for her volunteer vision care ministry, both in the U.S. and on mission trips to Ukraine, offering free eye care to orphans and those in need.

Pani-matka Olena Sendeha, for her passionate leadership of the parish school, work with new immigrants, legal assistance advocacy, kitchen ministry, festival coordination, and tireless spiritual motherhood.

Karen Larsen, for her role as board secretary and Sunday school teacher, ensuring every parish event and initiative runs smoothly and faithfully.

Pat Wolsko, past president and newly elected vice-president, for her ongoing work with ESL classes, Sunday School, and community outreach.

Donna Nevels, for her photography, parish Facebook updates, festival planning, and commitment to promoting the church in broader society.

Athena Gordon, newly elected Sisterhood president, for revitalizing parish events and bringing the Sisterhood into a new era of vibrant leadership.

Carol Redmerski, lifelong member and matriarch of the Sisterhood, for her enduring service and active presence in parish life.

Lillian Cepynsky, for her sacred embroidery that adorns the church, as well as her ministry of repairing and tailoring vestments for the altar servers.

Pat Beck, parish treasurer, who despite personal health struggles, has continued her stewardship with grace and devotion.

Julia Kulyk, Sisterhood treasurer, who consistently ensures the operation of the Sisterhood through quiet, behind-the-scenes diligence.

Natalie Bryndzia, Sisterhood co-president and president of the newly revived UOL (Ukrainian Orthodox League), for supporting new immigrants and leading youth outreach.

In a particularly poignant gesture, Archbishop Daniel honored two faithful subdeacons for their extraordinary decades of altar service:

Subdeacon James Nevels, who has served at the holy altar for 68 years.

Subdeacon Denis Rehr, who has served for 62 years.

Their steadfast witness was celebrated as an embodiment of humility and sacred perseverance, a true example to generations of clergy and laity alike.

In a moving moment of spiritual unity, Archbishop Daniel, joined by Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Sendeha, offered heartfelt gratitude to Alderman Michael Lebarre of Palos Hills, Illinois, for his unwavering support of the local Ukrainian-American community. In recognition of his advocacy and tangible efforts on behalf of newly arrived refugees fleeing the horrors of war, His Eminence presented Alderman Lebarre with a special token of appreciation: the Ukrainian national trident, adorned with the emblem of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA - a symbol of the enduring bond between faith, nation, and community.

“Your dedication to the dignity and wellbeing of displaced Ukrainian families reflects the very heart of servant leadership,” Archbishop Daniel remarked. “You have stood with us not only in word, but in deed - offering hope when it was needed most.”

The spirit of recognition extended also to the selfless representatives and caregivers of the Protez Foundation, whose mission to restore physical wholeness to wounded Ukrainian soldiers is nothing short of sacred. Archbishop Daniel praised these modern-day good Samaritans for their sacrificial ministry to Ukrainian heroes who have lost arms and legs defending their homeland.

“You are not only restoring limbs,” His Eminence declared, “you are restoring lives, dignity, and dreams. The Ukrainian-American community, and the Church, salute you as a living example of Christlike compassion.”

These moments served as a powerful reminder that true greatness lies not in power or position, but in the quiet, persistent acts of care, courage, and human kindness that lift others up. In honoring these individuals, the parish community of Saints Peter and Paul lifted up the very soul of what it means to be a Christian: to love sacrificially, serve humbly, and never cease to hope.

The celebration concluded with a parish-wide luncheon held outdoors on the church grounds. Parishioners and guests enjoyed food, fellowship, and the gift of community, rejoicing in the presence of Christ and one another. Representatives of Self-reliance Federal Credit Union joined the celebration and presented a generous gift of love and support to the parish on its milestone anniversary.

As the sun began to dip behind the horizon, the joy of the day remained bright in the hearts of all present. In reflecting on the visit, one parishioner remarked, “Archbishop Daniel reminded us not only of who we are, but of who we are called to become - as individuals, as a parish, and as a nation. In a world broken by war and pain, we are meant to be light, healing, and hope.”

Let this day serve as a reminder to all Orthodox Christians that true power lies in love, and true greatness lies in humble service. The history of Saints Peter and Paul Parish is written not only in brick and stone but in sacrifice, faith, and holy perseverance. May it continue to be a sanctuary of prayer, healing, and joy for generations to come.

“Each of us has received a gift from above - let us use it, not for ourselves, but to serve one another, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” - 1 Peter 4:10

Glory to God for 116 years… and for the many more yet to come.