On a crisp and windy November day in New Jersey - when autumn leaves swirled like silent witnesses of history - the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA gathered in solemn reverence to observe Veterans Day. Though the powerful winds prevented the prayer service from being held outdoors at the Ukrainian American Veterans National Memorial, nothing could extinguish the flame of gratitude in the hearts of the faithful. The service was prayerfully offered within St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church, the spiritual center of the UOC of the USA, located in South Bound Brook, NJ.

The service was celebrated with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, Prime Hierarch of the Church, and His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, spiritual father of the Western Eparchy. Leading the prayer was the pastor of St. Andrew Memorial Church, Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Pasakas, assisted by: Protopresbyter Stephen Hutnick, Treasurer of the Consistory and pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Parish, Wilmington, Delaware; Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Shak, pastor of St. Panteleimon Ukrainian Orthodox Parish, Brooklyn, New York; Rev. Fr. David Chidzhokie, clergy of the Memorial Church; Rev. Fr. Richard Jendras of the Protection of the Birth-Giver of God Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Allentown, PA, with prayerful chanting by the seminarians of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary.

Veterans, their families, parishioners, and faithful from across the region filled the church, carrying in their hearts the names and memories of those who served.

During the service, Fr. Vasyl Pasakas reflected on the meaning of Veterans Day, quoting the Council of Bishops of the UOC of the USA:

“Each year on Veterans Day, our nation pauses in solemn gratitude to honor the men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States of America - those who have offered their strength, their youth, and in many cases their very lives in service to the nation we call home. They stood - and continue to stand - as guardians of the ideals of freedom, dignity, human rights, and the sanctity of life.”

The prayerful words emphasized that many veterans live quietly among us - in our communities, workplaces, and parishes. Often unnoticed, they carry memories of sacrifice. Their courage continues to teach us what it means to be responsible citizens - people who do not take freedom for granted, but defend it with integrity, discipline, and compassion.

Orthodox Christianity teaches that citizenship is not merely a legal status, but a vocation.

In the Divine Liturgy, we pray for our civil authorities and our nation - not as a mere formality but as a spiritual responsibility. When a man or woman chooses military service, they respond to a divine call to protect life and defend the dignity of others.

Serving our earthly homeland shapes our soul for our heavenly homeland.

Veterans embody Christ’s teaching: “to lay down one’s life for his friends. Their service is a lived expression of the Gospel.

This year’s observance was especially symbolic, taking place at the spiritual center of the UOC of the USA - home to the National Monument of Ukrainian American Veterans.

Following the prayer service, clergy, faithful, and veterans processed reverently to the outdoor memorial. A wreath was laid before the monument representing all branches of the United States Armed Forces. The air was filled with two songs of the Church’s heart - “God grant you many years!” for the living veterans and “Memory eternal!” for the fallen.

The National Commander of the Ukrainian American Veterans, Michael Hrycak, addressed the gathering, speaking of the sacrifices made by Ukrainian Americans in military service throughout U.S. history: “Ukrainian Americans have always stood in defense of liberty - here in the United States, and in solidarity with the defenders of Ukraine’s freedom today.”

His words bridged two homelands - America, in which Ukrainian Americans found opportunity and dignity, and Ukraine, beloved ancestral homeland now defended by sons and daughters with courage and faith.

Veterans teach us:

• Courage, when fear would be easier.
• Discipline, when comfort would be tempting.
• Sacrifice, when self-interest would be natural.

As the Bishops wrote: “To our veterans: You defended what is most precious. You guarded what is most vulnerable. You showed what it means to place others before yourself.” Veterans live the Gospel truth, not in words but in action.

Fr. Vasyl reminded those present that gratitude must be lived, not only spoken: Speak gratitude to a veteran. Offer assistance when needed. Teach the next generation that freedom is never without sacrifice.

Our parishes must be places where veterans find not only prayer, but support and love.

Veterans Day at the spiritual center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA was more than a ceremony - it was worship, remembrance, and thanksgiving.

Before the icon of Christ and beneath the protective shadow of the Ukrainian American Veterans National Monument, the words of prayer became a bridge connecting past and present, earth and heaven, duty and love.

May God bless our veterans! May God console the families of the fallen!

May God grant peace to our nation! And may we, too, learn to give of ourselves - for the good of others!