On a crisp and radiant Pennsylvania morning - one of those days when the rolling Scranton hills seem clothed in a quiet hymn of thanksgiving - the faithful of Holy Archangel Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Parish gathered with reverence and joy to welcome His Eminence Metropolitan Antony for the celebration of the Afterfeast of the Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple, as well as their cherished Parish Feast Day of the Holy Archangel Michael.

The grandeur of the day was not merely in its liturgical beauty but in the profound spiritual reflections, the renewal of parish life, and the blessing of a young reader who now steps forward into the service of Christ’s Holy Church.

As His Eminence entered the temple, he was greeted by the pastor of the parish, Rev. Fr. Philip Harendza, together with the parish leadership and faithful, who extended the traditional offering of bread and salt. The warmth of their welcome rivaled the glow of the church’s iconography, which shimmered with morning light as if reminding all that “the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Before the Divine Liturgy began, Fr. Philip humbly asked the Metropolitan to offer prayers for the benefactors and stewards of the parish - those whose sacrifices sustain the life of the church. His Eminence lifted heartfelt supplications to the Lord, invoking divine grace upon all who labor, donate, build, and dream for the growth of the Holy Archangel Michael community.

One of the most moving moments of the celebration came when Metropolitan Antony called forward Hunter Noah Harendza, the son of Fr. Philip and Pani-matka BethAnne, to be tonsured as a Reader of the Holy Orthodox Church.

Addressing the young man directly, His Eminence offered words that resonated deeply with everyone present: “Use these years of your youth wisely - not in pursuit of noise and distraction, but in dedication, discipline, and love for Christ’s Church. Prepare yourself to proclaim the Word of God, to chant the Holy Scriptures, and to stand in service beside your priestly father. Let your life become a living epistle.”

Hunter’s quiet humility and reverence reflected the depth of the moment, as the Metropolitan cut a lock of his hair and clothed him in the robe of a Reader - marking the beginning of a path of sacred service.

The altar was filled with clergy who came to honor both the feast and their archpastor:

• Protopresbyter Stephen Hutnick, representing the Ukrainian Orthodox communities of Delaware and Maryland
• Very Rev. Fr. Ivan Synevsky, pastor of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Johnson City, NY
• Protodeacon Pavlo Vysotskyi of St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church, South Bound Brook, NJ
• Seminarian from St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary

Their collective presence embodied the unity of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA - a family woven together by prayer, tradition, and mission.

During his archpastoral reflection, Metropolitan Antony spoke with deep tenderness about the mystery of the Feast: “The Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple teaches us that holiness begins in quiet obedience, long before the world takes notice. The angels rejoice today, for she who will become the Living Temple of Christ enters the earthly temple for the first time.”

Standing in a parish dedicated to the Leader of the Heavenly Hosts, His Eminence wove a beautiful spiritual tapestry connecting the feast to the Archangel Michael: “Archangel Michael stands as a defender of truth, a guardian of God’s people, a protector in times of trial. And in these hills of Pennsylvania - so reminiscent of steadfastness and strength - we are reminded that every believer is called to stand firm in faith, just as the Archangel does before the throne of God.”

The faithful listened in silence as His Eminence encouraged them to invite the angels into their personal spiritual struggle, reminding them that the Church is never alone, for “those who are with us are more than those who are against us.”

As the Divine Liturgy concluded and the choir sang with heartfelt devotion, sunlight broke through the stained-glass windows, bathing the sanctuary in warm hues. The Scranton hills beyond the church stood as silent witnesses to the grace poured out that day.

In his final remarks, Metropolitan Antony offered a reflection that captured both the beauty of the land and the spiritual calling of its people: “These hills remind us that God’s creation rises and falls in rhythm - just as our spiritual lives rise and fall. But the Church, like these mountains, stands firm. And here in Scranton, the faith of this parish continues to rise like incense before the Lord.”

With his archpastoral blessing, His Eminence called the parish to continue being a beacon of faith, hospitality, and resilience - a place where the Heavenly Hosts are honored, where the Mother of God is loved, and where every soul can encounter the living Christ.

The visit of Metropolitan Antony will long remain in the memory of the Holy Archangel Michael community. It was a day of sacred beauty, personal calling, and spiritual renewal - a day when heaven and earth seemed to meet on the hillsides of Scranton.

May the Holy Archangel Michael guard this parish. May the Most Holy Theotokos intercede for its faithful. And may the grace of God strengthen all who seek Him in this blessed community.

Many blessed years to Holy Archangel Michael Parish!