Archbishop Daniel, hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA visited the parish of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Portland, Oregon on Saturday and Sunday, May 25-26. This was the first visit of Archbishop Daniel since Fr. Volodymyr Yavorskyi was assigned to the parish. It was also the first hierarchical visitation since he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood.
On Saturday at noon there would have been a Picnic in the park. During this picnic the youth of St. John's parish would have met with Archbishop Daniel. However, due to the bad weather conditions this event was canceled. The bad weather didn't ruin a joyful atmosphere. The same day at 6:00 p.m. the Great Vespers was served by Fr. Volodymyr Yavorskyi in which our Hierarch was present. After Great Vespers dinner was served at the Church hall where everyone had a chance to have a conversation with Archbishop Daniel.
The next day, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel once again presided over the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. During which numerous faithful of the Portland Metropolitan area prayerfully gathered to share the great joy of the Holy Mysteries of Communion through which everyone is united with Christ.
During Great Vespers and Divine Liturgy seminarian, Yaroslav Bilohan, who came with Archbishop Daniel helped during these services.
Before Divine Liturgy started, Archbishop Daniel was greeted by children with flowers, president of the Church board with bread, and finally by the pastor of the church with Holy Water and a Cross. Furthermore, Alexander Mikhno who is an active parishioner of this parish for over twenty years was tonsured to the Holy Clerical order of Reader. The same day two readers, who have served this Church for many years Dmytro Chepyshko and Laurence-Michael Fedora, were ordained to the Holy Clerical order of Subdeacon. Also, Rev. Father Andriy Matlak with his family from Seattle, our closet parish – the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church, came to share this Great Joy and participated in the Hierarchical Liturgy.
After the Hierarchical Liturgy, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel presented two Centennial medals to two most active and dedicated parishioners: the president of the parish board of administration - Serhiy Nahurski, and choir director Mariya Kamsha.
After the Divine Liturgy all of the people who were in Church were invited to a banquet. During the banquet the children of the parish gifted a song for His Eminence. Then they finished the day by celebrating Fr. Volodymyr’s birthday as a church family.
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