On the solemn evening of September 11, 2024, as the United States paused to remember the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, a deeply spiritual and patriotic gathering unfolded at St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary. Amidst the rolling hills of South Bound Brook, New Jersey, Archbishop Daniel, together with seminarians and clergy, extended their hearts and hands to wounded Ukrainian soldiers currently in the U.S. for prosthetic treatment. This act of solidarity was more than a simple gathering - it was a reflection of the interwoven destinies of the United States and Ukraine, two nations bound by their unwavering pursuit of freedom and human dignity.

The guests of honor that evening were soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, men whose bodies bear the scars of battle, yet whose spirits stand firm in their defense of Ukraine’s sovereignty. These brave warriors were greeted with warmth and compassion by the seminarians: subdeacons Andrii Akulenko, Mykola Stefanyk, Yurii Izhyk, Bohdan Bodnar, Marian Koval, and Marian Meleshko. The informal dinner was a moment of heartfelt hospitality, with the seminary’s chef, Anna Krykh, preparing a meal that nourished not only the body but the soul. Ukrainian songs filled the room, voices lifted in a shared heritage, as the seminarians sang with their guests, reminding everyone present of the enduring strength of Ukraine’s cultural and spiritual identity.

In these sacred moments, the soldiers were not just visitors from a distant land, but brothers in faith and defenders of a common ideal - freedom. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, through its seminarians, faithful and clergy, stood as a spiritual fortress, reminding these soldiers that while they fought on the physical front lines, there were others who fought for them on the spiritual front.

After dinner and with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, Archbishop Daniel, assisted by Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Pasakas, Dean of Students, and Rev. Fr. Ivan Tchopko, Assistant Dean, gave the Ukrainian soldiers a tour of the seminary. The tour reached its emotional and spiritual peak in the Three Holy Hierarchs Chapel, where a short prayer service was held for the peace of Ukraine and the healing of its wounded sons. In the soft glow of the candles, the chapel became a sanctuary of hope. As the prayers ascended, they carried with them the deep faith of the Church - faith in the resurrection of the Ukrainian people, faith in the ultimate victory of good over evil, and faith in the intercession of God for those who sacrifice for others.

Archbishop Daniel’s words echoed in the hearts of all present: “These young men have sacrificed their very bodies for the stability and freedom of our ancestral homeland. They stand on the front line of life, protecting the sovereign borders of Ukraine with their lives. Yet we, the clergy, faithful, and seminarians, are called to stand on the spiritual frontline, defending our people through our prayers and liturgical worship.” He reminded all those gathered that the struggle for Ukraine’s freedom is not merely a military endeavor but a spiritual one. Every prayer, every Divine Liturgy, is a weapon of light against the darkness that threatens the world.

He went on to reflect on the shared history of the United States and Ukraine, two nations bound by the ideals of liberty and justice. As the United States remembers the tragic events of 9/11, a day when the world saw the face of evil but also the resilience of the human spirit, Ukraine stands in the breach of that same struggle for global freedom. “As the United States rose from the ashes of 9/11 with renewed resolve to defend the precepts of freedom, Ukraine today bears the torch of that same freedom, fighting not only for its own people but for the future of democracy worldwide. Our destinies are intertwined.”

The evening reached its crescendo with Archbishop Daniel presenting a $100,000 donation from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA to Revived Soldiers Ukraine, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing medical rehabilitation for wounded Ukrainian soldiers. This substantial gift will aid over ten soldiers who are currently undergoing life-changing prosthetic treatments in the U.S. The donation is not just financial support; it is a symbol of the Church’s unwavering commitment to the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of those who defend Ukraine’s borders.

Archbishop Daniel expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Iryna Discipio-Vashchuk, the president of Revived Soldiers Ukraine, for her tireless leadership and vision. “The work of Pani Iryna, is nothing short of heroic. Through your compassion and perseverance, you have become a lifeline for so many who have sacrificed for Ukraine. You remind us all that the work of God is done through human hands.” He also extended his thanks to Roman Vengrenyuk, a dedicated board member of the organization, whose presence that evening was a testament to the enduring partnership between the Church and those on the frontlines of humanitarian aid.

In his closing remarks, Archbishop Daniel called on the faithful and all people of goodwill to continue supporting the ministry of Revived Soldiers Ukraine. “Our efforts cannot end here. We must be a constant source of support for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. I urge you to make a donation to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA’s Ukraine Humanitarian Fund. Together, we can ensure that those who have given so much are not forgotten, that they receive the care and assistance they need to rebuild their lives.”

The evening at St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary was not just a gathering - it was a sacred testament to the power of faith, patriotism, and unity. The Church, through its prayers and actions, stands as a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the light of Christ shines through, illuminating the path of righteousness and peace.

This generous donation marks the second time that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA has provided aid to wounded soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, following an earlier contribution made through the service of the Kind Deeds organization.

Let us all continue to stand with Ukraine, not only with our words and prayers but with our deeds. The Revived Soldiers of Ukraine have given their bodies for the freedom of their homeland. Let us give our hearts, our resources, and our unwavering support to ensure their healing and the healing of Ukraine.