On a crisp morning, the serene grounds of the Ukrainian Cultural Center in South Bound Brook, NJ, were filled with a spirit of unity as the Coalition of Religious Leaders of the State of New Jersey gathered for their semi-annual meeting. Hosted by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA (UOC-USA), this significant event welcomed approximately 50 religious leaders, representing diverse faith communities across the Garden State. The Coalition seeks to build informed relationships and collaborate around sacred values uniting religious communities in action towards justice and mercy for the common good. The Coalition of Religious Leaders of the State of New Jersey represents communities in the Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh faiths reflective of the diversity in the Garden State.

The meeting commenced shortly after 9:00 AM, with His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, president of the Consistorey of the UOC of the IUSA, offering words of welcome. Addressing the attendees, Archbishop Daniel expressed heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support that New Jersey's religious communities have extended to the Ukrainian people amidst their ongoing trials.

Reflecting on the coalition’s recognition of the Church’s efforts in May 2022, when prayers were offered for Ukraine and its people, Archbishop Daniel thanked the religious leaders for their solidarity. He urged them to continue their prayers for peace, stability, and healing, emphasizing the toll of war on countless lives.

In a deeply moving atmosphere, Archbishop Daniel introduced students from St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary, many of whom were born in Ukraine and whose loved ones are currently serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The seminarians led a bilingual recitation of the Lord’s Prayer—first in Ukrainian, then in English—echoing the themes of unity and hope. This powerful act of worship set the tone for the day, blending spiritual reflection with a call to action.

Rabbi Matt Gewirtz, president of the Coalition of Religious Leaders, thanked Archbishop Daniel for once again opening the doors of the Ukrainian Cultural Center to this vital assembly. Rabbi Gewirtz acknowledged the enduring partnership between the UOC-USA and the coalition, which has become a beacon of interfaith collaboration.

Adding to the significance of the day, the Honorable Ras J. Baraka - Mayor of Newark, NJ, joined the gathering to thank the coalition for their role in fostering spiritual guidance and support in communities across the state. The mayor presented a resolution of gratitude to the outgoing coalition leadership, paving the way for the installation of a new slate of officers:

• Rev. Dr. Darell Armstrong – President
• Rev. Dr. Tanya Linn Bennett – Vice President
• Rev. Tim McGrath – Treasurer
• Rev. Jeanne Radak – Secretary
• Rev. Sarah Lilja – Administrative Director

The meeting also included a solemn moment of prayer for the repose of the soul of Jack Jackson, a founding member and long-time leader of the coalition. Rabbi Matt Gewirtz stated: “I would like to add a couple of personal notes here. First, we recently lost our dear friend and colleague, Rev. Jack Johnson. His memorial service was incredibly moving, and it touched me to see so many of you in attendance. It was of utter importance to him that we continue everything that he built by way of our coalition. Jack was a mentor to so many of us and personally he modeled for me what it means to be a sacred servant. May God only bless his memory and lend comfort to his dear family.”

Rev. Dr. Edwin Aponte, dean of Drew Theological School, delivered a keynote presentation titled The Role of Religious Leaders in a Divided Society. Dr. Aponte offered profound insights into the challenges facing faith leaders in today's polarized world and proposed practical approaches to fostering dialogue and unity. A vibrant question-and-answer session followed, sparking discussions that carried into smaller group conversations later in the day.

As the day drew to a close, attendees gathered for a meal prepared by the dedicated staff of the Ukrainian Cultural Center. The shared meal symbolized the bonds of fellowship and the mutual commitment of all present to serve their communities with faith and compassion.

In his remarks, Archbishop Daniel once again implored the coalition to remember the people of Ukraine in their prayers, marking 1,000 days since the beginning of the devastating Russian aggression. His words served as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity and the enduring power of prayer.

Special recognition is given to the Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Pasakas (administrative assistant to the Council of Bishops of the UOC of the USA), who worked tirelessly to oversee the logistical preparations for the event, and to Rev. Fr. Ivan Tchopko, who provided audio support. Deacon Maksym Zhuravchyk and Subdeacon Mykola Stefanyk, acknowledged for the photo coverage of the gathering.

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA is honored to host such gatherings of interfaith solidarity, serving as a reminder that even amidst division, faith leaders can inspire hope and healing. As the coalition looks ahead to its future work, it does so united in the shared mission of peace, justice, and unwavering support for the people of Ukraine.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9)

May the prayers offered in this sacred gathering bear fruit in the lives of all who seek peace, justice, and healing in our world.