On Sunday, November 24, 2024, the faithful of Holy Archangel Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, welcomed a cherished visit from His Eminence Archbishop Daniel. Traveling from the Spiritual Center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA in South Bound Brook, NJ, Archbishop Daniel came to uplift the parish family with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony for the celebration of the parish feast day – Holy Archangel Michael. Accompanying the archpastor were subdeacon Yaroslav Bilohan, seminarians Marian Meleshko and Bohdan Bodnar as well as Rev. Fr. David Chidzhokie, who recently arrived from Ukraine. 

The day began with a warm and heartfelt greeting as the parish board of administration, led by Mrs. Irene Shewchuk, welcomed Archbishop Daniel with the traditional offering of bread and salt. This gesture, deeply rooted in Ukrainian tradition, symbolizes hospitality and respect. Bread represents the sustenance of life and a gift from God, while salt signifies the eternal covenant and preservation of faith. Together, they express the unity of spiritual and cultural heritage, reminding us of Christ’s teaching to be the "salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13).

Reverend Fr. Borislav Kroner, pastor of the parish, then addressed the archpastor, humbly asking for his prayers for the parish family, the people of Ukraine enduring an unjust war, and for the United States. As Archbishop Daniel entered the holy temple, he lifted his voice in prayer for all gathered and for the ancestral homeland of Ukraine. His prayers were particularly poignant as the community commemorated the victims of the Holodomor, the genocidal famine of 1932-1933, during which millions of Ukrainians perished under the oppressive Soviet regime. 

Before the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Daniel elevated Seminarian Nathaniel Smulling to the ecclesiastical rank of Reader. He exhorted the new reader to embrace the Word of God, study the Scriptures diligently, and serve faithfully in the house of the Lord. His words resonated with the parishioners as a call to renewed devotion and commitment.

The Divine Liturgy was filled with spiritual joy. During the Small Entrance, Archbishop Daniel, with the blessing of Metropolitan Antony, upon the request of the parish community awarded the Gold Cross to Rev. Fr. Borislav Kroner in recognition of his 14 years of dedicated service to the parish community and the greater Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. This acknowledgment underscored Fr. Kroner’s faithful leadership and care for the parish families entrusted to his pastoral care in the past 14 years. Archbishop Daniel made reference to Fr. Borislav’s family, especially his wife Isabella, with who he shares the ministry of pastoral care of Holy Archangel Michael Ukrainian Orthodox parish in Woonsocket, RI.

The Sunday Gospel recounting the rich young man’s question to Jesus, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Mark 10:25-37) offered a profound moment for reflection. Archbishop Daniel reminded the faithful of Christ’s response: to love God and neighbor wholeheartedly and to give generously to those in need. "The path to eternal life," Archbishop Daniel said, "requires us to go beyond material possessions and self-interest. It calls us to surrender our hearts fully to God and to live with compassion and humility."

Vladyka reflected: “Jesus came into a world of "we" and "them," "we" being the circle of those recognized as neighbors, and "them" being the rest of the world regarded as hostile strangers and enemies of the people. The Lord teaches us about the universal love of all humanity as one family. Thus he breakes down the walls of division and the borders of prejudice and suspicion that humans have erected between "us" and "them." To bring home this point he tells the story of the Good Samaritan. This man regarded as Enemy Number One by the Jewish establishment simply because he is Samaritan, is the one who finally proves himself to be neighbor to the Jewish man in need. Thus to the question "Who is my neighbor" Jesus' answer is: Anyone and everyone without exception.”

He further encouraged the faithful to examine their lives in light of this Gospel message, challenging modern believers to trust in God's providence rather than earthly wealth. “In a world filled with distractions and fleeting promises, it is the eternal truth of Christ that provides true fulfillment,” he remarked.

As the faithful approached the Holy Eucharist, they were reminded of the profound mystery of communion and the unity it brings among believers. Following the Liturgy, Archbishop Daniel presented each parishioner with an icon of the Protection of the Mother of God, a symbol of hope and intercession. He spoke of the importance of prayer for Ukraine's defenders and chaplains, who courageously minister on the frontlines.

The celebration concluded with a commemorative photograph and a festive luncheon prepared by the parish family in honor of their archpastor. Archbishop Daniel shared an inspirational farewell, thanking the faithful for their love and dedication. He urged them to remain steadfast in their prayers, both for their community and for the suffering people of Ukraine. Mrs. Cindy Charest presented Vladyka Daniel with a check in the amount of $5,000 to address the needs of people of Ukraine during the unjustified war and invasion of Ukraine. The parish already contributed over $50,000 towards the relief efforts of the Church, ministering to the people of Ukraine.

“Never underestimate the power of prayer,” he said. “It is through prayer and faith that we can overcome even the darkest times, drawing strength from our unity in Christ.”

The visit of Archbishop Daniel was a deeply spiritual and uplifting occasion, leaving the parishioners of Holy Archangel Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Parish renewed in their faith and commitment to serving the Lord. May the prayers and blessings of this day continue to inspire and guide the parish family in their journey toward eternal life.