On a crisp winter morning, the faithful of Saint Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois, gathered in profound reverence for the Sunday before Theophany (January 5, 2025), the feast of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. This day, set apart in the liturgical calendar, invites every Christian soul to enter into a time of preparation, reflection, and repentance. Under the prayerful guidance of His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, the congregation embarked on a spiritual journey that united heaven and earth in sacred worship.

With the majestic cathedral adorned for the season, the celebration began with the harmonious chanting of the choir, whose voices seemed to ascend heavenward, echoing the joy of the approaching feast. Hundreds of faithful filled the cathedral, their prayerful posture reflecting their readiness to enter into the mystery of God’s love revealed in Christ’s baptism.

His Eminence Archbishop Daniel presided over the Archpastoral Divine Liturgy, assisted by Rev. Fr. Ivan Lymar, the cathedral’s pastor, and clergy from the surrounding community, including Very Rev. Fr. Ihor Seminikhin, Rev. Fr. Michael Drofiak, and Rev. Fr. David Chijiokie, Protodeacon Andriy Fronchak and Deacon Maksym Zhuravchyk. Together, they offered ancient and sacred prayers on behalf of the gathered faithful, standing before the altar of the Lord in awe and humility.

In his sermon, Archbishop Daniel spoke with fervor about the profound meaning of preparation - both spiritual and physical. He called the faithful to reflect on the significance of this holy season as a time to cleanse their hearts, renew their souls, and ready their bodies to receive the grace of Theophany. Drawing parallels between spiritual and physical preparation, he noted:

"Just as an athlete trains the body with discipline to achieve a goal, so too must we train our souls with prayer, fasting, and repentance to encounter Christ. True preparation is not only about external rituals but about opening our hearts to be transformed by God’s grace."

His words resonated deeply, encouraging all to examine their lives, discard worldly distractions, and embrace the light of Christ.

As the Divine Liturgy culminated, the faithful approached the chalice with reverence, partaking in the Body and Blood of Christ - a foretaste of the Kingdom of God. Their unity in the Eucharist reflected their collective readiness to celebrate the great feast of Theophany.

Following the Liturgy, Archbishop Daniel led the traditional blessing of water, an integral part of Theophany Eve. The prayers and hymns, ancient yet ever new, sanctified the water, transforming it into a source of spiritual renewal and healing. The congregation eagerly received the blessed water, which they would use in their homes to sanctify their spaces and renew their hearts and bodies.

The Sunday before Theophany serves as a sacred reminder of the need for preparation—not only for feast days but for every moment of life. The faithful at Saint Volodymyr Cathedral were inspired by the day’s events to embrace the call to repentance, to cultivate a spirit of humility, and to seek God’s presence in every aspect of their lives.

As the community prepared to gather for the traditional Holy Supper on the Eve of Theophany, they carried with them the sacred water, a tangible reminder of God’s blessings and a call to live in the light of Christ’s baptism.

Archbishop Daniel’s words continue to resonate: "Preparation is the bridge between the ordinary and the divine. When we prepare with intention - whether through prayer, fasting, or good works - we open ourselves to encounter the living God. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way of the Lord in the wilderness, so too must we prepare our hearts to receive Him."

This profound reflection encourages every Christian to approach Theophany not as an isolated event but as a way of life - a continual process of turning to Christ, embracing His light, and sharing His love with the world.

The Sunday before Theophany at Saint Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral was more than a liturgical observance; it was a spiritual awakening. Through prayer, reflection, and communal worship, the clergy and faithful entered into the mystery of preparation, ready to celebrate the revelation of Christ as the Son of God. The joyful chanting, the solemn prayers, and the blessing of water all served as a reminder of the transformative power of God’s grace, calling every soul to renewal and holiness.

May we all carry this spirit of preparation into our own lives, continually seeking to encounter Christ, the Light of the World, in every moment.