The radiant feast of the Baptism of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, also known as Theophany, was celebrated with great spiritual fervor and joy at St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois. His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, the spiritual father of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, assisted by Very Rev. Fr. Ivan Lymar, pastor of the cathedral community, presided over this significant celebration on January 6, 2025, calling all in attendance to embrace the profound meaning of this holy event.

The feast of Theophany marks the baptism of Christ in the River Jordan by St. John the Baptist, the last prophet of the Old Testament and the first prophet of the New Testament. In his homily, Archbishop Daniel emphasized the call to repentance issued by the Forerunner, St. John the Baptist, whose words still resonate powerfully today: “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” His Eminence invited all faithful present to reflect deeply on their own baptismal moments, recalling the transformative grace that begins a life in Christ.

Archbishop Daniel shared a personal and moving story of his own baptism during the Soviet era in Ukraine. In the 1970s, when faith was suppressed by the Soviet regime, his parents risked everything to bring him to an elderly Orthodox priest who baptized him secretly in a basement. In the chill of night, they returned home, emboldened by their faith and love for God. This story served as a poignant reminder of the courage and commitment required to live as faithful Orthodox Christians in a world often hostile to the message of Christ.

His Eminence called upon the faithful to embrace bravery in their spiritual lives, stressing that to be an Orthodox Christian is not merely about fulfilling cultural traditions or outward customs. “Fulfilling traditions like the Holy Supper, the 12 traditional dishes, or singing carols without living according to the commandments of Christ is meaningless,” he reminded the congregation. “Faith is not about empty rituals but about a life transformed by humility, obedience, and love for God and neighbor.”

Archbishop Daniel spoke powerfully about the need for humility in a world increasingly focused on self-assertion. He urged everyone to not only declare their independence but also their “declaration of dependence on God.” True freedom, he explained, comes from submitting ourselves to the will of God, recognizing His sovereignty over our lives, and allowing His voice to guide us.

The Archbishop highlighted the divine revelation at Christ's baptism—the voice of God the Father proclaiming, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” This Theophany, or manifestation of the Holy Trinity, calls each of us to live in a way that the Father may also say of us, “This is my beloved son” or “This is my beloved daughter.” To live such a life is to fulfill our baptismal calling, becoming true children of God through holiness and faith.

Following the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Daniel led the faithful in the Great Blessing of the Waters, a sacred liturgical act that recalls the sanctification of the River Jordan by Christ and renews the faithful in their baptismal vows. Assisted by the Very Rev. Fr. Ivan Lymar, pastor of St. Volodymyr Cathedral, and several visiting clergy from Ukraine, the Archbishop emphasized that the sanctified water is a reminder of our call to holiness. “With every sprinkling of holy water, we are reminded to renew our baptismal promises and dedicate every fiber of our being to God,” he proclaimed.

The cathedral choir, under the leadership of Wolodymyr Popovych, inspired all present with their harmonious chants, transforming the workday into a spiritual feast. 

Despite the challenges of the work day, over 100 faithful gathered to participate in the celebration of Eucharistic Divine Liturgy. Their presence reflected their deep devotion and commitment to the Orthodox faith, inspired by the leadership and spiritual guidance of Archbishop Daniel.

As the service concluded, Archbishop Daniel reminded all present of the need to listen attentively to God’s voice in their lives. Just as the Father declared Christ to be His beloved Son at the Jordan, so too does God seek to proclaim His love for each of us. However, this requires us to live lives worthy of His calling - lives of humility, repentance, and service.

The feast of Theophany is not just a historical commemoration but a living call to transformation. It is an invitation to renew our faith, recommit to our baptismal promises, and boldly live as Orthodox Christians in a world that desperately needs the light of Christ.

May we always hear and respond to the voice of God and the guidance of our spiritual shepherds, striving to reflect His love and grace in all that we do. Let the light of Theophany shine brightly in our hearts, leading us ever closer to the Kingdom of God.