A moment of profound spiritual unity and historic significance unfolded in the heart of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA (UOC-USA) as His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), was warmly welcomed to the Metropolitan Cathedral - St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Silver Spring, Maryland (Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area) on Sunday – February 9, 2025.

This sacred occasion, filled with prayer, thanksgiving, and fraternal love, marked an unprecedented milestone in the deepening relationship between the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. The faithful, clergy, and dignitaries gathered from across Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, Road Island, New York and the District of Columbia to participate in this historic liturgical celebration, united in faith and mission as the Body of Christ.

The visit of His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphaniy was met with great joy and reverence as he entered the doors of St. Andrew’s Cathedral. He was solemnly escorted by His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, President of the Consistory of the UOC-USA, alongside His Eminence Metropolitan Yevstratiy of Bila Tserkva of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. At the entrance of the cathedral, they were greeted with traditional Ukrainian hospitality - the children of the parish presented flowers, and Dr. Tamara Woroby, President of the Parish Board of Administration, welcomed Metropolitan Epiphaniy with the symbolic offering of bread and salt, a gesture deeply rooted in Ukrainian tradition.

Also among the honored guests was Her Excellency Oksana Markarova, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, who sought the Metropolitan’s blessing, emphasizing the spiritual and moral significance of this visit, especially amidst Ukraine’s ongoing struggle for sovereignty and peace.

The sacred celebration of the Divine Liturgy was led by Metropolitan Epiphaniy, assisted by Archbishop Daniel and the gathered clergy. The cathedral choir, with angelic voices, filled the temple with hymns, while deacons and subdeacons, including seminarians of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary, reverently served in the altar.

The Gospel reading for the day - the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican - set the tone for Metropolitan Evstratiy’s homily. He emphasized the importance of humility, repentance, and true faith, reflecting on the responsibility of all Orthodox Christians to remain steadfast in love and service, especially during this time of war and suffering in Ukraine.

The Holy Eucharist, the very center of Orthodox Christian life, was received by nearly 150 faithful, a testament to the spiritual hunger and devotion of the Ukrainian-American Orthodox community.

Following the Liturgy, Metropolitan Epiphaniy addressed the gathered faithful, expressing his deep gratitude for the unwavering support of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA toward Ukraine’s humanitarian and spiritual needs. He specifically noted the charitable work undertaken by the UOC-USA through medical aid, financial assistance, and refugee support, all of which serve as tangible expressions of Christian love and unity.

In response, Archbishop Daniel, representing Metropolitan Antony, the spiritual father of the UOC-USA and Diaspora, underscored the historic importance of this visit, calling it a "breath of unity" between two lungs - the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA - working together in one Spirit to serve the people of Ukraine.

Metropolitan Antony, unable to attend due to illness, sent a heartfelt letter in which he reaffirmed the commitment of the UOC-USA to stand alongside the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. He reflected on the 107-year legacy of the UOC-USA, a church that has never wavered in its mission to preserve Ukrainian Orthodox faith and identity in the diaspora.

To commemorate this monumental occasion, Metropolitan Epiphaniy presented Metropolitan Antony with the Medal of St. Andrew the First-Called, a symbol of gratitude for his leadership and unwavering support of Ukraine’s Church and people.

Likewise, Archbishop Daniel was awarded the Medal of Holy Archangel Michael for his extensive humanitarian efforts, and Very Rev. Fr. Volodymyr Steliac, pastor of the Cathedral, received the Order of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for his leadership in parish-level charity initiatives.

A particularly touching moment came when Fr. Volodymyr’s wife, Pani Matka Marta Steliac, was awarded the Medal of St. Olga the Great for her dedicated work in charitable ministry. This recognition highlighted the essential role of families in sustaining the life of the Church.

Additionally, Archbishop Daniel presented Metropolitan Epiphaniy with a replica of the ecclesiastical Panagia and Cross of the first Metropolitan of the UOC-USA, Metropolitan John (Theodorovich), symbolizing the spiritual and historical unity between the two churches.

Following the liturgical celebration, a grand banquet was held in the parish hall, attended by over 350 faithful, clergy, and distinguished guests. Among those present was Metropolitan Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, former First Lady of Ukraine Kateryna Yushchenko, and Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States of America Her Excellency Oksana Markarova.

A spirit of joy and fraternity filled the air as guests raised their voices in “Mnohaya Lita” (God Grant You Many Years) for Metropolitan Epiphaniy, Metropolitan Evstratiy, Archbishop Daniel, and all who labor in the vineyard of the Lord.

A special highlight of the evening was the performance by the renowned Ukrainian singer Oksana Bilozir, whose songs have touched the hearts of generations of Ukrainians. Her music, steeped in faith, hope, and patriotism, served as a reminder of the cultural and spiritual strength that unites Ukrainians worldwide.

This historic visit of Metropolitan Epiphaniy to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA stands as a powerful testimony to the resilience, faith, and unity of the Ukrainian Orthodox people. It is a moment that transcends time, carrying profound spiritual, historical, and national significance.

As Ukraine continues its fight for freedom and justice, the bond between the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA becomes an even greater beacon of hope. Through shared prayer, sacramental unity, and unwavering charity, both churches stand firm as witnesses of Christ’s love, bearing one another’s burdens and carrying forth the mission of the Gospel.

The words of His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphaniy resound as a call to action for all faithful: "Our unity in Christ is our strength. In these difficult times, we are called not only to pray but to serve, to love, and to stand as one Body in defense of truth, righteousness, and the dignity of every human being. Let us remain steadfast in faith, hope, and love—for our Church, for our people, and for Ukraine!"

May this historic visit be a renewal of strength, inspiration, and unwavering faith for all Orthodox Christians, as together we continue to proclaim: "GOD IS WITH US! UKRAINE WILL PREVAIL! CHRIST IS RISEN!"