On a spiritually uplifting Second Sunday of Great Lent, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, the spiritual father of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, led the liturgical services at St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Pittsburgh, PA. The parish, under the pastoral care of Very Rev. Fr. John Haluszczak and Rev. Fr. Mark Swindle, welcomed Archbishop Daniel, along with seminarians from St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary, to partake in the sacred celebration.

The liturgical services were carried out with grace and reverence, as seminarians from St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary joined the parish’s altar servers in assisting Archbishop Daniel. Together, they ensured the smooth flow of the divine services, upholding the sacred traditions of the Holy Orthodox faith.

Under the skilled leadership of Kira Senedak, the parish choir filled the parish temple with uplifting chants, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the liturgical celebration. Their harmonious melodies resonated with the congregation, inspiring devotion and reflection throughout the service.

The Holy Eucharist was embraced by numerous congregants, who approached the sacrament with reverence and piety, strengthening their communion with Christ the Savior and one another. Archbishop Daniel’s sermon focused on the timeless message, “a friend in need is a friend indeed,” drawing inspiration from the healing of the paralytic in Capernaum. His insightful reflections encouraged the faithful to embody the virtues of compassion, friendship, and support for those in need, echoing the teachings of Christ.

Following the liturgical services, parishioners gathered in the parish hall for a potluck luncheon, fostering a sense of fellowship and community among the faithful. Seminarians enriched the joyful occasion by chanting a selection of uplifting songs, further uplifting the spirits of all in attendance.

In a demonstration of their commitment to charitable endeavors, the parish sisterhood presented a generous monetary donation for the UOC of the USA Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine fund. Archbishop Daniel commended their philanthropic spirit, emphasizing the importance of extending aid and compassion to those facing hardship and adversity.

As Archbishop Daniel’s visit to St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Parish concluded, the congregation departed with renewed faith and inspiration, fortified by the communal worship experience and the spiritual guidance imparted by their spiritual father.

The Second Sunday of Great Lent served as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of faith, friendship, and compassionate service, guiding the faithful on their Lenten journey towards spiritual renewal and enlightenment.