On Monday, August 5, 2024, the Very Reverend Fr. Volodymyr Steliac, Pastor of St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Silver Spring, MD, was promoted to the rank of Major in the United States Air Force during a ceremony held at Andrews Air Force Base, MD. Fr. Volodymyr serves as a chaplain and commissioned officer, providing spiritual support and guidance to service members.

The ceremony was attended by Archbishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, who offered an invocation, asking for God’s blessings on Fr. Volodymyr in his new role. In his prayer, Archbishop Daniel expressed deep gratitude for the bravery and dedication of the armed services and their chaplains, who stand as beacons of light in times of need. He prayed for the continued strength, wisdom, and resilience of all who serve.

Archbishop Daniel conveyed greetings on behalf of Metropolitan Antony, offering heartfelt thanks to Fr. Volodymyr for his unwavering service to the uniformed men and women of the U.S. Air Force.

Among the distinguished guests were the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, Oksana Markarova, and Major General Borys Kremetskyi. Ambassador Markarova commended Fr. Volodymyr for his dedication and service, particularly highlighting his efforts to support the Ukrainian-American community and his role in training Ukrainian chaplains in Germany.

In his address, Fr. Volodymyr expressed his gratitude to all in attendance, particularly acknowledging the support of his wife, Martha, and their children, Oles and Danylo. The pinning ceremony, a significant moment in the event, saw Martha and Oles proudly pinning the new rank insignia on Fr. Volodymyr’s shoulders.

This promotion marks a significant milestone in Fr. Volodymyr’s distinguished career, reflecting his commitment to both his faith and his country.