The morning sun shone brightly on Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Youngstown, Ohio on Sunday – September 15, 2024, as the faithful gathered to mark the beginning of a new spiritual era - the first day of the second century of this beloved parish. After 100 years of dedicated ministry, prayer, and service, the community now stood at the threshold of a new chapter, filled with anticipation, hope, and the promise of continued blessings from God. The celebration was more than a commemoration of the past; it was a profound affirmation of faith in the future. It was a moment of renewal, a time to commit once again to the mission of the Church and to embrace the calling of the Gospel.

The centerpiece of the day’s celebration was the Divine Liturgy, served by His Eminence Archbishop Daniel in the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony and the clergy of local and visiting communities. Among the concelebrants was Very Reverend Fr. Charles Baxter, Chancellor and President of the Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada and a former pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Parish. His presence, alongside the hierarchs and other clergy, added a sense of deep camaraderie and unity that transcended borders, reminding all that the Orthodox Church is one, holy, and catholic—united in faith and love.

During the Divine Liturgy, the chanting of the Gospel by Deacon Maksym Zhuravchyk brought forth the powerful narrative of the rich young ruler who approached Christ, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. In his spiritually motivating homily, Archbishop Daniel drew from this Gospel passage to speak about the journey of faith. He reflected on the young ruler’s sincere desire to find the way of life and the challenge he faced in surrendering his worldly attachments to follow Christ by simply saying “I can’t”. This, the Archbishop noted, is the journey each of us must take - a journey of surrender, faith, and love.

Archbishop Daniel connected the Gospel message to the social and moral challenges of our time, urging the faithful to examine their lives in light of the talents God has given them. He asked whether we use our God-given talents for His glory and whether we take every opportunity in life to serve the Lord and His people. Vladyka reminded the congregation that faith is not merely an intellectual exercise but a way of life - simple, spontaneous, and deeply rooted in love for God and neighbor.

His words stirred the hearts of those present, encouraging them to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and to recommit themselves to the path of discipleship. In a world filled with distractions and challenges, Archbishop Daniel called the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith, to trust in God’s providence, and to use their talents in service to the Church and the wider community.

During the Divine Liturgy, a particularly moving moment occurred when, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, Archbishop Daniel awarded the pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Fr. Mykola Zomchak, with his first ecclesiastical priestly award: the spiritual sword. This award, a symbol of Fr. Mykola’s dedication, leadership, and strong faith, was a recognition of his tireless efforts to guide and protect the flock entrusted to his care. The spiritual sword represents the pastor’s role as a defender of the faith, one who is called not only to preach the Gospel but to stand firm in the face of adversity, explaining and sharing the truths of Orthodoxy with clarity and love.

The faithful, seeing their beloved pastor honored in this way, responded with joy and gratitude. As the choir chanted "AXIOS! God grant you many years," there was a palpable sense of thanksgiving for Fr. Mykola’s ministry and the profound impact he has had on the spiritual life of the parish. His leadership, rooted in humility and love, has been a guiding light for the congregation, and this recognition was a fitting tribute to his service.

One of the most beautiful aspects of the centennial celebration was the sense of camaraderie and brotherhood that existed among the clergy, their families, and the faithful. Priests from New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan, Canada, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and other states gathered for the occasion, bringing with them their wives and children. Together, they created a vibrant tapestry of spiritual support and fellowship that extended far beyond the walls of the parish.

In the Orthodox tradition, the bond between clergy is one of deep mutual respect and friendship. These men, called to the sacred ministry, understand the unique challenges and joys of serving Christ’s Church, and they draw strength from one another’s prayers and encouragement. The presence of their families added to the warmth of the occasion, as the wives and children of the clergy joined in the celebration, supporting one another in their shared commitment to the faith.

This gathering of priests and their families was not only a testament to the unity of the Church but also a reminder of the importance of community in the life of a priest. The challenges of pastoral ministry are many, but with the support of their families and their brother clergy, priests are able to continue their work with joy and resilience. The camaraderie that existed among the clergy and their families during the centennial celebration was a reflection of the love and support that sustains the Church, and it was a powerful witness to the strength of Orthodox Christian community.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, all in attendance were invited to a special centennial luncheon, held in honor of the first day of the new era for Saints Peter and Paul Parish. The atmosphere was one of joy and fellowship as parishioners and guests gathered to share a meal and reflect on the spiritual significance of the day. The luncheon was not merely a celebration of the past but a time to look forward with hope to the future.

Throughout the luncheon, there was a spirit of thanksgiving for the many blessings the parish had received over the past century. Parishioners took time to express their gratitude to the hierarchs, the clergy, and one another for the love and support that had sustained them through the years. The presence of both hierarchs - Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel - added to the sense of joy, as each person in attendance had the opportunity to receive their heartfelt blessings and prayers.

As the day drew to a close, there was a profound sense of renewal and hope in the air. Saints Peter and Paul Parish, having celebrated its first century, now stands at the dawn of a new era. The challenges and opportunities of the future are many, but the parish moves forward with confidence, rooted in the faith of Christ and guided by the prayers of the saints.

The leadership of the hierarchs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Fr. Mykola will continue to inspire and guide the parish in the years to come. Their dedication to the spiritual well-being of the faithful, coupled with their deep love for the Church, ensures that the parish will remain a beacon of faith in the greater Youngstown area.

As the faithful of Saints Peter and Paul Parish look to the future, they do so with hearts full of gratitude for the past and eyes fixed firmly on Christ. The first day of the new centennial is a reminder that the Church is ever-living, ever-growing, and ever in need of the prayers and participation of its faithful. May God bless this parish community as it embarks on its next 100 years, and may the memory of those who have gone before be eternal.