On a day filled with joy, reverence, and spiritual gratitude, Archbishop Daniel, the spiritual father of the Western Eparchy of the UOC of the USA, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, visited Saint Luke Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Warners, New York. This year, Saint Luke Parish proudly entered its 75th year of ministry, marking its 74th anniversary, while its pastor, Very Reverend Fr. Mykola Andrushkiv, celebrated 25 years of dedication to the holy priesthood. This dual milestone brought the faithful together in a heartfelt celebration of faith, history, and community.

Archbishop Daniel was warmly welcomed by representatives of the parish board of administration. Mr. Gregory Lisnychyi, the parish president, presented His Eminence with the traditional bread and salt, a symbol of Ukrainian ethnic hospitality and respect. Bread and salt, simple yet profound symbols in Ukrainian tradition, carry a deeply spiritual meaning within the context of Orthodox Christian hospitality. Bread represents Christ, the “Bread of Life” who sustains and nourishes our souls, while salt symbolizes the covenant of God’s love, purifying and preserving our commitment to Him. In presenting bread and salt to Vladyka Daniel, the parish of Saint Luke expressed not only their reverence and respect but also their devotion to God and their unbreakable bonds of faith. It is a humble act of welcoming, rooted in the belief that each guest represents Christ Himself.

Maria Andrushkiv, the pastor’s younger daughter, offered a beautiful bouquet of flowers, honoring the archbishop’s presence. Fr. Mykola presented the hierarch with the sacred altar cross, passed down through generations, as a mark of the parish’s ongoing spiritual commitment and a request for his leadership in prayer and thanksgiving for this special day.

The concelebrating clergy were: Very Rev. Fr. Mykola Andrushkiv (St. Luke UOC in Warners, NY), Very Rev. Fr. Ihor Krekhovetsky (Pokrova of the Mother of God UOC in Rochester, NY), Very Rev. Fr. Ivan Synevsky (St. John the Baptist UOC of Johnson City, NY), Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Dovgan (St. Nicholas UOC of Troy, NY), Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Shak (St. Panteleimon UOC of Brooklyn, NY), Protodeacon Pavlo Vysotskyi (St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church in South Bound Brook, NJ) and Deacon Volodymyr Pichkurov (St. Nicholas UOC in Troy, NY). The choir of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary enriched the liturgy with their uplifting voices, creating an atmosphere of unity and worship.

In a moment of special recognition, Archbishop Daniel, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, awarded Fr. Mykola Andrushkiv with the ecclesiastical honor of a miter. This sacred act emphasized Fr. Mykola’s dedication, love, and many years of selfless service to the parish family and the greater Orthodox community.

During his sermon, Vladyka Daniel offered a powerful reflection on the value of human touch, rooted in the Gospel account of the miraculous healing of the woman with an issue of blood. He spoke of how Christ’s touch brought healing and restoration, reminding the faithful of the power of compassionate love and care—a timeless call for Orthodox Christians to embody the love of Christ in their lives, extending kindness to the suffering, the infirm, and the lonely. s Orthodox Christians, we are called to understand that our faith transcends boundaries of ethnicity, race, and nationality. The Holy Orthodox Faith, in its true essence, does not belong to any single nation; rather, it is relational, inviting all people to rise together in the presence of Christ. As Archbishop Daniel reflected, “Our faith reaches out beyond human distinctions to touch lives, to heal wounds, and to lift hearts in the light of God’s infinite love. It is random in its grace, intentional in its compassion, and universal in its calling to love as Christ loves us.”

The liturgy saw many in the congregation partaking in the Holy Eucharist, drawing them into the sacred mystery of Christ’s Body and Blood and reinforcing their bonds as a parish family in Faith. The chalice set used for the liturgy, was generously presented to the parish by Nazar and Khrystyna Stechyshyn, newly-married couple of the parish family and children of Andrushkiv and Stechyshyn families.

Following the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Mykola introduced Archbishop Daniel to Mr. Leonid and Mrs. Irena Jemetz and Maria Worona, who graciously donated a new chapel at the parish cemetery. This chapel was dedicated in honor of their commitment to the memory of those who have passed on, underscoring the parish’s dedication to honoring their spiritual heritage. In gratitude, Archbishop Daniel presented them with an icon, symbolizing the church’s appreciation for their generosity and dedication.

Mr. Gregory Lisnychyi, on behalf of the parish, also presented Archbishop Daniel with a check for $10,000 to aid the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. This heartfelt donation demonstrated the parish’s unceasing support for those in need, as the faithful of Saint Luke Parish joined in prayer and solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

In another act of gratitude, the parish awarded Mr. Anatoliy and Mrs. Pamella Omelian an icon for their commitment to supporting the parish’s future through a scholarship fund. This year, two students were granted $5,000 scholarships, providing them with the opportunity to grow academically and spiritually, all while remaining connected to their Orthodox heritage.

The congregation then processed to the parish cemetery, where Archbishop Daniel led the blessing of the newly constructed chapel, a place of peace for the souls who rest there. The solemn service embraced both the legacy of those who have departed and the enduring faith of those who continue the parish’s mission.

The day marked a profound celebration of life, legacy, and hope, as Saint Luke Parish embarked on its 75th year of spiritual ministry. With the blessings of Vladyka Daniel and the support of a devoted parish family, Saint Luke continues its journey, strengthened in faith and committed to its sacred mission. The gifts of a chapel, the scholarship fund, and the presentation of icons are powerful symbols of the love, faith, and unity that define this parish. As the celebrations concluded, a renewed spirit filled the hearts of all present, guiding them forward in the light of Christ’s everlasting love.