On Saturday of the Second Week of Great and Holy Lent – March 15, 2025, the faithful of Holy Archangel Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, gathered in spiritual reflection and prayer under the guidance of His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, Ruling Hierarch of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. The day was marked by deep repentance and renewed commitment to the spiritual journey of humility, patience, and surrender to Christ.

The day of prayerful reflection began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, served by the clergy of the New England Deanery of the UOC of the USA. Among those concelebrating were:

• Very Rev. Fr. Borislav Kroner, Pastor of Holy Archangel Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Woonsocket, RI
• Very Rev. Fr. Andrii Pokotylo, Pastor of the Nativity of the Mother of God Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in New Britain, CT
• Very Rev. Fr. Roman Tarnawsky, Pastor of St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Boston, MA
• Very Rev. Fr. Steven Masliuk, Pastor of the Protection of the Mother of God Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Bridgeport, CT
• Rev. Fr. David Chidzhokie, St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Bound Brook, NJ
• Archdeacon Vasyl (Janick) of Holy Archangel Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Woonsocket, RI

During the Liturgy, Archbishop Daniel spent the morning hearing confessions, offering spiritual counsel to over 40 individuals who approached the Holy Mystery of Repentance in preparation to receive the Holy Eucharist. His words of encouragement reflected the call of Great Lent - a time to cleanse the soul, turn away from sin, and embrace Christ with renewed faith.

"Repentance is not merely feeling sorrow for our sins," Archbishop Daniel reflected. "It is a return to the Father, an embrace of His love, a reawakening of our souls to the truth that we are never beyond His mercy."

Following the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence offered a brief but deeply moving reflection on the significance of the Memorial Saturday observance, emphasizing the power of intercessory prayers for the departed.

"We are a Church of unbroken communion, a people united in love with those who have gone before us. Our prayers today are not empty words—they are the very breath of love, a bridge that transcends time and space, lifting the souls of our loved ones into the hands of Christ."

After a warm fellowship meal, about 60 faithful gathered once again inside the church for a profound Lenten retreat, led by Archbishop Daniel. This spiritual retreat focused on the Orthodox path of humility, patience, and surrender—three essential virtues for drawing closer to Christ.

"The greatest journey we can ever take is not to another place but into the depths of our own souls," Vladyka Daniel taught. "It is there, in the silence of the heart, that we encounter our true selves, and there that we find Christ waiting for us."

1. Humility: The Path to True Healing

Archbishop Daniel spoke of humility as the gateway to true healing and spiritual growth. He reminded the faithful that pride blinds us, while humility opens our eyes to the presence of Christ in our lives.

"To be humble is to see yourself as you truly are - not less than you are, but also not more. True humility does not belittle; it liberates. It allows us to stand before God in truth, recognizing that all we are and all we have comes from Him."

He encouraged the faithful to practice humility in daily life, urging them to:

• Confess their sins without fear or excuses, trusting in God’s mercy
• Serve others in quiet, hidden ways, without seeking recognition
• Accept correction and guidance from spiritual elders with an open heart

2. Patience: Enduring Trials with Faith

Reflecting on patience, Archbishop Daniel acknowledged the struggles and hardships that many endure. Whether personal suffering, unanswered prayers, or spiritual dryness, he reassured the faithful that God’s timing is always perfect.

He offered three practical ways to cultivate patience in the spiritual life:

1. Embrace suffering as a means of spiritual growth, rather than resisting it
2. Remain steadfast in prayer, even when answers seem delayed
3. Trust in God’s divine plan, knowing that He is always working for our salvation

3. Surrender: Letting Go and Letting God Lead

Perhaps the most profound moment of the retreat was Archbishop Daniel’s call to complete surrender to Christ. He spoke of the illusion of control that often keeps us from trusting God fully.

"We hold onto so much - our fears, our worries, our plans - but true freedom comes when we place everything in the hands of Christ. To say, 'Lord, not my will, but Yours be done,' is the greatest act of faith and the deepest expression of love."

He invited the faithful to make a personal act of surrender, silently offering their worries, burdens, and fears to God.

At the end of the retreat, Very Rev. Fr. Borislav Kroner expressed heartfelt gratitude to Archbishop Daniel, the clergy, and all the faithful in attendance.

"We are deeply blessed to have had this day of spiritual renewal. Our parish of Holy Archangel Michael is always open, always welcoming - our doors and our hearts are open to all who seek a deeper relationship with God."

The retreat was not merely a gathering - it was a transformative experience, a moment when souls were renewed, when faith was strengthened, and when hearts were set aflame with the love of Christ.

As the faithful departed, Archbishop Daniel left them with one final, powerful message:

"Great Lent is not just a season; it is a way of life. Every day, we are called to take one more step toward Christ, to humble ourselves, to endure, to surrender. Do not let this retreat be just a memory—let it be a new beginning. Take what you have learned, live it, and let your lives be a testimony to the love and mercy of our Lord."

Indeed, the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, the wisdom of the clergy, and the devotion of the faithful made this retreat a remarkable and life-changing event—one that will remain in the hearts of all who attended for years to come.

Following a spiritually enriching Lenten retreat at Holy Archangel Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Parish, Archbishop Daniel, accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Borislav Kroner and seminarians from St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary, spent the evening in a meaningful and informal gathering with a group of men from the parish who expressed interest in theological studies at St. Sophia Seminary.

The gathering, held over an intimate dinner discussion, served as an opportunity for aspiring theological students to engage directly with the Archbishop on topics concerning Orthodox theology, moral and social issues in today’s world, and the practical application of the Christian faith in daily life.

The men’s group from St. Michael’s Parish shared their deep interest in studying theology and strengthening their commitment to Christ and His Church. Archbishop Daniel, in his characteristic warmth and pastoral care, encouraged them by speaking about the transformative power of theological education:

“To study theology is not merely to acquire knowledge - it is to draw closer to Christ. It is to immerse oneself in the living Tradition of the Church, to seek truth not as an intellectual exercise but as a path to salvation.”

He explained that theological study at St. Sophia Seminary is not reserved only for those seeking ordination but is open to all who desire to deepen their understanding of the Orthodox Faith and serve their communities more effectively.

As the evening discussion progressed, topics naturally shifted toward the social and moral issues facing Orthodox Christians today. Questions were raised about:

• How to maintain a strong faith in a secular world
• The role of Orthodox Christians in confronting moral relativism
• Balancing theological study with family and work life
• The Church’s role in addressing social injustice and spiritual crises

Archbishop Daniel spoke about the importance of being well-formed in Orthodox theology and moral teachings, especially in today’s world, where truth is often distorted, and Christian values are under pressure.

“We must be lights in the world - not simply reacting to the challenges around us, but standing firmly in the Gospel, offering an authentic witness of love, truth, and righteousness.”

The conversation also touched on the practical aspects of Orthodox Christian living—how men of faith can grow spiritually while juggling responsibilities of work, family, and church service. His Eminence emphasized the need for:

• A disciplined prayer life
• Regular participation in the sacraments
• Strong engagement with the Church community
• Continued theological learning, whether formally or informally

He encouraged the attendees to pray and discern their calling, whether that be in seminary studies, lay ministry, or simply deepening their faith for personal growth and service to others.

The evening concluded with an invitation from Archbishop Daniel for those interested to visit St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary and explore potential avenues for theological education. He assured them that the doors of the seminary remain open to those who seek deeper knowledge of the faith and a stronger connection to the Church’s sacred tradition.

“The journey of faith is a journey of learning - learning to love God more deeply, to know Him more intimately, and to serve Him more faithfully. If you feel a calling to study theology, trust that God is leading you. Walk forward in faith, and He will open the right doors.”

With prayers for their discernment and growth, Archbishop Daniel departed, leaving behind a renewed sense of inspiration and purpose among the men of St. Michael’s Parish - a group now contemplating not only their own spiritual journeys but also how they might serve the Church more fully in the years to come.