Las Cruces, NM - May 10-11, 2025 - The faithful of Saint Anthony of the Desert Orthodox Church of the UOC of the USA in Las Cruces, New Mexico, welcomed a weekend of joyful spiritual celebration and heartfelt transition as His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, spiritual father of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, journeyed from the Metropolia Center in South Bound Brook/Somerset, NJ to preside over the Eucharistic Divine Liturgy and offer prayers of thanksgiving for the outgoing pastor, Very Rev. Fr. Gabriel Rochelle, and to install the newly appointed shepherd of the parish, Rev. Fr. Silouan Rolando.

The journey to Las Cruces was a pilgrimage in itself. Accompanied by Subdeacon Andrii Akulenko of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary, Archbishop Daniel traveled from South Bound Brook, NJ on the morning of Friday, May 8, stopping in Denver, Colorado before arriving in El Paso, Texas, and continuing by car to Las Cruces, in the historic region of Mesilla Valley, where cultures converge and a multicultural Orthodox community has flourished.

For over 16 years, Fr. Gabriel Rochelle, together with his wife, Pani-matka Susan, faithfully served the diverse parish community of Saint Anthony of the Desert. Under their pastoral care, faithful of Ukrainian, Greek, Romanian, Hispanic, and other backgrounds came together as one family in Christ. Archbishop Daniel reflected on their ministry during the celebration of Vespers on Saturday evening, presenting Fr. Gabriel with a replica of an early Byzantine Christian pectoral cross - symbolic of the unity and apostolic foundation of the Church. With warmth and gratitude, he declared: “Fr. Gabriel and Pani-matka Susan have nourished this community with prayer, wisdom, and open-hearted love. Their faith was not simply preached, but lived through acts of service, quiet counsel, and unwavering dedication. They have been the spiritual caretakers of souls.”

Following the Vespers and the presentation, the parish community gathered for a festive dinner in honor of Fr. Gabriel and Susan, sharing memories, tears, and joyful anticipation of the future.

On Sunday morning, the celebration continued. Archbishop Daniel was greeted at the temple doors by Parish Council President Constance Hesapopoulos, who offered the traditional Ukrainian presentation of bread and salt - a symbol of hospitality, sustenance, and the enduring faith of the people.

During the hierarchical Divine Liturgy, two special ordinations took place: Luke Baker, a devoted Orthodox Christian and active member of the Dormition of the Birth-Giver of God Ukrainian Orthodox parish in Jones, OK was set aside as a Reader. His calling reflects a deep commitment to serve his military community spiritually, even as he prepares for deployment to Japan.

Parishioner Jean Paul Morales of St. Anthony of the Desert Orthodox parish family, a faithful servant of the parish alongside his wife and son Tito, was set aside as a Subdeacon. Both men were exhorted by Archbishop Daniel to embrace their ministry with “humility, strength, and joyful discipline, becoming anchors of prayer and beacons of the Light of Christ.”

Serving at the altar with Archbishop Daniel were Rev. Fr. Silouan Rolando, the new pastor of the community; Rev. Fr. Theophan Mackey, pastor of St. Job of Pochaiv in Los Alamos, NM, who traveled nearly six hours with his family to participate; and Deacon Ted Brinegar, who offered prayerful petitions with great reverence.

In a sacred moment of ecclesial unity, Deacon Basil Balky of Denver, Colorado, was received into the ranks of clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and blessed to begin his missionary efforts in the Rocky Mountain region.

The celebration concluded with a joyful fellowship meal, during which the community also honored the mothers and grandmothers of the parish for Mother’s Day. Archbishop Daniel called them “the quiet nurturers and radiant lighthouses of our families - women who carry the light of Christ into kitchens, workplaces, and prayer corners, holding families together with unspoken strength.”

In the sacred stillness of the New Mexican desert, in a land known for its ancient cultures and spiritual heritage, the faithful of Saint Anthony of the Desert parish experienced a weekend of transformation - honoring the past, embracing the future, and rejoicing in the unshakable presence of Christ in their midst.

“From Mesilla to the mesas,” Archbishop Daniel said, “God’s love has no boundaries. Whether in ancient cities or desert towns, where people gather in faith, the Church of Christ lives, breathes, and shines.”

Axios to Fr. Gabriel and Pani-matka Susan!

Axios to Fr. Silouan and Pani-matka Gina!

Glory to God for all things!