Archbishop Daniel, the spiritual father of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, embarked on his archpastoral visitation of the Pittsburgh, PA area with a poignant stop at the Ukrainian Orthodox community in Slickville, PA. The visit, taking place on a Memorial Saturday of Great Lent, provided a profound opportunity for reflection on the spiritual significance of commemorating fallen loved ones and encouraged personal Lenten experiences among the faithful.

Memorial Saturday holds a sacred place within the liturgical calendar of the Orthodox Church, offering a time for believers to honor and remember those who have departed from this life. It serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of human existence and the eternal bond that unites the living with the departed through prayer and remembrance.

As Archbishop Daniel addressed the parish community of the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox parish, under the spiritual leadership of Very Rev. Fr. Robert Popichak, he underscored the spiritual reasons behind the commemoration of fallen loved ones. He emphasized that through prayer and remembrance, the faithful not only honor the memory of their departed relatives and friends but also affirm their belief in the resurrection and eternal life promised by God.

Vladyka Daniel's message resonated deeply with the congregants, who found solace and comfort in the shared liturgical celebrations. His words encouraged them to draw strength from their personal Lenten experiences, using this sacred season of repentance and renewal to deepen their relationship with God and their fellow believers.

During the visit, Archbishop Daniel urged the faithful to embrace the Lenten journey as an opportunity for spiritual growth and transformation. He emphasized the importance of prayer, fasting, and acts of charity as means of drawing closer to God and cultivating a spirit of humility and compassion.

As Archbishop Daniel continues his archpastoral visitation throughout the Pittsburgh, PA area, his message of faith, hope, and unity resonates deeply with the Ukrainian Orthodox community.

In the spirit of Great Lent, Archbishop Daniel's visitation serves as a reminder of the importance of personal reflection, repentance, and reconciliation. As the faithful commemorate the fallen loved ones on Memorial Saturday, they are called to embrace the transformative power of God's love and mercy, finding strength and solace in the eternal promise of salvation.

As Archbishop Daniel concluded his visit to Slickville and continues his journey throughout the Pittsburgh, PA area, his presence as well as the presence of the local clergy: Very Rev. Fr. Timothy Tomson of St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox parish in MacKees Rocks, PA; Very Rev. Fr. John Halusczak of St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox parish in Pittsburgh, PA; Rev. Fr. John Charest and Deacon Evan O’Neil of Sts Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox parish in Carnegie, PA, Rev. Fr. Michael Gavrilos of the Greek Orthodox parish in Oakmont, PA and Deacon Roman Marchyshak of the Three Holy Hierarchs Chapel of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Bound Brook, NJ serve as a reminder of the enduring grace and compassion of God.

May the words of our hierarch and his teachings continue to inspire the faithful to embrace their Lenten journey with renewed fervor and dedication, seeking spiritual renewal and communion with the divine.