Despite significant winter storms and major travel delays across the eastern United States, the long-anticipated pastoral visit of His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, spiritual father of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, to St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Portland, Oregon, became a profound witness to perseverance, prayer, and love lived in action.

Accompanied by Deacon Andriy Akulenko and Seminarian of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary Reader Marian Koval, Archbishop Daniel arrived in Portland to visit the faithful community shepherded by Rev. Fr. Volodymyr Yavorskyi, and to spiritually oversee and bless the recent installation of the parish’s new altar and icon screen - sacred furnishings generously sponsored by the faithful parishioners themselves. These holy items, recently installed, were prayerfully inspected by the Archbishop as a sign of the community’s living faith and sacrificial devotion.

On Saturday evening, Archbishop Daniel presided over the celebration of Great Vespers, prayerfully served by Fr. Volodymyr Yavorskyi with Deacon Andriy. In his pastoral remarks following the service, the Archbishop reflected deeply on the nature of prayer as a way of life, not merely a moment within the church walls.

“Prayer,” Archbishop Daniel emphasized, “does not end when the service concludes. True prayer continues in how we speak, how we forgive, how we serve, and how we carry one another’s burdens. If our prayer does not transform our actions, then it remains incomplete.”

He reminded the faithful that Orthodox prayer is always incarnational - embodied in mercy, humility, patience, and love. Later that evening, as a spiritual father, Archbishop Daniel heard the confessions of many parishioners, offering pastoral guidance, consolation, and prayer to those seeking healing of soul and heart.

On Sunday morning, Archbishop Daniel entered the temple through its sacred threshold and was warmly welcomed by members of the Parish Board of Administration. The children of the parish greeted their archpastor with bread and salt and flowers, a gesture deeply rooted in Ukrainian Christian tradition.

Bread symbolizes Christ the Bread of Life and the labor of human hands offered back to God. Salt represents faithfulness, covenant, and preservation, while flowers speak of new life, joy, and the beauty of innocence. In this greeting, the parish proclaimed: “Our faith is alive, our hearts are open, and our joy is offered to God.”

The Parish Board President Mykhaylo Antonov welcomed Archbishop Daniel and asked him to offer prayers for the parish community and its pastor. Children embraced the Archbishop with flowers and wreaths, embodying the Gospel truth that the Church lives most fully when the youngest among us are present and cherished.

Joining Fr. Volodymyr in welcoming the Archbishop was Very Rev. Fr. Andriy Matlak, pastor of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Seattle, Washington, who invited the Archbishop to offer intercessory prayers for the people and nation of Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian aggression.

The Divine Liturgy unfolded with prayerful reverence. Deacon Andriy Akulenko intoned the petitions with clarity and solemnity, while the parish choir, under the leadership of Mykhaylo Tur, filled the temple with harmonious melodies and unified voices - a reminder that human voices, when lifted in love, become instruments of divine praise.

Following the Small Entrance, and with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, and at the request of the Parish Board, Archbishop Daniel bestowed upon Fr. Volodymyr Yavorskyi his first ecclesiastical award - the priestly sword.

This spiritual sword is not a symbol of authority over people, but of pastoral responsibility and vigilance.

“The sword,” Archbishop Daniel reflected, “is a reminder that the priest is called to defend the faith, protect the flock, and stand watch over the souls entrusted to him - not with force, but with prayer, sacrifice, truth, and love.”

The faithful responded with a heartfelt “Axios!”, affirming Fr. Volodymyr’s faithful service.

Following the Gospel reading, Archbishop Daniel delivered a sermon on Zacchaeus Sunday (Luke 19:1-10) - the first of the preparatory Sundays leading toward Great Lent.

He spoke of Zacchaeus as a man small in stature yet great in longing, willing to climb a tree just to glimpse Christ.

“Zacchaeus did not wait for Christ to approve of him,” the Archbishop said. “He sought the Savior first - and the Savior entered his home.”

Archbishop Daniel noted that while Zacchaeus repented, it was often the crowd - the followers of Christ - who murmured and judged.

“How often,” he asked gently, “do we stand among the crowd rather than rejoicing when Christ enters the house of a sinner? Salvation begins not with judgment, but with humility.”

The sermon called the faithful to prepare for Great Lent not by comparing themselves to others, but by seeking Christ earnestly, allowing Him to enter the hidden places of the heart.

More than 70 faithful approached Holy Communion, receiving the Most Pure Body and Precious Blood of Christ, distributed by Fr. Volodymyr and Fr. Andriy - an unmistakable sign of a vibrant, Eucharistic parish life.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Daniel presented Certificates of Recognition to Subdeacon Dmytro Chepyshko and Nadia Shushakova in gratitude for their love, dedication, and tireless service to the parish. In addition, Inna Kovtun, a National Artist of Ukraine and community activist, was recognized for her charitable efforts and devoted service and tireless efforts in promoting Ukrainian culture and raising funds for the victims of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The celebration continued with a joyful luncheon in the parish hall, lovingly prepared by the Sisterhood and faithful parishioners. For many hours, Archbishop Daniel remained with the community - listening, blessing, praying, and strengthening bonds of spiritual family.

Later that evening, with four weather related delays, the Archbishop departed for the Metropolitan Center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA in South Bound Brook/Somerset, New Jersey, carrying with him the prayers, love, and gratitude of the faithful of Portland.