On a momentous and historic day (September 8, 2024) for Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Trenton, New Jersey, the faithful gathered in reverence for an archpastoral visit from His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. This day not only marked the celebration of the Nativity of the Mother of God but also a significant transition within the parish leadership, as Very Reverend Father Zinoviy Zharsky stepped aside after over 12 years of faithful service, and Reverend Father Roman Marchyshak was installed as the new pastor.

The day began with liturgical celebration, as the community, led by the parish board, sisterhood, and children, formed a solemn procession to the church. In an age-old custom, they welcomed Archbishop Daniel with flowers and the traditional gifts of bread and salt, symbols of hospitality, love, and respect in Ukrainian culture. Both priests, Fr. Zinoviy and Fr. Roman, stood together at the church entrance, embodying the continuity of spiritual care and pastoral service, as they greeted the archpastor.

Inside the church, the solemn Divine Liturgy commenced, led by Archbishop Daniel, with Deacon Maksym Zhuravchyk and Deacon Valentine Olynyk assisting. The Divine Liturgy was attended by a special group of wounded Ukrainian soldiers, representing the courage and sacrifice of those defending their homeland. These soldiers were accompanied by representatives of the Revived Soldiers of Ukraine Fund, an organization dedicated to supporting Ukrainian war veterans undergoing medical treatment. Their presence was a profound reminder of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the congregation greeted these Ukrainian heroes with deep reverence, acknowledging their sacrifices for the nation’s freedom and future.

The service held an additional layer of significance as the parish also celebrated the feast of the Nativity of the Mother of God. In his sermon, Archbishop Daniel expounded on the profound spiritual meaning of this Marian feast, which is deeply rooted in the history of the Kyivan Church. He spoke of the Mother of God's purity, obedience, and her role as the intercessor for humanity. The Archbishop highlighted the importance of following the commandments of God, reflecting on the themes of humility, faith, and the transformative power of the Christian life.

Drawing from the Sunday Gospel reading, Archbishop Daniel delivered a heartfelt reflection on forgiveness, emphasizing its essential role in the spiritual journey. He spoke of forgiveness as not merely a theological concept but as a deeply personal practice that each Orthodox Christian is called to embrace. Forgiveness, he said, is the key to healing and restoring relationships—both with God and with others. He stressed that we must not only seek forgiveness for our own sins but also offer it freely to those who have wronged us, in imitation of Christ's boundless mercy. In a world fractured by conflict, both personal and national, the Archbishop’s message resonated deeply with those present, especially the Ukrainian soldiers who have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of war.

Following the sermon, many of the faithful, especially the children of the parish, approached the Holy Chalice to receive the Holy Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ, as a sign of their unity in faith. Throughout the Liturgy, the parish choir, under the direction of Taras Pavlovsky, chanted the responses in a spiritually uplifting and harmonious manner, adding to the solemnity and grace of the service.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Zinoviy, filled with emotion, addressed the congregation, expressing his profound gratitude for their love and support during his 12½ years of pastoral service. He reflected on the joys and challenges of his time at Holy Trinity, thanking the parishioners for allowing him to touch their lives as their spiritual father. In a symbolic gesture of pastoral succession, Fr. Zinoviy handed Archbishop Daniel with a hand cross from the altar of the parish, a symbol of pastoral leadership.

Archbishop Daniel, in turn, offered heartfelt words of gratitude to Fr. Zinoviy, commending his dedication and leadership over the years. He acknowledged the faithful service of Fr. Zinoviy, not only as a pastor but as a spiritual guide who shepherded the souls of his parish with love and devotion. On behalf of Metropolitan Antony, Archbishop Daniel thanked Fr. Zinoviy for his service, thus marking the end of his pastoral tenure.

Turning to Fr. Roman Marchyshak, the newly appointed pastor, Archbishop Daniel handed him the altar cross and imparted his blessing and offered words of instruction. He encouraged Fr. Roman to be a humble servant of the people, to care for their spiritual well-being, and to administer the Holy Mysteries to those in need. With the presentation of the altar hand cross to Fr. Roman, the Archbishop entrusted him with the sacred responsibility of guiding the parish in faith, love, and service to God. He reminded Fr. Roman to always be attentive to the needs of his parishioners, to lead them in their journey toward salvation, and to be a source of God’s love and mercy to all who seek it.

Archbishop Daniel also took a moment to acknowledge the vital role of the priests' wives in supporting their husbands' ministries. He expressed deep gratitude to Natalia Zharsky, Fr. Zinoviy's wife, for her unwavering support over the years. Similarly, he encouraged Pani Maria Marchyshak, Fr. Roman's wife, to be a partner in her husband's ministry, offering her love and strength as they embark on this new chapter of their lives.

The day concluded with the veneration of the icon of the Nativity of the Mother of God, as the faithful approached for anointing with oil from the hands of Fr. Zinoviy, marking the end of his pastoral service. The congregation then gathered for a celebratory luncheon, where parishioners shared their heartfelt gratitude for Fr. Zinoviy's leadership and warmly welcomed Fr. Roman as their new pastor. It was a day filled with emotions - of farewell, new beginnings, and above all, the abiding presence of God’s grace in the life of the Church.

As the faithful of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church look to the future under the spiritual guidance of Fr. Roman, they carry with them the lessons of forgiveness, humility, and love imparted by Archbishop Daniel, confident that their new pastor will continue to lead them on the path of salvation.

May God grant many years to Fr. Roman Marchyshak as he begins his service, and may Fr. Zinoviy be blessed in all his future endeavors.