The visit of Archbishop Daniel, spiritual father of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, to the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox parish community in Seattle, WA, was a profound manifestation of faith, unity, and resilience. The visit was filled with moments of deep spiritual reflection, fervent prayers, and joyous fellowship, as the community gathered to draw strength from their faith and from one another.

Amidst the ongoing trials facing the people and nation of Ukraine, Vladyka Daniel’s presence brought a sense of hope and encouragement to the parish family. The visit began with communal prayers, where the faithful united in supplication for peace in Ukraine and for the healing of the parish's sick and infirm. The solemnity of these moments was a testament to the power of prayer and the unbreakable bond of the Body of Christ, transcending the physical distance between Seattle and the homeland.

In a special highlight of the visit, Very Rev. Fr. Andriy Matlak, pastor of the parish community, was honored with the ecclesiastical award of the gold cross, bestowed by Archbishop Daniel with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony. This ecclesiastical award recognized Fr. Andriy’s over eleven years of dedicated service to the parish community, guiding them with steadfast faith and love. In his remarks, Fr. Andriy reflected on the 66-year history of the parish, which has withstood challenges and continued to proclaim the Word of God, offering spiritual nourishment to the faithful in Seattle.

On Saturday, the day of the Leave-taking of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, Vladyka Daniel brought with him a sacred relic of the Life-Giving Cross. The faithful were blessed with the opportunity to pray before this relic, venerating it with reverence and awe. In the evening, an Akathist service was held in front of the icon of the Birth-Giver of God, ‘Healer of Illness’. During the service, numerous parishioners were anointed with holy oil from the myrrh-streaming icon of the Kardiotissa, the “Softener of Hearts.” This moment of anointing was a powerful expression of God’s healing grace, comforting the faithful and strengthening their resolve.

The following day, Sunday – September 22, 2024, brought even more joy as around 200 parishioners gathered for the Divine Liturgy with their beloved archpastor. Fr. Volodymyr Yavorkyi from the neighborhood parish of St. John the Baptist UOC in Portland,OR and Fr. Ivan Petrouchtchak also served during the Divine Liturgy. Children, filled with excitement, greeted Vladyka Daniel with flowers and smiles, seeking his blessing. Their innocent joy was a beautiful reminder of the purity of faith and the importance of nurturing the next generation in the ways of the Lord. The youth, after presenting their gifts, gave a group hug to their archpastor, symbolizing the loving bond between shepherd and flock.

During the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Daniel’s sermon resonated deeply with all present. Holding a fishing rod, he illustrated the biblical call to be “fishers of men,” urging the faithful to live their lives in accordance with the Gospel. He spoke of the three dimensions of fishing: the water, representing the world around us; the fishing rod, symbolizing our daily life; and the bait, our heart and actions. His message was clear – as Christians, we are called to cast the net of God’s love and truth into the world, drawing others into the light of Christ.

The most hard-working parishioners were recognized with hramoty of recognition (Blessed Certificates) and presented to dobrodiyka Nadiya Matlak, head of parish sisterhood Maryana Lukachynets also parish treasurer Oksana Pierce.

After the Liturgy, a festive luncheon was organized by the parish sisterhood in honor of the archpastor. The children performed spiritual and ethnic songs, expressing their prayers and concern for the people of Ukraine. The pastor of the Episcopal parish of Epiphany, Rev. Doyt L. Conn Jr., joined the Ukrainian Orthodox community for this special occasion. In a heartfelt gesture of gratitude, Archbishop Daniel presented Rev. Doyt with a Ukrainian Trident adorned with the official logo of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. This gift symbolized the deep appreciation of the Church for the Episcopal community’s brotherly love and support of Holy Trinity parish, particularly during these challenging times. Lyudmyla Romanyuk, families of Lishtchouk, Henish, Zaynchkovskiy and Fita were also recognized by His Eminence Archbishop Daniel with Ukrainian Trident for using their volunteering, logistical talents to help Ukraine and its people in this difficult times of war.

The visit concluded with the singing of “God Grant You Many Years,” as the congregation prayed for the well-being of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, the United States, and Ukraine. As the faithful departed, their hearts were uplifted, and their spirits renewed. Archbishop Daniel’s visit was more than just an event; it was a beacon of hope and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the light of Christ continues to shine brightly.