On the weekend following the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, spiritual father of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, embarked on a significant archpastoral visit to Saint Anthony of the Desert Parish in Mesilla, New Mexico. This joyous occasion brought together parishioners, catechumens, and faithful from surrounding areas to celebrate the profound mysteries of the Incarnation and deepen their spiritual journey under the guidance of their beloved archpastor.

Arriving on Saturday afternoon, Archbishop Daniel was warmly greeted by parishioners and those preparing for Holy Illumination through Baptism and Chrismation. With fatherly care, he met personally with the catechumens, offering spiritual counsel and encouragement as they prepared to enter into the fullness of the Orthodox Christian faith.

Later that evening, the Archbishop presided over a solemn Vespers service. In his reflection, he drew the faithful into the heart of the Nativity narrative, exploring the history of salvation and the journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. He reminded the congregation that Bethlehem, meaning “House of Bread,” holds a profound spiritual significance.

“Bethlehem is not merely a town,” he said, “but a symbol of the nourishment that Christ, the Bread of Life, offers to the world. In Bethlehem, the bread of heaven was given to us, not for physical sustenance alone, but for the eternal life of our souls.”

The Archbishop also led the congregation in a spiritual observance of the memory of the 14,000 infants, known as the Holy Innocents, who were slain by King Herod in Bethlehem. “These innocent children,” he said, “are the first martyrs for Christ. In their sacrifice, they testify to the fragility of human life and the lengths to which evil will go to resist the light of God. Yet their blood was not shed in vain—it became a seed of the Church, calling us to defend the innocent and cherish the life that Christ came to sanctify.”

On Sunday morning, the parish community gathered to welcome their archpastor. Mrs. Constance Hassapopoulos, parish board president, extended an official greeting, while chanter Justin Harper, a member of the parish choir, presented Archbishop Daniel with a hand-baked loaf of bread and a dish of salt. Reflecting on this traditional offering, Archbishop Daniel explained its deep Orthodox symbolism: “Bread sustains us, and salt preserves us. Together, they remind us of Christ, who sustains our lives and preserves our souls. Just as Bethlehem is the ‘House of Bread,’ so our lives must become houses where the Bread of Life is welcomed and shared.”

The Archbishop also commemorated the saints of the Sunday after the Nativity: Saints Joseph, the Betrothed; David, the Prophet and King; and James, the Brother of God. “Saint Joseph teaches us obedience and trust in God’s will, even when we do not fully understand it,” he reflected. “King David reminds us of the promises of God, fulfilled in Christ, while James, the Brother of God, stands as a witness to the humanity and divinity of our Savior, calling us to unity as one family in Christ.”

As the Divine Liturgy began, Archbishop Daniel led the congregation in the holy mysteries of the Eucharist, assisted by Deacon Ted Brinegar and the parish’s subdeacons. Over 50 faithful participated in the service, entering into the sacred breaking of the bread and thanksgiving to God for His infinite mercy.

In his homily, the Archbishop invited everyone to meditate on the distances traveled to encounter Christ. “The shepherds journeyed from the fields, the Magi from distant lands, and the Holy Family from Bethlehem to Egypt,” he reflected. “But the greatest distance we must overcome is the spiritual and moral distance between ourselves and God. Christ comes to us as a child, inviting us to draw near, to enter into His manger and ultimately His cross and resurrection. Our personal encounter with the Savior is the journey that defines our lives as Orthodox Christians.”

The parish pastor, the Very Reverend Father Gabriel Rochelle, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Archbishop Daniel for his visit and inspiring leadership. “We are deeply blessed to have you here,” Father Gabriel said. “Your presence strengthens our community and renews our commitment to the life of Christ’s Church.”

Following the Liturgy, the children of the parish performed a charming Christmas play, reminding all in attendance of the simple, yet profound joy of Christ’s birth. A festive luncheon followed, featuring traditional New Mexican dishes prepared with the Archbishop’s enthusiastic participation in the kitchen. Parishioners were delighted to interact personally with their archpastor, who listened to their concerns, offered blessings, and shared in their joys.

The day concluded with Archbishop Daniel offering a poignant reminder to the faithful: “In Bethlehem, Christ humbled Himself to dwell among us. Let us, too, humble ourselves, so that we may truly encounter Him. The Nativity is not the end of the story - it is the beginning of our journey to the cross and resurrection. May we walk this path together, supporting one another with love, faith, and the joy of our salvation.” 

This visit was particularly meaningful as it coincided with Father Gabriel Rochelle’s 86th birthday. Archbishop Daniel honored him as a true spiritual father who has nurtured countless souls in the life of the Holy Orthodox Church. “Father Gabriel,” he said, “your life is a testament to the power of faith and the beauty of spiritual fatherhood. May God grant you many more years to guide your flock in His light.”

The parish community departed with hearts full of gratitude and joy, looking forward to the next opportunity to welcome their beloved archpastor. Archbishop Daniel’s visit was a testament to his dedication as a caring shepherd who walks alongside his flock, leading them closer to Christ.

As the Archbishop reflected, “To journey with Christ is to embrace the mystery of His love - a love that transforms Bethlehem into the ‘House of Bread,’ the martyrs into witnesses of His truth, and each of us into living temples of His presence.”