On a winter day filled with spiritual anticipation, Saint Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois, became a gathering place for the faithful to honor the Feast of the Synaxis of the 70 Holy Apostles. This celebration, rich in prayer and reverence, was further sanctified by the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, and the sacred relics of more than 50 saints, including those of the 12 Holy Apostles, Great Martyrs, and venerable Saints of the Orthodox Church.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated amidst a large congregation and a gathering of ;ocal Chicago Metropolitan area clergy who joined Archbishop Daniel in leading the faithful in prayer. Among the clergy participating were:

• Very Rev. Fr. Ivan Lymar, pastor of Saint Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago, IL
• Very Rev. Fr. Bohdan Kalynyk, pastor of Holy Trinity UOC in Bensenville, IL
• Very Rev. Fr. Andriy Shelvah  of Holy Trinity UOC in Bensenville, IL
• Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Sendeha, pastor of Saints Peter and Paul UOC in Palos Park, IL
• Rev. Fr. Mykhailo Drofyak of Saint Volodymyr Cathedral in Chicago, IL
• Rev. Fr. David Chidjikoie of the Three Holy Hierarchs Chapel at Saint Sophia Seminary in South Bound Brook, NJ
• Protodeacon Andriy Fronchak of St. Volodymyr UOC Cathedral in Chicago, IL
• Deacon Maksym Zhuravchyk of the Three Holy Hierarchs Chapel at Saint Sophia Seminary in South Bound Brook, NJ

The liturgical celebration was further enriched by seminarians from St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary, who offered assistance in the sanctuary. First-year seminarian Volodymyr Lymar directed the cathedral choir, filling the church with hymns that lifted the hearts of all in attendance.

At the heart of the celebration was the veneration of sacred relics. These relics, cherished remnants of over 50 saints, connect the faithful to the living history of the Church.

Archbishop Daniel, in his remarks before the Divine Liturgy, reminded the congregation of the importance of preparing spiritually for this encounter.

“These holy relics are not merely symbols of the past,” Archbishop Daniel proclaimed. “They are reminders that sainthood is not a distant concept but a call for all of us today. The Apostles and Saints lived in their time, and we are called to live in ours - following Christ, serving His Church, and becoming the saints of the present.”

As the relics were carried from the altar and placed in the center of the cathedral, a profound stillness filled the sanctuary. The faithful approached the relics one by one, venerating them with prayers, tears, and hearts full of gratitude. Archbishop Daniel led a heartfelt prayer for the people of Ukraine, asking for divine protection and spiritual strength during the trials of war.

This moment of veneration was deeply personal for many, as they connected their lives to the sacrifices and victories of the Saints who lived out their faith with courage and devotion.

The Feast of the Synaxis of the 70 Apostles is a celebration of the unity and collective mission of Christ’s chosen disciples. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, these Apostles spread the Gospel, healed the sick, and baptized believers, often at the cost of their lives.

Archbishop Daniel spoke eloquently about the ongoing relevance of the Apostles’ mission. “The Saints of the past answered Christ’s call, ‘Follow Me,’ and they did so with unwavering faith and love. Today, the Lord’s call remains the same. He calls each of us to be His followers, to be the saints of our own time, living as examples of His light and love in a world that so desperately needs it.”

The Archbishop encouraged the faithful to see the veneration of relics as more than an act of devotion. “When we stand before the relics, we are reminded that these Saints were human, like us. They faced challenges, fears, and struggles, yet they chose Christ above all else. We, too, are called to live lives of holiness, to proclaim the Gospel, and to let our faith shine in our families and communities.”

The day concluded with a festive luncheon prepared by the ladies of the cathedral community. This moment of fellowship allowed parishioners to continue reflecting on the spiritual depth of the day and to share their experiences of prayer and veneration.

As the faithful departed, they carried with them not only the memory of the sacred celebration but also a renewed commitment to live as witnesses of the Gospel. The Feast of the Synaxis of the 70 Apostles and the veneration of the holy relics reminded everyone that the call to sainthood is not confined to history - it is alive and present in every generation.

May we, inspired by the Apostles and Saints, strive to answer Christ’s call to follow Him, becoming the light of faith and love in our own time.