On a day filled with gratitude and spiritual unity – November 10, 2024, Saint Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Carteret, New Jersey, commemorated 115 years of dedicated ministry in spreading the Word of God. With the blessing of His Eminence, Metropolitan Antony, Archbishop Daniel made a heartfelt visit to the cathedral to lead a celebratory Divine Liturgy, honoring over a century of faithful service in the community.

As the Archbishop arrived, he was warmly greeted at the cathedral entrance by youth representatives and Mr. Stanley Nartowicz, the president of the parish board of administration. In accordance with the timeless Ukrainian tradition, children presented flowers as a gesture of purity and reverence, while Mr. Nartowicz offered Archbishop Daniel the traditional gifts of bread and salt, symbolizing hospitality, kindness, and love. These age-old customs underscored the communal spirit that has bound Saint Demetrius Cathedral and its parishioners together for generations.

The celebration began as the cathedral's pastor, Rev. Fr. Ihor Protsak, welcomed Archbishop Daniel and asked for prayers on behalf of the parish family, the United States, and Ukraine. Fr. Ihor’s words touched upon the current struggles faced by the ancestral homeland during wartime, a reminder of the unwavering bond between the parish community and Ukraine.

Archbishop Daniel responded with words of profound empathy and faith. “When I walk into this sacred home of your parish,” he reflected, “I walk into a sanctuary built on prayer, sustained by action, and uplifted by the steadfast spirit of its people. Here, your faith lives not only in words but through each act of kindness, each prayer lifted for those in need, and each moment of unity you share.”

With Seminarians from St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary chanting the spiritual responses, and Deacon Maksym Zhuravchyk assisting, the Divine Liturgy became a true communal offering. As the Liturgy unfolded, Archbishop Daniel spoke on the life of Saint Demetrius, the patron of the cathedral. He reminded the faithful that Saint Demetrius’ fearlessness in proclaiming his faith serves as a beacon for the parish community, which has continued his legacy by standing firm in faith and service for 115 years.

In his sermon, Archbishop Daniel encouraged everyone to live out their faith not only with words but through acts of compassion and service. “Faith,” he emphasized, “is best preached without a single word spoken. When you uplift someone in prayer, comfort the sorrowful, or bring hope to a weary heart, you preach the Word of God louder than any voice.” He urged all parishioners to offer themselves unconditionally in service to others, embodying the love and grace of Christ in every action.

The faithful then partook in the Holy Mystery of Eucharist, expressing gratitude for the countless blessings bestowed upon the parish through the generations. As they gathered to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, a sense of profound unity filled the cathedral, each person offering thanks for the spiritual legacy of Saint Demetrius Cathedral and for the strength and hope of the present generation.

As the Divine Liturgy concluded, Deacon Maksym intoned the ancient hymn, “God grant you many years,” asking for archpastoral blessing of Archbishop Daniel upon the parishioners, and the parish leadership.

Fr. Ihor presented Vladyka Daniel with a traditional loaf of church bread - prosfora and a bouquet of white roses - a symbol of purity and communal love. Receiving these gifts, Archbishop Daniel took a moment to reflect on the meaning of Veterans Day, reminding all those present to keep the veterans of the United States Armed Forces and the heroes of Ukraine in their prayers, especially on November 11.

“We remember our veterans, those who have answered the call to defend freedom and peace,” Archbishop Daniel said. “We are indebted to their courage and sacrifice. And today, we offer our prayers not only for their safety but for peace, that all people may live in harmony and justice.” He invited everyone to join a prayer service at the Ukrainian American Veterans Monument in South Bound Brook, New Jersey on November 11, 2024 at 11 am - as a gesture of honor and gratitude for those who have served.

To commemorate this special occasion, Archbishop Daniel bestowed upon the congregation an icon of the Protection of the Mother of God, the patron saint of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. As he led the parish in prayer, he invoked divine protection over all men and women serving in the armed forces, both in Ukraine and the United States, reaffirming the commitment of Saint Demetrius Cathedral to uphold peace and justice.

The day’s events continued with a luncheon banquet at the Saint Demetrius Cultural Center. Parishioners and guests gathered to break bread, celebrating their shared heritage and the generations of dedicated service that had brought them together. As they partook in a commemorative prayer service, they remembered the living and departed supporters of the parish who have contributed to its enduring ministry. In a touching finale, seminarians from St. Sophia Seminary sang traditional Ukrainian songs, filling the hall with the sounds of faith and resilience that have been the lifeblood of the community.

As the parish enters its 116th year, Archbishop Daniel’s words echoed in the hearts of all present: “This milestone is not the end of a journey, but a new beginning. As you go forth, continue to live out your faith, to be bearers of peace and goodwill, and to shine as a beacon of hope in a world that deeply needs it. Together, let us walk forward, united in Christ, serving one another and building a future founded on love, justice, and faith.”

With strengthened faith and hearts full of gratitude, the faithful departed the celebration, inspired to carry forward the legacy of Saint Demetrius Cathedral and to live out their calling in the service of God, country, and community.