UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE USA
CONSISTORY OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
PRESS RELEASE

Bishop Daniel Visits Protection of the Mother of God Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Milwaukee, WI!

On Sunday November 1, 2009 His Grace Bishop Daniel made his visit to Protection of St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to celebrate the Annual Parish Feast Day.  The city was blessed with mild, rain-free weather and the early arrival of the ruling Hierarch of our Western Eparchy.  The hour gained by setting back our clocks earlier that morning enabled us to start on time with a traditional Ukrainian greeting of bread and salt, along with a bouquet of flowers, presented by the Parish Board President and Secretary, Mr. and Mrs. Gregory and Maria Jennings.  Bishop Daniel’s eloquent response was followed by the greeting of Parish Priest Fr. Walter Hvostik, Protodeacon Mykola Dilendorf, Rev. Deacon Andriy Fronchak, Sub-deacon John Charest, and altar server Michael Dilendorf. 

Bishop Daniel’s sermon, in both Ukrainian and English languages, centered upon the 21st Sunday after Pentecost theme of “the sower of seed”.  He emphasized that each of us should continue to “sow” the Word of God within the relationships and circumstances of our daily lives, because there is always the possibility that the “seed” will fall upon good earth, where it may eventually yield a hundred-fold. 

Upon the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy everyone was invited downstairs to our Church Hall for a luncheon, some entertainment, and an opportunity to socialize with each other and to meet and possibly speak with His Grace Bishop Daniel.  The food was delicious with many choices prepared by the members of our parish.  Mrs. Tatiana Migliaccio provided us with some uplifting entertainment by serenading us with her virtuosity on the violin.  She also plays with the Conservatory of Music in Milwaukee, and provides lessons to aspiring students.  Following his meal, Bishop Daniel endeavored to greet and speak with each person individually, as opportunity allowed.

After the ending prayer Bishop Daniel accepted an invitation to visit the nearby Ukrainian Catholic Church of St. Michael.  Parish priest Fr. Volodymyr Zaits opened the Church door so that Bishop Daniel could offer a prayer.

The parish family extends its gratitude to Fr. Volodymyr Zaits, Fr. Deacon Michael Chabin, and the members of St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church for honoring our celebration with their presence.  We would like to thank all the members of our parish for their manifold efforts to make this a memorable and enjoyable day in the life of our parish, and for their many special and on-going contributions to the well-being of our church.  We would like to thank all visitors to our parish for their prayers, efforts, and presence.  Finally we would like to thank the Ruling Hierarch of our Western Eparchy, Bishop Daniel, for honoring all of us with his presence, prayers, blessings and gracious words.  May God Bless You Vladyko, and guide you in your efforts for His Holy Vineyard!