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

Consistory of the Church Presents Gifts of Love and Support to Holy Archangel Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Woonsocket, RI

On Friday, February 1, 2013 acting on behalf of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony and Consistory of the UOC of the USA - His Grace Bishop Daniel, President of the Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA transferred collected donations from various parishes and individuals of the Church in the amount of about $6,000.00 to the pastor of Holy Archangel Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Woonsocket, RI – Rev. Fr. Anthony Perkins in order to offer assistance to the parish community, following the tragic fire damage that destroyed interior and the roof of the parish sacred space.

Following the morning services at Three Holy Hierarchs Chapel of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Bound Brook, NJ, the bishop offered words of encouragement to the pastor of the parish family, presenting the collected financial assistance. In response, Fr. Anthony stated: “On behalf of the faithful of St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Woonsocket, RI, I thank you. 

The past two months have been difficult; the transformative joys of the Nativity and Theophany were real for us, even taking on deeper significances; but there were also the constant reminders, both small and large, that we are a people out of place.  The loss is real.  It isn't just the building with its ruined roof and ceiling, it is icons and altar and all the other sacred items sanctified and sanctifying through sacrifice and prayer, now defiled by fire, smoke, and ashes.  Amongst our grief here are the constant temptations of anger and despondency.

But the Church remains the arc of salvation.  Not just her teachings and her Mysteries, but the love that is shared amongst her members. And by that, I mean all of you, your prayers, your kind words, and your sacrifices.

Your outpouring of support has been at once humbling and uplifting.  Humbling because we recognize our unworthiness and the way you have, despite your own economic hardships, given us so much; uplifting because you have given us such tangible reminders of the unity and joy that is in the Body of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  God reaches down in the midst of our suffering and lifts us up; in this, you have been His hands (St. Matthew 25:40).

At the end of December, 2012, the Consistory offered additional assistance to the parish offering the Iconostas, icons and other sacred liturgical objects for a temporary parochial chapel at the social hall of Holy Archangel Ukrainian Orthodox parish.

To read more about the tragic parish fire, please click here