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

Busy Weekend in Parma, OH

On the snowy weekend of March 1 - 3, His Grace Bishop Daniel came to visit Parma, Ohio, on the occasion of the marriage of Vasyl Pasakas and Oksana Mahlay.Their marriage was performed at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral by His Grace Bishop Daniel together with the Pastor Very Rev. John Nakonachny and Asst. Pastor Rev. Michael Hontaruk. It was nice to see how Vasyl and Oksana united their hearts in the sacrament of Holy Matrimony.

The Church’s understanding of the Sacrament of Matrimony is that it is an opening as well as a mystery. Marriage of a man and a woman is opening to one another, and one for each other, changing their personalities into a new and better state. As Bishop Daniel said, “From this moment you, Vasyl and Oksana, are no more “Vasyl” and “Oksana” separately. Now you are one. Throughout your lives together you have to be in the same boat. You have to be with each other...”

A marriage in the Church is one of the seven sacraments. In the Holy Scriptures we read that this union is blessed by God, and through marriage, His grace exists, which is then passed on to the children born of this marriage. A Church wedding is not simply a beautiful addition to the wedding celebrations. It also encompasses new responsibilities which then arise within the newlyweds. After the Wedding Ceremony, Vespers were served. Many guests, together with the newlyweds, Vasyl and Oksana, stayed for Vespers. Following that Vasyl and Oksana’s reception began. Everyone enjoyed the wedding reception and wished all of the best for Vasyl and Oksana Pasakas.

Next day, on March 3, on the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, Divine Liturgy was served at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. The Divine Liturgy was led by His Grace Bishop Daniel together with Very Rev. John Nakonachny, Rev. Michael Hontaruk, Rev. Victor Wronsky, Rev. Vasyl Dmytryshyn and Rev. Andriy Matlak. During the Liturgy, His Grace Bishop Daniel elevated Fr. Michael Hontaruk to the rank of Protopriest, presenting him with a Golden Pectoral Cross, for his 10 years of dedicated service in Christ’s Vineyard of our Holy Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA.

After the reading of the Holy Gospel Bishop Daniel preached to the faithful about the importance of forgiveness, teaching and loving of our children, as did the father of the prodigal son. Following the Liturgy everyone was invited for a brunch honoring the groom and bride, Vasyl and Oksana Pasakas. Everyone enjoyed the memorable, magnificent weekend.