There are moments in the life of the Church when faith moves beyond words and becomes action - when devotion is expressed not only in prayer, but in stewardship, sacrifice, and vision for the future. The Annual Meeting of the Guardians of the Metropolia (GOM) is one such moment.

This gathering was far more than an administrative event; it was a powerful testimony to what dedicated Orthodox Christians can accomplish together for the glory of God and the strengthening of His Church. As the fundraising and charitable arm of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, the Guardians stand at the forefront of protecting, sustaining, and expanding the sacred ministries entrusted to us. To become a Guardian is not simply to join an organization - it is to take an active role in safeguarding our spiritual heritage and shaping the future of our Church for generations to come.

Arriving from home parishes located across the United States, the Guardians gathered on Friday evening before their scheduled formal meeting the next day, for an informal reception, catching up on news, sharing ideas, strengthening bonds, and building stronger relationships between each other and their parishes. 

The following morning, Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Guardians of the Metropolia arrived early at the St. Andrew Memorial Church for Divine Liturgy in order to start their annual proceedings with prayer, thanking the Lord for His many blessings and asking for His intervention and assistance as they continue their efforts in safeguarding the future of the Church.

During the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, the Very Rev. Fr. Andrii Pokotylo presented Subdeacon Scott Kerry to His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, who, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, prayerfully led the rite of induction of Subdeacon Scott into the ranks of the Guardians of the Metropolitan. In a moment marked by reverence and gratitude, Archbishop Daniel presented Subdeacon Scott with the formal insignia of this responsibility, affirming his commitment to serve the Church with humility, faithfulness, and love. This induction stands as a testimony to the Church’s care for the present and future well-being of the sacred ministries of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, entrusted to those who willingly offer their gifts for the life and mission of Christ’s Holy Church.

In his remarks, Vladyka Daniel stated: “Today, the Church gives thanks for a servant whose heart is steadfast and whose hands are ready for service. By accepting this responsibility as a Guardian of the Metropolitan, you witness that true dedication is born not of honor, but of love - love for the Church, for her people, and for the generations who will inherit the sacred ministry we protect and nurture.”

The formal session began at Noon at the Pokrova Social Hall at the Metropolia Center where the members of the organization reviewed the successes of the previous year, discussed the challenges, and brainstormed for the future.

Speaking to those gathered before him, Archbishop Daniel, Spiritual Father of the Guardians of the Metropolia, reiterated the importance of the role of being a member of this organization.  As “Guardians” we are entrusted with the welfare of the Church and her future.  The Church goes far beyond the buildings we meet in.  Buildings can and do get destroyed. 

The actual Church is not a building but is found in the hearts and souls of the people.  We, the faithful, are the Mystical Body of Christ.  The Guardians are given the huge responsibility of protecting the Church and all her components and pieces.  This does not only include benefiting the physical aspects, but also the spiritual component of the people who make up the Church.

If one part of the body suffers, the entire body suffers.  Therefore, it is critical that all the various components and parts of the body work in unison, supporting and functioning together as one.

Being in existence a mere seven years, the Guardians have doubled their membership thanks to the dedication and efforts of the organization’s president, Fr. Andrii Pokotylo, and Vice President, Howard West. 

Fr. Andrii explained that in this short timeframe, the Guardians, currently composed of 25 dedicated individuals, have sponsored four seminarians of the St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary, by providing them full tuition for a total sum of $60,000, ensuring the Church will have well educated and responsible clergy to take her into the future.

Additionally, the organization has collected funds to sponsor the printing of various Church publications, among which is the Service Book utilized by the clergy during every Liturgy and service across all the parishes.

Over the years, the members of the Guardians have raised funds through various fundraising efforts and initiatives, with many wonderful and exciting new activities planned for the coming year.

Now is the time to step forward! Now is the time to transform faith into action!

The Guardians of the Metropolia are not simply donors - they are protectors, builders, and faithful stewards of the Church’s future. By joining, you take an active role in strengthening our ministries, supporting charitable outreach, preserving our sacred heritage, and ensuring that the next generation inherits a vibrant and steadfast Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Do not stand on the sidelines while others carry the responsibility. Become a Guardian. Invest in the life of the Church. Help secure her future. The strength of tomorrow’s Church begins with the commitment we make today.