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

Bishop Daniel Visits St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Portland, OR!

“Where the bishop is, so is the church” - St. Ignatius of Antioch

On Sunday, March 14, 2010, His Grace Bishop Daniel visited St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Portland, Oregon where he was greeted by children, parishioners and a pastor of the parish family Rev. Fr. Ivan Petrouchtchak.

The Bishop arrived on Friday late in the evening for the second time to Portland. Parishioners were pleased to have the opportunity to welcome the Bishop once again. While the Bishop's arrival was expected, the pleasant surprise from him on Sunday was unforeseen when he awarded the pastor of the parish with a “gold cross” and elevated Fr. Ivan Petrouchtchak to a rank of a protopriest, as Very Rev. Fr. Ivan marks the 15th anniversary of his service in the Holy Priesthood.

Needless to say, Father Ivan was deeply humbled with the honor he received that day. A profound homily from Bishop Daniel, leaving the words “I thirst” lingering in the minds of all, made the service stand out as one that will be well remembered by all who attended. Following the service, dinner took place and news was exchanged between parish members and the Bishop.

Our St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Parish here in Portland is very thankful to have been blessed with Bishop Daniel’s visit and eagerly awaits his return.