As Archbishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA guided the faithful through the liturgical journey of Holy Thursday at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Parma, OH, a profound convergence of spiritual significance occurred, aligning with the nation's observance of the National Day of Prayer.

There are four events commemorated on Thursday of Holy Week: the washing of the disciples' feet, the institution of the Holy Mystery of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper, the agony in the garden of Gethsemane, and the betrayal of Christ by Judas.

Holy Thursday morning started at the church with the Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great, which was concelebrated by the clergy of the Penn-Ohio Deanery with His Eminence Archbishop Daniel. This Liturgy commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist, and it was spiritually uplifting to see the clergy of the Deanery (Very Rev. Fr. Michael Hontaruk, Very Rev. Fr. Dennis Kristof, Very Rev. Fr. Roman Yatskiv, Very Rev. Fr. Dimitri Belenki, Rev. Fr. Mykola Zomchak, Protodeacon Ihor Mahlay, Deacon Roman Marchyshak and Protopresbyter John Nakonacny in attendance) pray together at the Altar of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox cathedral.

Amidst the reverent atmosphere, Archbishop Daniel's words resonated deeply as he spoke on the timeless theme: "My hour is not yet (at Cana)… but my hour is near at the Holy Supper."

Drawing parallels between the wedding at Cana, where Christ performed his first public miracle, and the impending moment of his sacrificial offering at the Last Supper, the Archbishop illuminated the significance of the hour drawing near—a moment of profound spiritual transformation and divine revelation.

The hierarch in his remarks reminded the faithful in attendance that “The Eucharist is at the center of the Church's life. It is her most profound prayer and principal activity. It is at one and the same time both the source and the summit of her life. In the Eucharist the Church manifests her true nature and is continuously changed from a human community into the Body of Christ, the Temple of the Holy Spirit, and the People of God… Our new life in Christ is constantly renewed and increased by the Eucharist. The Eucharist imparts life and the life it gives is the life of God.”

Central to the liturgical observance was the humbling act of washing the feet of twelve individuals, symbolizing the servanthood and humility exemplified by Christ himself. Among the twelve were six clergy and six lay members, representing the unity and diversity within the body of believers.

The participation of numerous individuals in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist further underscored the communal bond shared in partaking of the divine presence. As the faithful received the Body and Blood of the Lord, they embraced the mystical union with Christ and one another, transcending earthly boundaries and divisions.

As Holy Thursday morning services concluded, the echoes of prayers and hymns lingered in the hearts of the faithful, serving as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of faith and the enduring presence of God amidst the complexities of life.

In the sacred space of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, amidst the convergence of liturgical traditions and national observances, the faithful were reminded of the eternal truth: that in every hour, in every moment, the presence of God is near, beckoning us to embrace His Grace and guidance on our spiritual journey.