On the blessed Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel led the solemn liturgical services at St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church, located at the Spiritual Center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA in South Bound Brook/Somerset, NJ. The sacred celebration was graced by the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, alongside a host of clergy, seminarians, and faithful who gathered to honor the Theotokos, the Mother of God.

The Divine Liturgy was concelebrated by Protopresbyter Yurii Siwko, Very Rev. Fr. John Lyshyk, Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Pasakas, Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Shak, Rev. Fr. Ivan Tchopko, Rev. Fr. Roman Marchyshak, Protodeacon Pavlo Vysotskyi, and Deacon Maksym Zhuravchyk. The seminarians of St. Sophia Seminary assisted in the celebration, adding to the reverence and solemnity of the liturgy.

In a beautiful show of unity, representatives from St. Joseph Roman Catholic Parish of Hillsborough, NJ, attended the service, led by their pastor, Fr. Hank Hilton. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Hank Hilton presented a check for $50,000 to the Ukraine Relief Fund. This generous donation was a heartfelt contribution to the Metropolia of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA’s ongoing charitable and humanitarian efforts to support the people of Ukraine during this time of war and suffering.

Following the chanting of the Gospel by the deacons, Archbishop Daniel delivered a deeply moving sermon, reflecting on the historical and spiritual significance of the Feast of the Dormition. He spoke eloquently about the life, ministry, and enduring love of the Theotokos, reminding the faithful of her intercessory role and the importance of seeking her prayers and guidance.

Vladyka reflected on the meaning of the feast in the context of moder society’s moral challenges, stating: “Today, as we navigate a world filled with moral challenges and societal decay, the Dormition of the Theotokos provides a source of spiritual strength and guidance. We live in an era where the lines between good and evil, right and wrong, truth and falsehood, are often blurred. Secular ideologies and materialistic pursuits dominate, leading many to drift away from the eternal truths of our faith.

The life and dormition of the Mother of God offer us a model of how to live righteously amidst these challenges. Her unwavering faith, humility, and obedience to God’s will are virtues that stand in stark contrast to the self-centered, prideful, and often morally ambiguous values promoted by our contemporary culture. Her life was one of silent witness - speaking volumes not through words but through her example of pure love, self-sacrifice, and total devotion to God.

In a society that increasingly prioritizes personal gratification and success over spiritual depth and communal well-being, the Dormition calls us back to the basics of our faith. It urges us to cultivate a spirit of humility, to practice obedience to God’s commandments, and to embrace the path of self-sacrificial love. In this way, we become witnesses to the Gospel, not just in words, but in our very being, reflecting the light of Christ in a world darkened by sin.”

Many of the faithful participated in the Holy Eucharist, coming forward to receive the Body and Blood of Christ with devotion and reverence. At the conclusion of the service, Archbishop Daniel blessed flowers and herbs brought by the faithful, honoring the ancient and revered tradition of seeking Divine protection through the blessing of natural means. This tradition is rooted in the belief that after the Dormition, the tomb of the Mother of God was filled with a “heavenly fragrance” and adorned with flowers, as noted by St. Germanos. The blessing of medicinal herbs is also a remembrance of the miraculous healings and graces bestowed on pilgrims at Mary’s tomb, as described by St. John of Damascus.

According to tradition, the blessing of herbs on the Feast of the Dormition was introduced as a substitute for the procession of the Holy Cross during the summer season to ward off illnesses. This beautiful custom reflects the Orthodox Church’s deep connection with the natural world and the belief in the healing power of God’s creation, sanctified through prayer and faith.

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Antony led a memorial service commemorating the anniversary of the repose of Olena (Slava) Pavlovska, a long-term staff member of the Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. Her memory was honored with love and prayer, reflecting her dedicated service and commitment to the Church.

The Feast of the Dormition at St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church was a profound spiritual experience, marked by the unity of the faithful, the beauty of the liturgical services, and the heartfelt prayers offered for peace and healing. As the community gathered in prayer and fellowship, the intercessions of the Mother of God and all the saints were sought, with the hope and faith that God’s mercy would be poured out upon His people and the entire world.

For more details on the significance of this feast and other events, visit the official Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA website.