On October 26, 2024, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA gathered at Saint Andrew Ukrainian Cemetery in South Bound Brook, New Jersey, to commemorate the 103rd anniversary of the episcopal consecration of Metropolitan John (Theodorovich), the first Metropolitan of the Church. His Eminence, Metropolitan Anton, together with Archbishop Daniel and a host of clergy from local New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania parishes, led a prayer service at the graveside of this pivotal figure in the Church’s history. The prayerful Memorial Service was a solemn yet spiritually enriching moment, marking a foundational milestone for the Ukrainian Orthodox faithful in America.

Metropolitan John (Theodorovich) was consecrated as a bishop in 1921 during the historic All-Ukrainian Orthodox Church Council. This was a time of spiritual and national revival in Ukraine, as the country struggled for autonomy in the wake of World War I and the collapse of the Russian Empire. For the Ukrainian Orthodox faithful, this council represented the first formal steps toward the establishment of an independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church, free from the political and ecclesiastical dominance of Moscow.

Born in Ukraine, Metropolitan John grew up in a time of great turbulence and transformation. He witnessed the persecution of his people and the Orthodox Church under various foreign regimes. His consecration in 1921 marked not just his personal commitment to the priesthood, but a broader movement of spiritual self-determination for Ukrainians. It was a time when the newly-formed Ukrainian nation sought to align its political aspirations with its deeply held Orthodox faith, and Metropolitan John became one of the most important shepherds guiding this union.

Metropolitan John’s journey to America in the 1920s marked a new chapter for the growing Ukrainian diaspora. Many Ukrainians had fled their homeland due to political unrest and economic hardship, seeking refuge and opportunity in the United States. However, they brought with them their deep love for the Orthodox faith and their cultural heritage. Metropolitan John, recognizing the pastoral need among these immigrants, worked tirelessly to establish a church that would be both spiritually and culturally connected to the Ukrainian Orthodox tradition.

In 1924, following Metropolitan John’s arrival to the United States of America, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA was formally organized under his leadership. His role as the first Metropolitan of this nascent church was not just administrative; it was deeply spiritual. He became a father figure to the faithful, ensuring that their spiritual needs were met even as they adapted to life in a foreign land. He was instrumental in founding parishes, establishing seminaries, and fostering the growth of a Ukrainian Orthodox community that was both resilient and faithful.

As the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA grew, Metropolitan John continued to serve as a guiding spiritual force. His leadership was marked by humility, deep faith, and an unwavering commitment to Christ. He was known for his pastoral care and the spiritual depth of his sermons, which inspired countless individuals to deepen their own commitment to the Orthodox faith. He encouraged the faithful to maintain their Ukrainian identity, while also engaging fully in the life of the broader American society.

During the October 26, 2024, commemoration, Metropolitan Antony, the fifth and current Metropolitan of the Church, reflected deeply on the personal impact Metropolitan John had on his own journey to the priesthood and monastic life. In a heartfelt address, Metropolitan Antony spoke about the spiritual legacy of Metropolitan John, recounting how his example of steadfastness and humility inspired a generation of clergy and laypeople alike. He shared stories of Metropolitan John’s quiet strength in the face of adversity and his unwavering faith in the transformative power of the Gospel.

Following the prayer service at the graveside, attendees gathered for a luncheon prepared by Dobrodijka Valentyna Vysotskyi. The meal was an opportunity for fellowship and reflection, as those present shared memories of Metropolitan John and his contributions to the Church. For many, the day was not just a remembrance of a historical figure, but a profound spiritual experience - an opportunity to reconnect with the faith and mission that Metropolitan John embodied.

His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, who personally remembers Metropolitan John, offered an oral reflection that further illuminated the Metropolitan’s spiritual influence. Through his life of service, Metropolitan John not only shaped the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in America but also laid the foundation for a vibrant and enduring spiritual legacy.

As the Church continues to grow and adapt to the needs of its faithful, the memory of Metropolitan John remains a beacon of spiritual leadership. His life reminds us that the Church is not merely an institution, but a living body of believers, sustained by the prayers, sacrifices, and love of those who came before. The faithful who gathered in South Bound Brook on October 26, 2024, honored not just the memory of a man, but the ongoing mission of the Church to bring the light of Christ to all corners of the world.