On November 11, 2024, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA observed Veterans Day with a deeply moving prayer service, or Moleben, at their spiritual center in South Bound Brook, New Jersey. The site, a place of profound spiritual and cultural importance, stands at the intersection of Ukrainian and American histories, marking decades of sacrifice and shared ideals between the two nations. The faithful, joined by distinguished veterans and honored guests, gathered in a solemn assembly to pay tribute to those who served.

The day’s events began as clergy exited Saint Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church, holding the icon of the Protection of the Mother of God, the official icon of chaplains of the Ukrainian armed forces. This sacred icon, with its deep symbolism of divine sheltering and strength, has long been a source of comfort and intercession for the Ukrainian people.

The procession moved reverently toward the National Monument of Ukrainian American Veterans, located to the left of Saint Andrew Memorial Church. As the first North American monument to the 1932-1933 Holodomor—the artificially created famine in Ukraine that took millions of lives—the church and its surrounding monuments embody the resilience and enduring spirit of Ukrainians, both in Ukraine and abroad.

Gathered at the foot of the monument were veterans of various generations, including a remarkable contingent of Ukrainian Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. Their presence underscored the day’s mission: honoring not only the American tradition of service but also the unique contributions of Ukrainian Americans to the defense and ideals of their adopted homeland.

The clergy present at the Veterans Day prayer service represented the following communities: Protopresbyter Yuriy Siwko of St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church (South Bound Brook, NJ); Very Rev. Fr. Volodymyr Muzychka of St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (New York, NY); Very Rev. Fr. Taras Naumenko of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (Philadelphia, PA); Very Rev. Fr. Todor Mazur of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (New York, NY); Very Rev. Fr. Ivan Lyshyk of St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church (South Bound Brook, NJ); Very Rev. Fr. Milorad Orlic of the Serbian Orthodox Church of North America; Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Pasakas of St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church (South Bound Brook, NJ); Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Shak of St. Panteleimon Ukrainian Orthodox Parish (Brooklyn, NY); Rev. Fr. Ivan Tchopko of the Three Holy Hierarchs Chapel at St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary (South Bound Brook, NJ); Rev. Fr. Oleh Kravchenko of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Parish (Northampton, PA); Rev. Fr. Richard Jendras of Pokrova of the Mother of God Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (Allentown, PA); Rev. Fr. Ihor Protsak of St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (Carteret, NJ); Rev. Fr. Roman Marchyshak of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Parish (Trenton, NJ); and Deacon Maksym Zhuravchyk of the Three Holy Hierarchs Chapel at St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary (South Bound Brook, NJ). Seminarians from St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary chanted responses during the prayer service.

The observance opened with a heartfelt address by His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, who spoke with both solemnity and reverence. Citing a statement from the Council of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, the spiritual father of the Church reflected on the national observance of Veterans Day, a time set aside to honor those who have stood courageously in the face of conflict, protecting their homeland’s freedom and dignity:

“As we mark this Veterans Day, a solemn national observance honoring the sacrifices and valor of those who have served in the armed forces of the United States, we, the Council of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, offer our prayers for those who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. armed forces. This day holds profound meaning for us, especially as Ukrainian-Americans, as we honor not only the courageous individuals who have safeguarded this great nation but also those of Ukrainian descent who have served and continue to serve with devotion and distinction in the United States Armed Forces.

Our Church stands at a unique intersection of American and Ukrainian heritage. This is reflected physically in the Ukrainian-American Veterans Monument at our spiritual center, a site hallowed in prayer and dedication, where the lives of our ancestors and the legacy of our veterans are uplifted and remembered. This monument stands as a testament to the spirit of both God and country, a place where the dual threads of faith and patriotism weave together, honoring those who, throughout history, have defended their homeland and upheld the sacred call to serve.

Scripture teaches us that ‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends’ (John 15:13). To serve in the armed forces, to willingly place oneself in harm’s way for the protection of others, is an act of profound faith and courage. Our veterans have answered this call, embodying the virtues of sacrifice and service that are dear to the heart of our Orthodox faith. In honoring their dedication, we honor the enduring principle that to serve one’s country is also to serve God, fulfilling the holy charge to protect and care for His creation and His people.

On this Veterans Day, we come together in prayer, lifting up those who have served and those who continue to serve. May our veterans be blessed with peace, strength, and the abiding presence of our Lord. Let us strive always to remember their sacrifices with gratitude and to honor their legacy with lives dedicated to faith, love, and service.

May the memory of all those who have served be eternal, and may our living veterans know the blessings of health and the love of a grateful nation.”

Following Metropolitan Antony’s address, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel spoke in Ukrainian, weaving together the histories of Veterans Day and the sacrifices of Ukrainian American veterans. He recounted the origin of Veterans Day, initially established to honor the service members of World War I, and its formal recognition in 1954 - a recognition made possible by the advocacy of veteran organizations that sought to expand its scope. "Seventy years ago," Archbishop Daniel said, "this day became a national call to remember those who risked and gave all. Today, as we gather at this monument, we pay tribute not only to American heroes but to the rich heritage of Ukrainian Americans who answered that same call."

Archbishop Daniel, who is also a veteran and served in the US Army Chaplain Corps, addressed the significance of the icon of the Pokrova of the Mother, who intercedes for Ukraine’s people, including those defending it today. He spoke poignantly about the icon’s presence at the observance, noting its deep resonance amidst Ukraine’s current struggle for freedom. "This icon," he said, “is a symbol of protection for our brave men and women, those on the frontlines who guard the land we hold dear. It serves as a powerful reminder that the love for one’s homeland is eternal, transcending borders and connecting hearts across generations. It is the official icon of Ukrainian chaplains who serve the spiritual needs of the men and women of the Ukrainian armed forces and the international legionnaires who have joined the Ukrainian army."

Archbishop Daniel’s words highlighted the ongoing bond between the Ukrainian American and Ukrainian Armed Forces. Many Ukrainian soldiers have been trained or touched by the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, learning the same principles of duty, integrity, and sacrifice. The archbishop emphasized the unity of spirit that exists between those who defend Ukraine and those who defend the United States. “To honor the veterans of the United States is also to honor our own heritage,” he affirmed. “In remembering those who served America, we recognize a legacy of bravery that binds us to our homeland, our ancestors, and to each other. Their courage has paved a path for future generations to stand for what is true, noble, and just.”

Following the prayer service, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Hrycak, a veteran and member of the Ukrainian American Veterans, spoke on the importance of the monument at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA’s spiritual center. He reflected on the upcoming 10th anniversary in 2025 of the monument’s erection—a milestone marking a decade of honoring the intertwined histories of Ukraine and America. "This monument," Lieutenant Colonel Hrycak remarked, “stands as a testament not only to those who served but to the enduring partnership of two nations that cherish freedom. It is a place of remembrance, of honor, and of unity for all Ukrainian Americans who served.”

The day concluded with the singing of the prayerful “Mnohaya Lita,” or “God Grant You Many Years,” dedicated to the veterans, especially those of Ukrainian descent who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Protodeacon Valentyn Vysotskyi and his wife, Valentina, prepared a festive luncheon in the Sisterhood Hall of Saint Andrew Memorial Church, offering the veterans and their families an opportunity to gather and celebrate in fellowship.

In this sacred observance, Ukrainian Americans honored their dual heritage, standing proudly as bearers of both Ukrainian and American legacies. In South Bound Brook, they reaffirmed that the spirit of service transcends nationality, uniting all who seek to protect the freedoms and dignity of humankind. This Veterans Day, surrounded by icons, memorials, and the prayers of a grateful community, they offered tribute to the veterans who have given so much, praying for peace and protection for all who continue to serve.