The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, celebrated according to the Julian Calendar, unfolded with profound joy and spiritual depth at Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Youngstown, Ohio. The parish was blessed to welcome His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, spiritual father of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, who led the faithful in the radiant celebration of Christ’s Nativity, filling the temple with the light of Emmanuel - God with us.

The Ukrainian Orthodox community of Youngstown, OH eagerly awaited the arrival of their archpastor. The pastor of the parish, Rev. Fr. Mykola Zomchak, joined the congregation in offering a heartfelt welcome, reflecting the vibrant faith and dedication of the parishioners.

With the church adorned in festive beauty, the community prepared to celebrate the Divine Liturgy of the Nativity. Dozens of faithful approached the Holy Chalice, receiving the Most Holy Eucharist - the Body and Blood of Christ - drawing strength and renewal from the very Bread of Life born in Bethlehem.

The Divine Liturgy, chanted with angelic fervor, reached its spiritual pinnacle as Archbishop Daniel proclaimed the Nativity Gospel. The joyous words recounting the birth of Emmanuel - God with us - resounded through the temple, filling hearts with awe and gratitude. The Archpastor’s voice, imbued with pastoral love, reminded the faithful that this celebration was not merely a commemoration of a historical event but an invitation to encounter the living Christ, born anew in their hearts and lives.

In his homily, Archbishop Daniel offered a spiritual reflection on the journey to Bethlehem, the City of Bread. He invited the congregation to ponder the physical and spiritual paths traveled by those who bore witness to the Nativity: the shepherds, the Magi, the Most Holy Theotokos, and the righteous Joseph. Each traveled not only a physical distance but also a spiritual journey of faith and trust in God’s divine plan.

“Each one of us must journey to our own spiritual Bethlehem,” the Archbishop said, “to the place where Christ, the Bread of Life, feeds us with His eternal life. Bethlehem reminds us of God’s abundant love and provision. Just as the manger held the Savior of the world, so too must our hearts become a manger, a place prepared to receive Christ in humility and love.”

The Archbishop also reflected on the deeper meaning of the Nativity and its connection to the Cross and Resurrection. “The Nativity is the beginning of the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. The One who humbly enters the world in a manger will offer Himself on the Cross to bring salvation to all. The joy of this feast is intertwined with the profound mystery of God’s love for humanity - a love that redeems and transforms.”

Following the Divine Liturgy, the faithful gathered to express their gratitude to Archbishop Daniel for his spiritual guidance and uplifting presence. As a token of appreciation, the parish community presented the Archbishop with a beautifully adorned traditional Ukrainian prosfora. The Archpastor, moved by the love and dedication of the parishioners, extended greetings from His Eminence Metropolitan Antony and offered blessings to all in attendance.

Each person approached Archbishop Daniel to receive anointing with blessed oil, a tangible reminder of God’s grace and healing presence. The Archbishop’s words and actions conveyed the unifying message of the Nativity: Christ is born to bring peace, hope, and renewal to all.

As the celebration concluded, Archbishop Daniel offered a final word of encouragement: “Let the Nativity of Christ inspire us to embark on our spiritual journey with faith and courage. Just as the shepherds and Magi overcame obstacles to behold the Savior, we too are called to overcome the distractions and struggles of life to encounter Christ, who is always with us. May the light of His Nativity guide us to deeper faith, stronger community, and unshakable hope.”

The Feast of the Nativity at Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church was not merely a calendar liturgical event but a transformative experience, bringing the community closer to the living mystery of Christ’s Incarnation. Under the spiritual leadership of the archpastor, the faithful of Youngstown were reminded of the profound truth of the Nativity: that God so loved the world He entered into it to redeem and sanctify it.

As the faithful departed from the temple, their hearts were filled with renewed hope and a deep sense of joy. Inspired by their Archpastor’s words, they were encouraged to journey toward their own spiritual Bethlehem, where the Savior awaits to fill them with His grace and love.

Christ is born! Glorify Him!