With the blooming colors of spring and the joyful atmosphere of the annual Tulip Festival in Oklahoma City, the faithful of the Mission of the Mother of God (St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Parish) in Jones, Oklahoma, welcomed a special visitor during the weekend of the Fourth Sunday of the Great and Holy Lent - the Sunday dedicated to St. John of the Ladder.

The parish is located in Jones, Oklahoma, a town of approximately 3,500 residents, nestled just east of Oklahoma City. Founded in the early 1900s, the town has retained its small-town charm and sense of close-knit community over the decades. It is in this peaceful setting - steeped in the values of tradition, hard work, and neighborly love - that the Orthodox faith continues to grow and bear spiritual fruit.

Despite airline technical delays, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, spiritual father of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, arrived with grace and humility, assisted by Subdeacons Yaroslav Bilohan and Andrii Akulenko, to offer encouragement, guidance, and spiritual renewal to the faithful of this close-knit Orthodox community.

On Sunday morning, as the sun rose over the Oklahoma plains, the faithful of St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Parish gathered with anticipation to welcome their beloved archpastor. Upon his arrival at the parish temple, Archbishop Daniel was greeted by the pastor of the parish family by Very Rev. Fr. Stepan Bilohan and Archimandrite Raphael (Moore). Representing the Sisterhood of the parish, Costanza Palivoda presented the Archbishop with korovai - a beautifully baked traditional Ukrainian bread - as a heartfelt symbol of love, hospitality, and unity.

Following the entrance prayers, Archbishop Daniel set aside Luka Gomarteli as a Reader in the parish - a sacred milestone in the life of both Luca and the community. In a personal and powerful address, the Archbishop called Luca to the solemn responsibility of the reader’s ministry. Drawing on Luca’s current medical studies in preparation to become a surgeon, Vladyka reflected on the parallels between medical and spiritual service:

“When we prepare to operate on the human body, we wash our hands, we don surgical garments, and we act with precision and reverence for life. In the same way, when we prepare to serve the spiritual flock, we must cleanse our hearts, vest in sacred garments, and enter the holy space with awe and deep respect.”

Archbishop Daniel went on to invoke the example of Saint Luke of Crimea, the surgeon, theologian, and Orthodox bishop, whose life bridged medicine and holiness. He also referenced Saint Luke the Evangelist, the physician and Gospel writer, as another example of a saintly doctor. These saints, the Archbishop said, serve as guiding lights for Luka as he takes on his new vocation of reader while continuing his medical studies.

As the Divine Liturgy commenced, the parish choir lifted their voices in harmonious response, and the faithful joined in prayerful reverence. Archbishop Daniel and Fr. Stepan co-celebrated the Liturgy with the assistance of Subdeacons, Readers, and altar servers.

In his homily, Archbishop Daniel reflected on the Gospel verse: “I believe, O Lord; help my unbelief.” He spoke about the dangers of faltering in or faking our faith, urging the faithful to live with spiritual integrity and determination. Citing the Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus, he reminded the congregation:

“Christian life is not a plateau - it’s a ladder. When we take one step, we don’t stop. We keep climbing, purifying the soul, disciplining the body, and freeing the spirit from the pollution of worldly attachments.”

Many approached the Holy Chalice and partook in the Eucharist, receiving the Body and Blood of Christ with faith and gratitude.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Archbishop Daniel presented certificates of blessing to several individuals in recognition of their devoted service to the parish. These awards honored not only their dedication to the spiritual and liturgical life of the community but also their tireless efforts in offering humanitarian aid to refugees, and supporting the victims of war in Ukraine - including logistical, material, and spiritual assistance to those suffering from the ongoing aggression inflicted upon the Ukrainian people by Russia’s invasion.

The parish family then gathered for a joyful luncheon prepared by the women of the Sisterhood. Parishioners, guests, catechumens, and inquirers alike had the opportunity to connect with their archpastor in a relaxed and loving atmosphere. Conversations flourished, new friendships formed, and the joy of community life filled the room.

Later in the afternoon, Archbishop Daniel met with local Orthodox clergy from the Oklahoma City metropolitan area at Zero Tolerance Coffee Shop, owned by Roy and Maura Baker, faithful members of the parish. This informal gathering provided an opportunity for the clergy and their archpastor to reflect on pastoral challenges, future cooperation, and the strengthening of Orthodox witness across the state of Oklahoma.

In the final moments of his visit, Archbishop Daniel, accompanied by members of the parish, was graciously welcomed into the home of the Gomarteli family for an informal evening of heartfelt hospitality. This intimate gathering allowed the faithful to share in warm conversation with their spiritual father, ask questions, and reflect together on both daily life and deeper spiritual matters. Surrounded by love and simplicity, the atmosphere was one of home-like comfort and trust - a true icon of the Church as a family.

As the sun set over the gentle fields surrounding Jones, the spirit of the day lingered like the scent of tulips in bloom - soft, joyful, and filled with the light of Christ. The visit of Archbishop Daniel was not just a hierarchical event, but a moment of spiritual ascent, renewal, and blessing for the entire community.

It was truly a blessing to have our beloved archpastor visit the spiritual flock of Jones, Oklahoma - a beacon of Orthodoxy blooming in the heart of America.