With hearts filled with joy and gratitude, the faithful of the Annunciation of the Mother of God Ukrainian Orthodox Mission in Charlotte, North Carolina welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, spiritual father of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, to their temporary sacred temple for a deeply moving and spiritually uplifting celebration. The Archbishop's visit marked not only the Parish Feast Day of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, but also the third anniversary of the mission’s establishment and prayerful ministry.

Accompanying His Eminence were Very Rev. Fr. Vitaliy Pavlykivsky, the mission’s administrator who also serves All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in New York, NY, and his wife Alexandra, as well as Fr. Maksym Zhuravchyk and his wife Ksenia. Also joining in prayerful celebration was Fr. Jason Falcone, chaplain of the US Army Corps (Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese). The choir of voices and the assembly of the faithful were further strengthened by the presence and assistance of benevolent chanters of the parish and pani Alexandra Pavlykivska.

During the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Daniel offered a heartfelt homily reflecting on the life and example of St. Mary of Egypt, whose Sunday coincided with the celebration. His Eminence spoke about the saint’s journey from sin to repentance, underscoring her transformation into a model of asceticism, self-discipline, and spiritual renewal. As the faithful enter the final days of Great Lent, the Archbishop encouraged everyone to emulate the saint’s spiritual courage and determination.

Archbishop Daniel also wove into his homily a reflection on the Feast of the Annunciation, drawing a beautiful spiritual parallel between St. Mary of Egypt and the Theotokos - both women who made bold, life-altering decisions in the face of God’s call. "Just as the Theotokos said ‘yes’ to the Archangel Gabriel and offered her entire being to God’s plan," His Eminence noted, "so too are we invited to surrender to the Lord’s will, allowing Him to work through us." 

A beautiful festive meal followed the Liturgy, lovingly prepared by the parish sisterhood, including Inna Kurtieva, Halyna Kuchyrka, Valentina Chekorska, and Natalia Kravchenko. The warmth and hospitality of the community radiated throughout the day.

The celebration continued with a concert program featuring heartfelt performances of music, poetry, and song. Young members of the parish including Dmytryk Dorotko, Solomiyka Kovch, Diana Zhunda, Arina Kyrienko, and others shared their talents, bringing joy and spiritual uplift to all present. Special thanks were extended to Artem Hnatenko for sound and technical support, and to Dem’yan and Arynka Nestoryk for their touching greetings.

In his closing remarks, Archbishop Daniel offered deep gratitude to Fr. Vitaliy Pavlykivsky and his wife Alexandra for their selfless leadership and pastoral care. He also expressed heartfelt thanks to the Melnychenko family for being among the founding pillars of the parish mission. "This is not merely a parish," His Eminence said, "but a growing spiritual home where Christ dwells among His people. You are the living stones building His Church."

May the Lord bless this mission parish, its clergy and faithful, as they continue their journey in Christ, ever committed to serving the Lord, nurturing one another, and praying unceasingly for peace in Ukraine and the world.