UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE USA

CONSISTORY OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

PRESS RELEASE

Celebration of the Nativity of Christ at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Parma, OH          

By Fr. Michael Hontaruk

Assistant Pastor of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Parma, Ohio

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14)

During this Nativity Season, St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral parish family in Parma, Ohio experienced the wondrous mystery of the Incarnation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.B People rejoiced celebrating the Lord’s Nativity, especially as the entire parish family was blessed to have both hierarchs – the spiritual fathers of the UOC of the USA to share with them the great news of the Nativity of Christ! Both bishops of the Church visited the parish family at the last moment, due to the funeral services of His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony’s mother, who fell asleep in the Lord on January 4, 2016. May her memory be eternal!

Bishop Daniel presided over the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy in the presence of HisEminence Metropolitan Antony, the Prime Hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, concelebrating with Cathedral and visiting clergy: V. Rev. John Nakonachny, Pastor of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral; V. Rev. Michael Hontaruk, assistant pastor of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral; Ihumen John Henry; Rev. Vasyl Pasakas, pastor of the Nativity Blessed Virgin Mary in South Plainfield, NJ; Fr. MichaelGavrilos, assistant priest of St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church in North Royalton, OH; Protodeacon Ihor Mahlay, and 8 altar servers.

The Nativity Divine Liturgy, as it has happened over the last 25 years, was broadcast and listened to by faithful over the radio and on the internet. We have heard of listeners in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Canada, Ukraine and Thailand. Everyone commented on how beautiful the Liturgy was and that they were moved to tears, especially when they heard the magnificent singing of our combined Ukrainian and English choirs, around 40 voices total directed by Markian Komichak. Hundreds of faithful filled our Cathedral pews at the Christmas Liturgy. Holy Communion was distributed by the clergy using four chalices. We are very glad and thankful to God for the opportunity to allow people all over the world to pray to the Newborn King, our Lord Jesus Christ, together with the faithful at Saint Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. This is the 28^th year that our parish sponsors this radio program for our shut-ins, elderly, and all who wish to listen.

May this Nativity Season be a time of love and grace provided by our Lord in our life. We must carry the wonder of the Nativity in our hearts every day, so we can use its miracle as a catalyst of change in our life. May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who came to this world to save us, bless all of us.

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!