Nestled within the intricate tapestry of American history lies the Spiritual Center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA in South Bound Brook/Somerset, NJ. Situated amidst the echoes of the past, this center holds within its embrace a rich legacy intertwined with pivotal moments in the nation’s narrative.

The very ground upon which this spiritual haven stands witnessed the valor and sacrifice of the Battle of Bound Brook on April 13, 1777, during the American Revolutionary War. It was a moment when British and Hessian forces clashed with the Continental Army, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of Bound Brook, New Jersey. Though the British fell short of their objective to capture the entire garrison, the echoes of that day reverberate through time, underscoring the enduring spirit of resilience that defines the American ethos.

Within the Ukrainian community that finds solace within these hallowed grounds, lies the historic Hendrick Fisher Homestead, a beacon of heritage and antiquity. Dating back to 1688, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of those who forged their destinies on these lands. While the ravages of time have left their mark, recent restoration efforts have unveiled its hidden treasures, from mud and straw walls to intricately carved walnut and oak paneling.

Hendrick Fisher Junior, a scion of this illustrious lineage, traces his origins to Germany, where he was born in 1697. Alongside his family, he embarked on a journey of hope and opportunity, traversing the seas to the promise of the Colonies. The transformation of the family name from Visscher to Fisher echoes the assimilation of cultures and the forging of new identities in the crucible of the New World.

The Fisher family’s saga is one of resilience, faith, and adaptation, mirrored in the broader narrative of immigrant communities that have left an indelible imprint on the American landscape. Baptized amidst the tranquil waters of the New Brunswick or Raritan churches, their journey mirrored the ebb and flow of history, leaving an enduring legacy that transcends the confines of time.

Archbishop Daniel, accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Pasakas, Dobrodijka Oksana and their children Jacob, Emilia and Taissa, as well as Subdeacon Maksym Zhuravchyk and his wife Ksenia, participated in a poignant reenactment of the historic Battle of Bound Brook. Amidst the rolling hills and verdant landscapes that once bore witness to the clash of empires, they paid homage to the valor and sacrifice of those who came before.

In stepping into the shoes of their forebears, Archbishop Daniel and members of the local South Bound Brook/Somerset, NJ Ukrainian Orthodox community sought to honor the memory of those who fought and bled on that fateful day. With each step, they breathed life into the pages of history, embodying the courage and resilience that define the American spirit.

Witnessing the historic reenactment, Archbishop Daniel with the clergy and faithful of the UOC of the USA not only honored the memory of the past but also reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the values of freedom, justice, and unity, especially as the war reges in Ukraine – the ancestral homeland for Ukrainians across the country. In a world marked by uncertainty and division, their act of remembrance served as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a brighter and more inclusive future.

As the echoes of the Battle of Bound Brook resounded once more across the landscape, members of the local Ukrainian Orthodox community stood as living embodiments of the timeless virtues that have sustained humanity through its darkest hours. In their solidarity and determination, they offered a powerful reminder that the legacy of the past is not merely a relic of history but a living testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.

As visitors tread upon the hallowed grounds of the Spiritual Center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, they are invited to partake in a journey through time—a tapestry woven with the threads of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring quest for freedom. In this sacred space, the past converges with the present, offering solace and inspiration to all who seek communion with the spirits of those who came before.