The third day of UOL convention in Warwick, RI prayerfully began with the liturgical celebration of the life and legacy of Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Great King Volodymyr. 

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, the Divine Liturgy for the feast of the day was celebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Myron Oryhon, Very Rev. Fr. John Haluszczak, Rev. Fr. Vasyl Pasakas, Rev. Fr. Phulip Harendza, Protodeacon Ihor Mahlay and Deacon John Charest. In conclusion of the service, Vladyka Daniel offered a short reflection on the spiritual legacy of St. Volodymyr the Great and the call upon those in attendance to emulate the spiritual virtues of Holy and Great King of Rus-Ukraine in a day of modern challenges and uncertainties. The Archbishop called upon the delegates of the Convention to make St. Volodymyr’s legacy alive by living the Faith of ancient Forefathers and offering themselves in the service to others through the acts of charity and kindness. In particular, Vladyka Daniel called upon the participants of the Divine Liturgy to care for the environment, protecting every aspect of natural resources.

At the conclusion of the service, Protodeacon Ihor exclaimed a prayerful petition for those who bare the name of Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Great King Volodymyr. Giving final instructions to the faithful gathered in the chapel, Vladyka Daniel granted final blessing to everyone present, especially to the family of Deacon John and Larisa Charest (and their son Sebastian) who for the past 6 weeks cared for two orphans from Ukraine- Ivanka and Victoria – who were departing the United States for Ukraine that afternoon.

Following breakfast, the day continued with usual Convention agenda until the point that a second keynote speaker of the Convention was introduced. Very Rev. Fr. Nocholas Apostola of Romanian Orhtfodox Church of Wooster, MA offered a reflection titled “Caring with Faith for our Elderly”, addressing the pastoral, social and moral issues of adequate care for the elderly of our society.

The remaining time of the Convention day was reserved for some social quality time while visiting Newport Mansion exhibits and a Clambake by the day in the historic Jamestown.

The day concluded with the Evening prayers led by Rev. Fr. Philip Harendza of Holy Archangel Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Scranton, PA.