Los Angeles Ukrainian Orthodox Community Welcomes Archbishop Daniel

Over the weekend of December 8-10, 2017 St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Los Angeles, CA was blessed to welcome His Eminence Archbishop Daniel for the archpastoral visit of the parish family as well as to celebrate the feast day of the parish community and the 40^th anniversary of Holy Priesthood of Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Shtelen, pastor of St. Andrew’s.

Vladyka Daniel presided over the evening Vespers service on Saturday, December 9^th, following which an informal coffee hour was held for those in attendance.

In the morning hours of the 27^th Sunday after Pentecost, Archbishop Daniel was greeted by the entrance to the holy temple by the clergy and members of the parish community. Dr. Pavlo Micevych, President of the Parish’s Board of Administration (who is also a member of the Council of Metropolia of the UOC of the USA and Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate) welcomed Vladyka with the traditional bread and salt, calling upon the hierarch to remember in his prayers the youth of the Church and the founders of the parish’s community.

Fr. Vasyl Shtelen, pastor of St. Andrew’s, assisted by Very Rev. Fr. Vasile Sauciur, pastor of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Pro-Cathedral in Los Angeles and Dean of the Western Deanery; Very Rev. Myron Mykhayluk, pastor of the Protection of the Birth-Giver of God Ukrainian Orthodox parish in Spring Valley (San Diego), CA and Very Rev. Yuriy Shakh greeted the Archbsihop with the words of pastoral welcome, calling upon the hierarch to lead the congregation in the Eucharsitic celebration.

Responding to the kind words of welcome, Vladyka Daniel offered a short reflection on the history of the 66 years old parish community on the hills of Los Angeles, and asked the congregation to join him in prayers for the devastated regions of Southern California that continue to battle wildfire.

During the Small Entrance, Archbishop Daniel, spoke on the behalf of the Council of Bishops of the UOC of the USA and awarded Fr. Vasyl Shtelen, a long-term pastor of St. Andrew’s with the right to wear Miter, thus proclaiming to the mitered protopriest Vasyl – AXIOS-WORTHY!

During the Small Entrance, Archbishop Daniel, spoke on the behalf of the Council of Bishops of the UOC of the USA and awarded Fr. Vasyl Shtelen, a long-term pastor of St. Andrew’s with the right to wear Miter, thus proclaiming to the mitered protopriest Vasyl – AXIOS-WORTHY!

In his inspiring sermon, Vladyka reflected upon the sanctity of the sacred day of Sunday and the need to honor Lord’s day not only by attending the liturgical services in the local parish communities, but by dedication the day to proper spiritual, physical and emotional rest.

Over 50 people approached the Holy Mysteries of Repentance and Eucharist, thus truly participating in the Holy Supper-Banquet of the Lord.

In conclusion of the Liturgy, the congregation was treated to a festive luncheon in honor of the parish’s feast day.

In the early hours of Sunday afternoon, Vladyka Daniel accompanied by the clergy and Subdeacon Ihor Protsak of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary (South bound Brook, NJ) attended St. Nicholas celebration at the local LA Metropolitan area Ukrainian Language School at the Ukrainian Culture Center of Los Angeles, LA, titled “Oscars from St. Nicholas”.