Holy Tuesday Liturgical Services at the Dormition of the Mother of God Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Lorain, OH

The faithful of the Greater Cleveland, OH Metropolitan area of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA were blessed to pray with His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, while attending the liturgical services of the Holy Tuesday at the Dormition of the Mother of God Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Lorain, OH

On Holy Tuesday the Church calls to remembrance two parables, which are related to the Second Coming. The one is the parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-3); the other the parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). These parables point to the inevitability of the Parousia and deal with such subjects as spiritual vigilance, stewardship, accountability and judgment.

His Eminence Archbishop Daniel presided over the Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts, while being assisted by Very Rev. Fr. Dmitri Belenki, pastor of the Dormition of the Birth-Giver of God Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Lorain, OH; Very Rev. Fr. Dennis Kristof, pastor of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Pro-Cathedral in Lakewood, OH; Very Rev. Fr. Michael Hontaruk of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Parma, OH and Rev. Fr. Sinisha Chrvachevych, pastor of the local Lorain, OH Serbian Orthodox parish community.

In his sermon, Vladyka Daniel reflected upon the spiritual meaning of the Holy Week, and especially the sacred themes of Holy Tuedsday:

"From these parables we learn at least two basic things. First, Judgment Day will be like the situation in which the bridesmaids (or virgins) of the parable found themselves: some ready for it, some not ready. The time one decides for God is now and not at some undefined point in the future. If "time and tide waits for no man," certainly the Parousia is no exception. The tragedy of the closed door is that individuals close it, not God. The exclusion from the marriage feast, the kingdom, is of our own making. Second, we are reminded that watchfulness and readiness do not mean a wearisome, spiritless performance of formal and empty obligations. Most certainly it does not mean inactivity and slothfulness. Watchfulness signifies inner stability, soberness, tranquility and joy. It means spiritual alertness, attentiveness and vigilance. Watchfulness is the deep personal resolve to find and do the will of God, embrace every commandment and every virtue, and guard the intellect and heart from evil thoughts and actions. Watchfulness is the intense love of God."

The Archpastoral visit concluded with a small reception in honor of Archbishop Daniel and with the participation of everyone in attendance.