Archbishop Daniel, at the helm of the Divine Liturgy service on the Sunday of Orthodoxy, illuminated the sanctuary of the Protection of the Birth-Giver of God Ukrainian Orthodox parish in Munich, the capital of Bavaria, Germany. This significant day marked the convergence of sacred customs from both Eastern and Western Churches, as the Ukrainian Orthodox faithful gathered to observe the first Sunday of Great Lent.

The historic temple, steeped in centuries of spiritual reverence, served as the backdrop for this momentous occasion.The historical narrative about Our Lady of Altotting (Bavaria) states that perhaps the most famous miracle occurred in the year 1489. A young boy had drowned, and his mother, full of faith, brought his body to lay at the feet of the image of the Mother of God, seeking a miracle. She was not disappointed, as her son was restored to life before many witnesses. From that time on, the chapel became a popular place of pilgrimage.

The emperor Ludwig gave a small statue of the Mother of God, carved in Italy to the ancient monastery; and the place was soon famous both for its shrine and various miracles. Numerous churches were built in honor of the Birth-Giver of God of Bavaria, among them a chapel that dates back to 16^th century, where a parish for Ukrainian Orthodox Christians was established several years ago.

For generations, individuals from the Western Christian tradition have gathered before the revered image of the Mother of God of Bavaria to offer their supplications.  On this day, however, the sanctuary resonated with the chants and prayers of the Ukrainian Orthodox community, united in their devotion to the Sunday of Orthodoxy. Celebrating the feast of the Sunday of Orthodoxy, Archbishop Daniel prayerfully reflected upon the spiritual bond of devotion of the Birth-Giver of God that unites Ukrainian and German faithful. Noble rulers of Kyiv Rus-Ukraine dedicated the land of Ukraine to the Protection of the Birth-Giver of God and the mosaic of Oranta in St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv remains a symbol of that prayerful dedication. The prayerful accounts of the miraculous healings in Bavaria in front of the statue of Our Lady of Altotting, brought millions of Christians from around the world to offer their intercessory prayers in front of the sacred image of the Mother of God of Bavaria.

In his sermon, Archbishop Daniel underscored the significance of the day, proclaiming, “Today is the first Sunday of Great Lent – HOLY ORTHODOXY SUNDAY!” He spoke of the privilege bestowed upon him to venerate the sacred icons, which not only adorned the walls of the sanctuary but also depicted the faces and lives of the most recent Ukrainian Orthodox refugees who had found solace and sanctuary in Munich, under the spiritual guidance of Protopresbyter Valentyn Smoktuniwicz.

Expressing profound gratitude to the clergy and parishioners alike, Archbishop Daniel emphasized the communal aspect of prayer as they embarked on the second week of the Lenten journey. With hearts united in fervent supplication, they beseeched for peace to reign in Ukraine, a nation torn by conflict and strife.

The convergence of Eastern and Western traditions within the hallowed confines of the Protection of the Mother of God Ukrainian Orthodox parish in Munich serves as a poignant reminder of the universality of faith and the unifying power of prayer. As Archbishop Daniel led the faithful in worship, bridging cultural and religious divides, he exemplified the enduring spirit of unity and compassion that transcends boundaries and fosters hope in the face of adversity.