A Day of Prayer, Celebration, and Witness: Feast of the Holy and Glorious Great-Martyr Demetrius at St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Carteret, New Jersey

On a prayerful and joyful day of Sunday, November 9, 2025, the faithful of St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Carteret, New Jersey gathered in prayer and joyful thanksgiving to celebrate their parochial day - the Feast of the Holy and Glorious Great-Martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki, and to mark the 116th anniversary of the cathedral parish.

From the spiritual center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA in South Bound Brook/Somerset, NJ, His Eminence Metropolitan Antony and His Eminence Archbishop Daniel traveled to Carteret to concelebrate the Divine Liturgy and offer their archpastoral blessing to the cathedral community. As the hierarchs approached the cathedral, the air was filled with anticipation, reverence, and deep gratitude from the faithful.

At the entrance of the cathedral, the hierarchs were warmly greeted by the cathedral pastor Rev. Fr. Ihor Protsak, surrounded by clergy who previously served the parish:

• Protopresbyter Taras Chubenko, pastor-emeritus of St. Demetrius Cathedral
• Rev. Fr. James Cairns, pastor of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Dixonville, PA and Holy Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Nanty Glo, PA
• Rev. Fr. Richard Jendras, pastor of the Protection of the Mother of God Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Allentown, PA
• Protodeacon Pavlo Vysotskyi of St. Andrew Ukrainian Orhtodox Memorial Church in South Bound Brook, NJ
• Deacon Andrii Akulenko of St. Andrew Ukrainian Orhtodox Memorial Church in South Bound Brook, NJ

The procession was made even more moving as children of the parish, holding fragrant flowers in their hands - symbols of purity, love, and joy - approached the hierarchs. The traditional greeting of bread and salt was offered by the Parish Board President Stanley Nartowicz.

Bread represents God’s providence, hospitality, and the fullness of life, and salt symbolizes faithfulness, preservation of God’s truth, and covenant.

The children and parish leaders embodied the rich cultural and spiritual legacy of the Ukrainian Church: hospitality expressed not in mere formality, but in love, gratitude, and unity.

As the clergy and faithful entered the temple together, the ancient words of St. Ignatius of Antioch echoed in their hearts: “Where the bishop is, there is the Church.”

On this day, the fullness of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was present - its bishops, priests, deacons, seminarians, and the faithful united as one family in Christ.

Responding to the words of welcome of Fr. Ihor Protsak, Metropolitan Antony addressed the community with paternal warmth. He reminded the faithful that prayers were being lifted: for the United States of America, for the ancestral homeland of Ukraine, suffering under the brutality of war, for the preservation of human dignity and the sacredness of life.

Archbishop Daniel expressed heartfelt gratitude for the parish’s hospitality and spiritual steadfastness. He offered prayer especially for veterans of the United States Armed Forces, including parishioners who have served and continue to serve the nation with courage and sacrifice.

Prior to the Divine Liturgy, with the blessing of Metropolitan Antony and upon the recommendation of Fr. Ihor Protsak, Brandon Banko was tonsured as a Reader, and Qorey Johnathon Carter was set aside as a Subdeacon of the cathedral.

Both young men were exhorted to serve Christ with faithfulness, purity of heart, and dedication. Their ordination was a sign of hope - a visible reminder that the Church continues to grow and form servants for generations to come.

The seminarians of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary formed the choir for the Liturgy. Their voices resonated through the sacred space with ancient sacred melodies, drawing every heart into prayer and lifting souls toward heaven.

Following the Gospel reading, Metropolitan Antony preached on the life of St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki, a young nobleman and military leader who made a bold choice - to confess Christ publicly in a world that demanded silence. “Saint Demetrius teaches us that discipleship requires a choice - a choice that may cost us everything. But it is a choice for Christ, for truth, for love, for eternal life.”

The message deeply resonated with the congregation, especially those who carry heavy crosses - whether through war, displacement, or personal struggle.

Among those approaching to receive the Holy Eucharist were newly married couple James Douglas and Anna Cairns, who the day before received the grace of Holy Matrimony from Archbishop Daniel. Their presence was a visible reminder that every Christian life begins and is sustained by the Holy Mysteries of the Church.

Following the dismissal, children again approached the hierarchs, presenting bouquets of flowers - an expression of love and gratitude.

Before the festive luncheon, a Memorial Service was served before the Parish Tree of Life, whish located in the parochial Cultural Center, inscribed with the names of the founding members, benefactors, and those who have fallen asleep in the Lord.

Names were read aloud - slowly, reverently - by the Metropolitan, the Archbishop, and Fr. Ihor. The congregation stood in silent prayer, many with tears in their eyes. The past and present of the parish became one moment of sacred remembrance.

The celebration continued with a festive meal in the parish cultural center - filled with laughter, fellowship, and abundant joy.

The day of prayer and celebration revealed a profound truth: A parish is alive when it loves Christ, when it prays, when it forms servants, and when it remembers.

For 116 years St. Demetrius Cathedral has lived that mission - and continues to do so with renewed strength, guided by faithful clergy and a vibrant, prayerful community.

May St. Demetrius, the protector of Thessaloniki and defender of the faith, intercede for this parish, for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and for all of us.