On the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers - a day when the Church remembers those who prepared the way for the coming of Christ - Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Goshen, Indiana, was filled with gratitude, hope, and renewed purpose. His Eminence Archbishop Daniel made an archpastoral visit to the parish not only to pray with the faithful, but also to introduce a new shepherd to the community: Rev. Fr. David Chdzhokie, who together with his wife Iryna is assuming pastoral leadership for two Ukrainian Orthodox parish communities in Indiana - Goshen and Michigan City.

Fr. David and Iryna accompanied Archbishop Daniel on the pastoral journey from the Spiritual Center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA in South Bound Brook, New Jersey, traveling onward to Goshen and Michigan City, where Fr. David will begin his ministry among the faithful. Their presence at Holy Trinity, Goshen, IN, became a living sign of the Church’s continuity - how service is entrusted, received, and joyfully embraced.

In his remarks to the faithful, Archbishop Daniel reflected on the young couple’s journey of faith and service. Fr. David was ordained to the holy priesthood three years ago, beginning his ministry within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church with humility and dedication. About a year ago, he arrived in the United States to continue theological formation at St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary. Soon after, his wife Iryna joined him, and together - under the archpastoral care of Archbishop Daniel and with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony - they have been prepared to serve as a united ministry team.

“Ministry,” Archbishop Daniel noted, “is never a solitary calling. It is a shared vocation - of priest and family, of shepherd and flock - rooted in prayer, sacrifice, and mutual trust.”

Preaching from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke (14:16–24), Archbishop Daniel offered a deeply pastoral reflection on Christ’s parable of the Great Banquet. He reminded the faithful that at the moment of our baptism, each of us receives an invitation - a personal call to the banquet prepared by Christ Himself through His humility, His Cross, and His Resurrection.

“Along with that invitation,” the Archbishop preached, “we are also given an RSVP. We are asked to respond - not later, not someday - but now. Too often, we delay our response, ignore it, or choose other priorities. Yet the banquet remains prepared, and the Host continues to call.”

Connecting the Gospel to the approaching Nativity season, Archbishop Daniel emphasized that Christmas is not measured by material gifts alone, but by the gift of our presence - participating in one another’s lives, in the worship of the Church, and in the saving Mystery of Christ.

The faithful responded with prayerful attention, many approaching the Holy Chalice to receive the Most Pure Body and Precious Blood of our Lord. The Eucharist, Archbishop Daniel reminded, is the fullest acceptance of Christ’s invitation - the moment when heaven and earth meet, and when believers truly become participants in the Banquet of the Kingdom.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a heartfelt “Many Years” was intoned for Archbishop Daniel, for Fr. David and Iryna, and for those celebrating birthdays that day, including Olha, the mother of Protodeacon James Steckel, and Elias Steckel.

Addressing the congregation, Fr. David Chidzhokie expressed sincere gratitude to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA for the trust placed in him and for the blessing to serve the faithful of Goshen and Michigan City. Speaking beautifully in both English and Ukrainian, he thanked the community for their warm welcome and asked for prayers, promising to serve with love, pastoral sensitivity, and attentive care. He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to his wife Iryna for her steadfast support in ministry.

In a moving moment, Archbishop Daniel presented Fr. David with a pastoral cross from the Holy Altar, blessing him to shepherd the faithful entrusted to his care - to love them, to serve them, and to lead them toward Christ.

The day concluded with a joyful parish luncheon, lovingly prepared by the faithful of Holy Trinity, as the community welcomed a new pastor and celebrated the life of the Church. Conversations were warm, smiles abundant, and hearts uplifted - an echo of the Gospel promise that when the invitation is accepted, the banquet is filled with joy.

May the Lord bless Fr. David and Iryna in their ministry, strengthen the faithful of Goshen and Michigan City, and continue to renew His Church through shepherds who answer His call with faith and love.