On the Sunday after the Great Feast of Theophany, the faithful of St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois were blessed with a prayerful and grace-filled archpastoral visit of His Eminence Archbishop Daniel. The Cathedral resounded with hymns of praise as the Church continued to rejoice in the revelation of the Holy Trinity at the Jordan and the dawning of Christ’s saving light upon the world.

Awaited with love and reverence, Archbishop Daniel was warmly welcomed by the Cathedral’s pastor, Very Rev. Fr. Ivan Lymar, together with Rev. Fr. Mykhaylo Drofiak and Protodeacon Andriy Fronchak, who assisted the Archpastor at the holy altar. Seminarians of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA provided liturgical assistance, prayerfully serving during the hierarchical Divine Liturgy.

As the bells proclaimed the joy of the Lord’s Day, the Cathedral was filled with faithful who gathered to receive the blessing of their Archpastor and to partake of the Holy Mysteries.

Following the Gospel reading, Archbishop Daniel delivered a deeply moving and inspiring sermon based on Matthew 4:12-17, calling the faithful to embrace the Light of Christ and walk courageously in the path of repentance and renewal.

“Beloved in Christ,” the Archbishop proclaimed, “when Jesus hears that John has been imprisoned, He does not withdraw into silence. He goes forward into Galilee. He steps into the very land described by the prophet as a place of darkness - and there He begins to preach.”

Quoting the Evangelist, Archbishop Daniel reminded the faithful: “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death, Light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16)

With pastoral warmth and spiritual authority, the Archbishop emphasized that Christ does not wait for ideal circumstances.

“Christ does not wait for perfect conditions. He does not wait for peace, comfort, or approval. He enters the broken places of the world and fills them with the radiance of His presence.”

Quoting Saint John Chrysostom, he continued: “Christ begins His preaching where the need is greatest, showing that the light does not flee from darkness, but overcomes it.”

And recalling the first words of Christ’s public ministry, Archbishop Daniel urged the faithful to hear them as a loving invitation: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”

“Repentance is not despair,” the Archbishop taught. “It is not fear. It is the joyful turning of the heart toward the Light. It is the discovery that God is already near.”

Quoting Saint Isaac the Syrian, he concluded: “This life has been given to you for repentance; do not waste it in vain pursuits.”

“Beloved brothers and sisters,” Archbishop Daniel said, “wherever you feel darkness - in your heart, your family, your world - remember: Christ has already gone there. The Light has dawned. The Kingdom is near. The door of mercy stands open.”

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, numerous faithful approached the Holy Chalice and received the Body and Blood of Christ, strengthened for their journey in the light of the Gospel.

In a joyful and heartfelt moment, Archbishop Daniel greeted Very Rev. Fr. Ivan Lymar on the occasion of his name’s day. Rev. Fr. Mykhaylo Drofiak presented the pastor of the parish community with flowers, while Protodeacon Andriy Fronchak intoned a solemn petition for the health, peace, and spiritual strength of the beloved pastor.

The Cathedral choir, under the inspired leadership of Volodymyr Popowycz, together with the entire congregation, prayerfully chanted: “God, grant you many blessed years!”

Moved by the love of his spiritual children, Fr. Ivan addressed the faithful and expressed his gratitude: “Your Eminence, beloved Vladyka, your presence among us today is a great joy and blessing. You bring to our Cathedral not only archpastoral care, but the warmth of a father’s heart. We thank you for strengthening our faith and reminding us that Christ’s Light shines even in the darkest moments of life.”

In response, Archbishop Daniel offered words of affection and encouragement: “Beloved Father Ivan, you are a faithful shepherd who carries the love of Christ into the hearts of your people. I thank you for your sacrificial service, your pastoral wisdom, and your devotion to this holy community. May the Lord grant you many years of fruitful ministry.”

In a touching and joyful moment, Archbishop Daniel also greeted Seminarian Mykola Stefanyk and his newly-wedded wife Vitalia Struk, whose marriage he had blessed the previous afternoon.

“Dear Mykola and Vitalia,” the Archbishop said, “your marriage is a holy calling. Walk together in prayer, humility, and love. May your home become a small church, filled with Christ’s peace and grace.”

The faithful responded with heartfelt expressions of greetings and prayers for the newly formed Christian family.

The archpastoral visit concluded with a prayerful luncheon lovingly prepared by the Cathedral Sisterhood, where clergy, seminarians, and faithful gathered in fellowship, sharing reflections, gratitude, and joy.

As the day drew to a close, the faithful of St. Volodymyr Cathedral expressed their deep appreciation for the presence of their Archpastor and voiced their heartfelt hope for his soon return.

For the Light has dawned.     The Kingdom is near.     And Christ is in our midst.