On a radiant spring morning, in the heart of the sacred liturgical season of Pascha, the spiritual family of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA gathered in solemn joy and deep thanksgiving at the historic Saint Andrew Memorial Church in South Bound Brook, New Jersey.

The occasion marked two profound anniversaries in the life of our beloved archpastor - the 17th anniversary of episcopal consecration and the 24th anniversary of priestly ordination of His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, shepherd of the Western Eparchy, Academic Dean of St. Sophia Seminary, and tireless servant of Christ’s Holy Vineyard.

Presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, First Hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and the Diaspora, and concelebrated by more than 25 clergy from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and surrounding states, the Divine Liturgy stood as a testament to the grace of God poured upon the life and sacred ministry of Archbishop Daniel. The celebration was not merely of years - but of service, sacrifice, and the sacred mystery of apostolic succession manifest in the life of a hierarch who carries the mantle of Christ’s love to the people of God.

During his sermon, Metropolitan Antony delivered a heartfelt reflection rooted in the Gospel light of the Resurrection season, drawing all into the mystery of how the presence of Christ shines through those who surrender fully to His call. He spoke tenderly of his first encounter with then-Deacon Volodymyr Zelinsky, long before the monastic tonsure that led to his name Daniel. Their conversation in those early years centered around the spiritual identity and legacy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church - its roots, its struggles, and its sanctified witness throughout the centuries.

“It was clear even then,” Metropolitan Antony recalled, “that the flame of the Holy Spirit had already begun to burn brightly in the heart of this young servant of God. He yearned not just to serve - but to carry the memory of the Holy Fathers and Mothers of our Church into a new generation.”

And so he has.

Over the past 24 years, Archbishop Daniel has walked the narrow path of the Cross and Resurrection with humility, faith, and fearless love. From the first moment his hands were anointed to celebrate the Holy Mysteries, to the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the fullness of the episcopacy, he has poured out his life in imitation of Christ the High Priest.

In his response at the close of the Liturgy, Archbishop Daniel stood before the gathered faithful - clergy, seminarians, and over 60 people in attendance - with visible emotion and deep gratitude. He offered his thanks to all those who had shaped his journey, with particular reverence to Metropolitan Antony, who 24 years ago placed into his trembling hands the Body and Blood of Christ, entrusting to him the sacred and awe-inspiring responsibility of feeding the people of God.

“There is no greater gift,” he said, “than to lift high the Chalice and offer to the faithful the very life of Christ. Every priesthood begins not in ambition, but in trembling… for we hold in our hands what no one on earth can contain - the mystery of eternal life.”

Archbishop Daniel then spoke of his episcopal consecration 17 years ago as not an elevation, but a deepening of that same sacred service - a commitment to ordain, to teach, to anoint, and to bear the burdens of the flock. He looked with joy and wonder at the young clergy who now stand in the altar, many of whom were ordained by his own hands, saying, “This is what apostolic succession looks like - not just a lineage of hands, but a lineage of hearts. Christ lives in each one who dares to say: Here I am, Lord, send me.”

Following the Liturgy, the congregation gathered on the steps of the Memorial Church for a commemorative photograph with Archbishop Daniel - smiles mingling with tears, embraces offered in love, and words of encouragement spoken from the depths of thankful hearts.

A festive luncheon followed in the Pokrova Sisterhood Hall, where the faithful, clergy, and seminarians of St. Sophia Seminary offered heartfelt greetings, music, and prayers. The room echoed with joy and reverence, celebrating a man not for title, but for testimony - for years lived as an offering, a witness to the living Christ.

In the Life of the Church, There Are Many Callings - But Few Who Answer With Their Whole Being.

Archbishop Daniel has answered - and continues to answer - every day. In the Eucharist he offers, in the tears he wipes away, in the sermons that illuminate, in the silent prayers he utters in the altar when no one sees, he lives the words of Christ: “I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27).

May his ministry continue to bear fruit for generations to come. May his heart never tire in the service of Christ’s flock. And may we, the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, always offer thanksgiving to God for the gift of such a shepherd.

Axios! Mnohaya lita, Vladyko!

May the Lord, Who called you from the womb of your mother, bless you with wisdom, strength, and boundless grace for all the years to come.