As we enter the year 2023, I pray that the spirit of THE GLORIOUS FEAST OF THE NATIVTY OF OUR LORD lingers in our hearts. The reminder of Christ’s coming, his abiding presence with us and the love, joy and hope our Savior brings are tremendous gifts for our suffering, broken and troubled world, especially as we prayerfully live through the days and moments of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
That’s according to UOC of the USA Archbishop, Daniel Zelinsky.
The new year provides the opportunities for us to turn a new page in our history. We remember and give thanks for the blessings of the past year, despite the challenges, adversities and uncertainties that we continue to endure.
Amidst all the troubles and losses, we have experienced in the past year, there were also moments of hope and encouragement. Our Holy Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA was able to offer the most necessary assistance to the nation – the people of Ukraine in the time of the ongoing aggression of Russia against the peaceful people of Ukraine, thus providing the life-supporting means in about 3 million US dollars. The ongoing slaughter of the innocent lives of Ukrainian people could be compared to the actions of the Herod against the innocents of Bethlehem when the Savior was born.
Furthermore, the new year also presents us with a fresh start, new perspectives, and new opportunities as well. We look forward to the coming months as parishes throughout the Church, in communion with the worldwide Holy Orthodox Church continue to invest in the spiritual process of growth as we all journey together, praying and fulfilling our obligations to Christ and each other.
Beloved in the Lord, the end of the year and the new beginning is an opportunity for us to refocus our minds and hearts on the Holy Most Holy Eucharist as the source and summit of our Christian life and worship. I urge the people of God in our Church – the UOC of the USA – indeed, all Orthodox Christians – to participate in the sacred liturgical services of the Church and to welcome those who are on the fringes of our faith, of our community or our society to share their voices on how we as a Church can walk together on the path to the Heavenly Kingdom.
Let us prayerfully place our lives into the loving embrace of the Savior. Filled with Christ’s love, let us be bearers of hope during these challenging times to generously share that hope with others and help renew the hearts of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and throughout the world.
May God bless the year 2023 with His Life-Saving grace to bring healing, lasting joy and peace to the world!
With prayers,
+Daniel,
Archbishop and brother in the Lord
