News of the UAOC.org

STREET NAMING CEREMONY IS FOCUS OF HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL SERVICE

8 May 2008 05:33:52 GMT

PEEKSKILL, NY, May 6, 2008: His Eminence, Metropolitan Mykhayil was among religious, civic and community representatives who joined in a ceremony in memory of all victims of the Holocaust. READ MORE . . .

Priest, Author and Educator Addresses Current State of the Priesthood

6 May 2008 07:27:57 GMT

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NY, May 5, 2008: "Priesthood in Crisis, A Church in Trouble" was the title for a lecture by Father Donald Cozzens, Professor at John Carroll University, and former rector of St. Mary Seminary & Graduate School of Theology, both in Cleveland, Ohio. READ MORE . . .

Thomas Sunday is Day of Blessings at Cathedral Parish

5 May 2008 08:34:32 GMT

May 4, 2004 - The Sunday of St. Thomas the Apostle was observed among the parishioners of the Cathedral of the Descent of the Holy Spirit as a day of special paschal blessings. READ MORE . . .

Catholic Order Dedicated to Ecumenism Issues Press Release

3 May 2008 13:08:48 GMT

GARRISON, NY, May 1, 2008: 100 years after they began the annual "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity," which today is observed by Christians of different denominations across the globe, the Society of the Atonement issued the following statement: READ MORE . . .

Ukrainian President hands over Easter Flame to representatives of Orthodox Church confessions

30 Apr 2008 06:51:53 GMT

KYIV - In the historic St. Sofia Cathedral, President Victor Yushchenko solemnly handed over Easter Flame to representatives of Orthodox Church confessions and to delegates from Ukrainian regions. This tradition had been established by President Yushchenko back in 2005. READ MORE . . .

Greetings to Predstoyatel at Pascha from Church in America

30 Apr 2008 06:49:09 GMT

Khrystos Voskres! Voistinu Voskres! Blazhenishiyj Vladyko, Blahoslovit! From our hearts, we here in the Americas greet you with our love and devotion, as we celebrate the Great Day of the Lord’s Resurrection. READ MORE . . .

President of Ukraine Worships in UAOC Patriarchal Cathedral at Pascha

30 Apr 2008 01:33:59 GMT

KYIV, April 27, 2008 - The President of Ukraine took part in the paschal services at the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Cathedral Church of St. Andrew the First-called Apostle. READ MORE . . .

PROGRESS FOR UAOC CATHEDRAL COMPLEX IN LATIN AMERICA

30 Apr 2008 01:29:13 GMT

Construction on the eparchial complex for the UAOC archeparchy of Latin America is moving closer and closer to its planned completion. Recent fotos sent from South America, show a vast level of progress on the upper levels of the structure. READ MORE . . .

UKRAINIAN BISHOP AUTHORS CONTROVERSIAL BOOK ON FAITH

29 Apr 2008 21:54:44 GMT

"Crucifying Jesus and Secularizing America -- The Republic of Faith without Wisdom," authored by Bishop Paul Peter Jesep of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC) was published this month. READ MORE . . .

Special Easter Reflection by Bishop Paul Peter Jesep

29 Apr 2008 22:32:10 GMT

In observance of the Easter holidays, Bishop Jesep has penned a thought-provoking reflection aimed to direct readers' minds to the deeper meanings of the season of resurrection. READ MORE . . .

Paschal Services in Cathedral Parish a Success

28 Apr 2008 07:39:45 GMT

NEW YORK - His Eminence, Metropolitan Mykhayil, UAOC Metropolitan of New York & All America observed Passion Week & Pascha with the traditional schedule of services in the Cathedral Parish of the Descent of the Holy Spirit. Read more . . .

PASCHAL LETTER OF HIS EMINENCE, METROPOLITAN MYKHAYIL

28 Apr 2008 07:34:54 GMT

NEW YORK, METROPOLITAN'S CHANCERY OFFICE: His Eminence, Metropolitan Mykhayil, Metropolitan of New York & All America, released his paschal letter to the people of the Metropolia of All America on Saturday, April 26. Read Vladyka's thoughtful reflection . . .

Seasonal Icon: PASCHA - The Radiant Resurrection of the Lord

28 Apr 2008 07:30:24 GMT

The Resurrection of Christ

It is the resurrection day, let us be enlightened by this feast and let us joyfully embrace one another. Let us call "brethren" even those who hate us and in the resurrection, forgive everything, and let us sing: "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and upon those in the tombs bestowing life."

(From the Paschal Stichera)

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WORLDWIDE PREDSTOYATEL OF UAOC PUBLISHES PASCHAL LETTER

28 Apr 2008 07:26:16 GMT

KYIV, UKRAINE - The worldwide Primate of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, His Beatitude, the Metropolitan of Kyiv & All Ukraine, MEFODIY, sent his Paschal Letter to the clergy and faithful of the UAOC throughout the world on April 23. Read more here . . .

Seasonal Icon: The Great & Holy Passion Week

21 Apr 2008 23:55:12 GMT

The Great & Holy Passion Week

The sinful woman loosened her hair for you, O Lord, while Judas reached out his hand to the godless ones. One acted to receive your forgiveness, the other to gain money. Therefore, we cry out to you: O Lord, sold for our liberation, glory to you.

(Vespers - Wednesday of Passion Week)

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E-Cards for Passion Week and the Easter Holidays

21 Apr 2008 19:56:02 GMT

UAOC.ORG continues to provide great quality electronic greeting cards for Pascha and all holy day and religious occasions. Don't forget to send your family and friends a holiday message with a Ukrainian and Orthodox theme. Click here to send now . . .

STATEMENT OF METROPOLITAN MYKHAYIL REGARDING THE DESECRATION OF MOHEGAN LAKE JEWISH CENTER

13 Apr 2008 05:07:30 GMT

We are more than deeply saddened to learn of the prejudicial and hateful act that was thwarted against our brothers and sisters of the Mohegan Park Jewish Center this past Thursday. It is sadly, another awakening event, bringing attention to exactly how embedded ignorance and fear of the other is within our community.

Great Lent Services Observed in Cathedral Parish

27 Mar 2008 08:22:42 GMT

Long Island Parish Donates Time and Talent to UAOC Metropolia

27 Mar 2008 08:21:44 GMT

Former Jordanian Diplomat Visits Metropolitan for Divine Liturgy

27 Mar 2008 08:20:43 GMT

Worldwide Predstoyatel of UAOC Receives Birthday Greetings

12 Mar 2008 03:18:14 GMT

KYIV, UKRAINE: His Beatitude, MEFODIY, Metropolitan of Kyiv & All Ukraine, Primate of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church throughout the world, received greetings from the international community on the occasion of his March 11 birthday. read more . . .

METROPOLITAN MYKHAYIL ISSUES PASTORAL MESSAGE FOR GREAT LENT - 2008

12 Mar 2008 07:57:17 GMT

We can use this time of Great Lent to reflect on this theme of imprisonment and suffering. We can make it an opportunity to change. We can reach Jerusalem as people who have experienced a spiritual awakening, who have cast off the oppressive ways of short-sightedness, selfishness, stubbornness and pride. In prayer, by concrete actions, through many prostrations and finally, through the sacrament of confession, we can repent of our faults and self-serving passions and become people cleansed and liberated from all that causes our lives to be off-balance with God. Click here to read more . . .

Chancery Publishes Annual Guidlines for Great Lent

12 Mar 2008 08:08:44 GMT

As is customary, His Eminence, Metropolitan Mykhayil published directives and guidelines for the clergy and faithful of the Metropolia, in accordance with the Ustav, pastoral sensitivity and the tradition of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church.

Click here to go to the Lenten Regulations and Prayers page.

Interview with Metropolitan Mykhayil in Ukraine: In the States people compete for the room under the sun

24 Feb 2008 22:19:40 GMT

In Ternopil, Metropolitan Mykhayil gave the newspaper, "RIA-Plus" an exclusive interview. Here is the English translation . . .

Seasonal Icon: The Encounter of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple with Simeon and Anna

13 Feb 2008 05:35:53 GMT

February 2/15: The Encounter of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple with Simeon and Anna

Rejoice, O Mother of God, Virgin full of grace. From you has shone forth the Sun of Justice, Christ our God, shining upon those who are in darkness. Be glad also, you just Elder, Simeon, for you received in your arms the Redeemer of our souls, who has given us resurrection.

(Troparion of the Encounter - Tone 1)

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Ukraine Celebrates Day of Unity

24 Jan 2008 06:22:58 GMT

A national holiday in Ukraine, was celebrated on Jan. 22 - The Day of the Unity of Ukraine. On that day 89 years ago, the Western-Ukrainian National Republic and the Ukrainian National Republic were united into one Ukrainian nation. Read more . . .

Seasonal Icon: The Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ

19 Jan 2008 20:17:07 GMT

The Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ

When You, O Lord were baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest. For the voice of the Father bore witness to You, calling You His Beloved Son, and the Spirit in the form of a dove, confirmed the truthfulness of these words. O Christ our God who has revealed yourself, and has enlightened the world, glory to You!

(Troparion of the Theophany- Tone 1)

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Greetings to Predstoyatel of the UAOC on the occasion of the Christmas festivity

11 Jan 2008 05:35:37 GMT

Metropolitan Mykhayil, on behalf of the Church in the Americas & Diaspora, sent holiday greetings to the Predstoyatel of the UAOC, His Beatitude, MEFODIY, Metropolitan of Kyiv & All Ukraine.

The communique was posted on the website of the Press Service of the UAOC-Ukraine. The text follows below: Read more . . .

Christmas Pastoral Letter of Metropolitan Mykhayil

7 Jan 2008 21:07:26 GMT

The celebration of the “winter holidays” holds a special place in the culture and formation of almost every place on earth. It has as much to do with time and the cycle of the year, as with the commemoration of some of the greatest mysteries of faith known to humankind. Read More

Seasonal Icon: The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

7 Jan 2008 21:09:41 GMT

The Nativity of Our Lord

Your Nativity, O Christ our God has shed upon the world the light of knowledge, for through it those who worshipped the stars, have learned from a Star to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness, and to recognize You as the Orient from on high. O Lord, glory be to You!"

(Troparion of the Nativity- Tone 4)

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UAOC Bishop Condemns United Fatherland & Union of Orthodox Citizens

5 Jan 2008 01:54:31 GMT

Bishop Paul Peter Jesep of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC), appointed by His Beatitude Metropolitan Myfodii of Kyiv and All Ukraine to serve as spokesperson in the United States, issued a statement condemning the United Fatherland and the Union of Orthodox Citizens of Ukraine for recently distributing anti-Semitic pamphlets at Russian Orthodox churches in Odessa. The literature advocated for pogroms that murder Jewish-Ukrainians. Read more.

Predstoyatel of the UAOC issues Christmas Pastoral Encylical

2 Jan 2008 01:33:34 GMT

KYIV, UKRAINE: The Worldwide Predstoyatel of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, His Beatitude, MEFODIY, Metropolitan of Kyiv & All Ukraine has released his annual encyclical for the Christmas holydays. Click above to read more.

Metropolitan Inaugurates New Blog

2 Jan 2008 01:32:08 GMT

NEW YORK, January 1, 2008: His Eminence, Metropolitan Mykhayil announces the opening of his new internet "blog" as a project for the New Year. Click above to read more.

Seasonal Icon: Prefestive Period of Christmas

24 Dec 2007 19:42:58 GMT

Prefestive Period of Christmas

Make ready, O Bethlehem, for Eden has been opened to all. Ephrathah, be alert, for the Tree of LIfe has blossomed forth from the Virgin in the cave. Her womb has become a spiritual paradise wherein the divine Fruit was planted, and if we eat of it we shall live and not die as did Adam. Christ is coming forth to bring back to life the likeness that had been lost in the beginning.

(Prefestive Troparion of the Nativity- Tone 4)

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Seasonal Icon: St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

13 Dec 2007 06:12:38 GMT

December 6/19

The sincerity of your deeds has revealed you to your people as a teacher of moderation, a model of faith and an example of virtue. Therefore, you attained greatness through humility and wealth through poverty. O Father and Archbishop Nicholas ask Christ our God to save our souls.

(Troparion - Tone 4)

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Church in Americas Sends Feastday Greetings to Church in Ukraine

16 Dec 2007 04:33:46 GMT

METROPOLITAN'S CHANCERY: The Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church in the Diaspora sent greetings to the Patriarchate of the UAOC in Kyiv, in honor of the Feastday of the Holy Apostle Andriy the First-Called, patron of the Patriarchal Cathedral Church of the UAOC.

Metropolitan Mykhayil send the communique on behalf of the entire Metropolia of All-America, addressed to the Predstoyatel of the UAOC, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Mefodiy. The text follows below:

Reflection on "A Common Word Between Us And You"

15 Dec 2007 11:11:46 GMT

Graymoor, New York, December 9, 2007

When I first pondered the task of reflecting on the document, "A Common Word Between Us and You," my thoughts immediately turned to discussions that had been taking place in recent months. These discussions were born out of various sermons, lectures, conversations and dialogs in which I have been fortunate to participate during this past autumn season. One of the recurring themes in many of these has been the need for openness and honesty between people of all faiths in light of the growing situation of globalization and mass world migration, facing us in these days...

Seasonal Icon: Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called

13 Dec 2007 06:12:38 GMT

Nov. 30/Dec. 13

As the apostle who was called from the start and as the brother of the apostles' chief, pray, O Andrew to the Master of all, to give peace to the world and great mercy to our souls.

(Troparion - Tone 4)

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Large Assortment of E-Cards available for the Holidays

13 Dec 2007 05:12:25 GMT

We have added a great selection of electronic greeting cards for the Christmas and Theophay seasons.
Please visit our E-card section and send holiday remembrances to your friends and family.
Click here to be taken to the Christmas Season card page

Enjoy!

Seasonal Icon: The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

5 Dec 2007 18:28:10 GMT

Nov. 21/Dec. 4

Today is the prelude of the benevolence of God and the herald of the salvation of humankind; for the Virgin openly appears in the temple of God and foretells Christ to all. Let us also with full vice exclaim to her: "Rejoice, Fulfillment of the Creator's plan."

(Troparion - Tone 4)

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Night of Pilgrimage Held at Shrine of the Virgin Mother of Immigrants

4 Dec 2007 06:46:52 GMT

GRAYMOOR, NY: The remote serenity of the historic Applacian Trail and a cold late autumn night set the mood for an all-night vigil held at the Shrine of the Virgin Mother of Immigrants held on December 1-2. The pilgrimage was sponsored by the "Servants of the Mother of the Immigrants" who are the caretakers of the shrine. Over 100 people from all over the greater NYC area braved the 24 degree (farenheight) temperatures and walked the path to the shrine, located atop a mountain along the wooded trail. From the monastery road to the mountain is well over two miles and can take from a half-hour to an hour to traverse.

Metropolitan Mykhayil Reacts to Area Hate Crime

3 Dec 2007 08:36:12 GMT

CORTLANDT MANOR, NY: In reaction to the November 21 "cross-buring" in this northern Westchester community, The Most Reverend Metropolitan Mykhayil Javchak Champion, DD., MA Th., Archbishop of New York and Presiding Hierarch for North & South America of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church offered the following reaction during Sunday services at the Cathedral Parish of the Descent of the Holy Spirit:

UAOC Bishop Zakhariy Dies in Kyiv

30 Nov 2007 19:24:58 GMT

KYIV: Bishop Zakhariy (Chernov) of Bohuslav and Bilhorod of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church died after a lenghty illness at the age of 43.

Predstoyatel of UAOC Participates in Prayer Service for Victims of Soviet Regime

28 Nov 2007 21:21:32 GMT

KYIV: In connection with the Commemoration Day for victims of Holodomor and political repressions, a moleben (public prayer) for the innocent victims tortured by the communist regime was conducted in the building of Ukraine’s Security Service on November 22, 2007.

Metropolitan Mefodiy at National Memorial Serivce Commemorating Artificial Famine

28 Nov 2007 21:20:21 GMT

KYIV: Ukrainians honored the memory of victims of Holodomor (man-made famine of 1932-1933) on 24 November 2007. Eparchs of several denominations conducted a memorial prayer for the souls of all those who died of hunger at St. Sofia’s Church in Kyiv. Similar liturgies were held in all churches throughout Ukraine on that day. According to estimates, nearly 16.5 million Ukrainians fell victim to three Holodomors in Ukraine.

UAOC Faithful in America Offer Prayers for Victims of Genocide in Ukraine

28 Nov 2007 21:19:26 GMT

NEW YORK: His Eminence, Metropolitan Mykhayil led the faithful in prayer for the victims of the artificial famine (Holodomor) during the Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on November 25. Special petitions were chanted praying for all those who suffered repression and death at the hands of the Russian, Soviet totalitarian regime, from 1932-1933.

Metropolitan Mykhayil Calls Annual US Thanksgiving Day a Celebration of Immigrants

21 Nov 2007 07:24:08 GMT

METROPOLITAN CHANCERY OFFICE, NEW YORK: November 16. His Eminence, Metropolitan Mykhayil, Archbishop of New York & Metropolitan of All America of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church offered the following statement for Thanksgiving Day, 2007:

This Thursday marks the observance of Thanksgiving Day in the US. This day always has a religious lesson to teach us, while we reflect on this humble, historical origins of our nation . . .

UAOC Stands Together with Families of Mine Explosion Victims in Donetsk

21 Nov 2007 06:18:43 GMT

KYIV: His Beatitude, the Metropolitan of Kyiv & All Ukraine, Mefodiy, Predstoyatel of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church has asked all bishops, clergy and faithful of the UAOC to offer prayers for the repose of the souls of those who perished and for the peace of the families of the dead, resulting from the methane gas explosion in a mine in Donetsk, Ukraine.

Seasonal Icon: St. Michael the Archangel & All Heavenly Powers

20 Nov 2007 23:33:48 GMT

November 8/21

O Leaders of the heavenly armies, although we are always unworthy, we beseech you that with your prayers you may encircle us with the protection of the wings of your angelic glory. Watch over us as we bow low and earnestly cry out to you: "Deliver us from trouble O Princes of the heavenly armies."

(Troparion - Tone 4)

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Unveiling of New Coat of Arms of the Metropolitan

6 Nov 2007 00:44:05 GMT

In unveiling the new coat of arms, His Eminence, Metropolitan Mykhayil made the following comments, "It has long been my desire to have a coat of arms designed by professional artists of heraldry, that would fittingly represent our Metropolia in the Americas and beyond. It is something that I sincerely hope our clergy and faithful will be able to identify with their church. To accomplish such, the art had to be both meaningful and chosen wisely. Out of many possibilities, I feel that the finished product is something that we can all make our take pride in . . . I applaud my predecessors who used other appropriate symbolism in the past, to signify our Metropolia. They were noble and dignified . . . I am grateful for the talents God has given to those in our church, to be able to express God's kingdom through the most recent and sophisticated techniques. Let the present symbol be a unifying one - and a constant reminder to all of us, to 'Look to Christ,' for the answers to the many questions we are faced with in today's society."

Seasonal Icon: Dimitry Solunskyj (of Thesalonika)

4 Nov 2007 04:20:17 GMT

Oct 26 / Nov 8

In you the world has found a great protector against every danger, O patient endurer of sufferings and vanquisher of pagans; for you brought down Leo’s arrogance and bolstered Nestor’s courage. And so O Holy Dimitry ask Christ our God to grant us great mercy.

(Troparion - Tone 3)

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Seasonal Icon: Protection of the Mother of God

14 Oct 2007 04:32:06 GMT

October 1/14

Protected by your coming, O Mother of God, the faithful people solemnly celebrate today; and gazing upon your immaculate image, they humbly say, "Watch over us with your noble protection and deliver us from all evil by asking you Son, Christ our God to save our souls."

(Troparion - Tone 4)

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New Personal Coat of Arms for Bishop Jesep

30 Sep 2007 00:49:00 GMT

Bishop Paul Peter Jesep, Chancellor of the Metropolia, and by appointment of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Meofdiy, UAOC Director of Public Affairs in the USA, has initiated use of his new personal coat of arms. Beautifully designed, the shield contains the Bishop's motto, taken from the Hebrew Scriptures in the Book of Proverbs, Chapter 8. Here is a detailed description of the work.

Seasonal Icon: Exaltation of the Holy Cross

26 Sep 2007 21:05:36 GMT

September 14/27

O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance. Grant victory to your faithful ones over their adversaries, and by the virtue of your Cross, preserve your habitation.

(Troparion - Tone 1)

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Seasonal Icon: Nativity of the Theotokos

21 Sep 2007 04:53:39 GMT

September 8/21

You nativity, O Virgin Mother of God, hearlded joy to the univserse; for from you rose the Sun of Justice, Christ our God. He took away the curse, He gave the blessing, and by trampling death, He gave us everlasting life.

(Troparion - Tone 4)

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Metropolitan Mykhayil Offers Reflection On Anniversary Of Terror Attacks

11 Sep 2007 16:24:40 GMT

NEW YORK, September 11, 2007: From the chancery office, His Eminence, Metropolitan MYKHAYIL, Archbishop of New York and Presiding Hierarch of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church in America issued the following statement regarding the annual remembrance of the attacks on the United States of America of September 11, 2001:

"We come together both as a nation and as people of good will throughout the world, to reflect and remember the atrocities of six years ago. While the progress of time has moved us on since that tragic day, we cannot help but remember the tremendous loss and violation that was felt so sharply and so suddenly on that otherwise sunny Tuesday morning. What seemed familiar and second-nature was in an instant, both extremely precious and without permanent guarantee.

The world has certainly changed since 2001. We can even say that we have become accustomed to many of these changes. While we may not have envisioned life as we now live it, human nature quite quickly adjusts to "precautions" and "inconveniences" that the social order demands of us. Despite the level of comfortability we may achieve, we must never forget the lesson to be taken away from the sadness of that day.

The lesson is two-fold: It teaches us in the first instance, that attitudes of intolerance and superiority of any kind, be they of religion, social or political class, race, philosophy, lifestyle, cultural effects or any other, can only lead to ultimate human wreckage and catastrophe. In the second place, we see that the human spirit, when faced with the ugliness of these attitudes and their affects, can rise to a higher level and in doing so, bring about goodness where there is evil, unity where attempts have been made to divide and strength out of moments of greatest weakness.

This is where we stood, six years ago and the lesson still applies. Where we stand today, depends on how much we have allowed the wisdom of Almighty God to form our consciences in light of our experience and knowledge. The Lord seeks not, a blind adherence to a magically ordained set of rules and regulations, that will allegedly win us some ultimate spiritual prize. Religious models that preach this are nothing more than spiritual totalitarianism. Rather, God wishes a love that envelopes our whole heart, soul AND mind, and that in doing so, we naturally love each other sincerely (cf. Mt. 22: 35-40). This should be the product and the result of the lesson of 9-11."

The Metropolitan plans to observe the anniversary by celebrating the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist and attending a commemorative interfaith gathering of clergy of the area. His Eminence was a "First Responder" to the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, serving as a chaplain at Ground Zero for over several weeks. At that time, he was joined by other clergy of the UAOC, including now retired Metropolitans Stepan and Alexy.

During his pastoral visit to the United States in 2006, His Beatitude, the Metropolitan of Kyiv & All Ukraine MEFODIY, Predstoayatel of the UAOC worldwide, visited the World Trade Center site with Metropolitans Mykhayil and Roman. After prayers for the victims and their families, His Beatitude left a floral tribute in the footprints of the twin towers.

PRESS SERVICE OF THE UAOC IN AMERICA

Seasonal Icon: Beheading of John the Baptist

9 Sep 2007 14:44:23 GMT

August 29/September 11

The remembrance of the Just is worthy of praise, but the Lord's testimony is sufficient for you, O Forerunner; for it has shown that you are indeed more worthy of honor than the Prophets. You were found worthy to baptize the Lord whom you foretold. Thereafter, you suffered for the truth and rejoicing, also announced the good news to those in the abyss that God had appeared in the flesh taking away the sins of the world and granting to all of us the abundance of mercy.

(Troparion - Tone 2)

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MESSAGE OF THE METROPOLITAN : Ukraine Celebrates Sixteen Years of Independence

24 Aug 2007 05:17:13 GMT

August, 2007

Slava Isusu Khrystu! - Dear Brothers & Sisters:

On August 24, 2007, Ukraine observes the sixteenth anniversary of its independence in the post-soviet era. On that day in 1991, and in the months prior and subsequent to it, the hopes and dreams of many centuries were made a reality. Ukraine was finally a free and independent republic among the world's nations, on a level not known since the days of Kyivan-Rus.

For those of us in the Diaspora, the events of the breakdown of the Soviet Union were the realization of the hopes of decades of prayer and waiting. Since the advent of atheistic communism, the Ukrainian Church in our Motherland experienced intense persecution and virtual annihilation. It was isolated from its members living in other places. We sympathized greatly with the suffering of our people in Ukraine, while trying frevently to keep our spiritual, cultural and religious heritage alive in the free world.

With the return of religious liberty to Ukraine, it was with inexpressible joy, that we once again could freely exchange and interact with our people and look to our church there for spiritual leadership. While the process of building a free repbulic has certainly not been an easy one for the Ukrainian people, our prayers are constant, that despite present obstacles and barriers left over from the past, Ukraine follows well, the road it has taken and continues to walk towards its rightful place among the world's nations.

Our Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church is one which embraces people of faith worldwide. Whether or not one is of ethnic Ukrainian descent, all of us share in the rich history, culture and unique traditions that characterize our church today. Ukraine has much to offer the world community. The wealth of its long history, the natural resources and the beauty it possesses, including its coveted geographic location are qualities that should help bring Ukraine to the forefront of global life.

Importantly, these include the contribution Ukraine can make to worldwide ecclesiastical life. I speak here not only about the beauty of our church as such, but because of its pattern of self-determination, faithfulness to its own historical and rightful place among the other churches and unique ability to use its distinctive character to be a bridge in the midst of diversity. This last quality could well one of the most important contributions the Ukrainian Church can offer to ecclesial dialog in the years to come.

On behalf the clergy and faithful of Metropolia, I congratulate His Beatitude, MEFODIY, Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine, Worldwide Father and Head of our UAOC, on this special day. We thank him for his archpastoral leadership and the inspiration he continues to give to our people all over the world. The active role of our Predstoyatel is in truth, the visible source of the unity of our church, in every corner of the globe. Many years, Blazhenishij Vladyko!

We congratulate also all of the God-loving bishops, clergy and faithful of our church in Ukraine. We pray for the Ukrainian government and all those involved in forming the future of Ukraine. May Lord direct their steps for the good of the people and the advancement of the values of freedom and justice for all.

Glory to Ukraine! Ukraina Slava!

Faithfully in Christ,

+Mykhayil
His Eminence, Metropolitan MYKHAYIL (Javchak-Champion)
Archbishop of New York
Metropolitan of All America
Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church

Seasonal Icon: Holy & Glorious Prophet Elias

1 Aug 2007 22:09:18 GMT

July 20/August 2

The glorious Elias, incarnate messenger of God, pillar of prophets, and second forerunner of the coming of Chirst, sent grace from on high to Eliseus that he might cleanse lepers and heal sickness for all those who honor him.

(Troparion of the Feast - Tone 4)

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Seasonal Icon: St. Volodymyr the Great

27 Jul 2007 23:26:42 GMT

July 15/July 28

You were like a merchant seeking a fine pearl, as you sat enthroned in the Mother of Cities, the God-redeemed Kyiv, O Volodymyr, sending envoys to the capital in your search for the faith, you discovered the priceless pearl: Christ, who chose you in turn as a second Paul. You submitted to the rite of baptism, and the scales of spiritual blindness fell from your eyes, and now your people have come to celebrate your falling asleep. Pray for the salvation of our souls.

(Troparion of the Feast - Tone 4)

Seasonal Icon: Holy Apostles Peter & Paul

10 Jul 2007 22:39:53 GMT

June 29/July 12

O Leaders of Apostles and Teachers of the world, pray to the Master of All, to grant peace to the world and abundant mercy to our souls.

(Troparion of the Feast - Tone 4)

New address for the Odessa Eparchy's website.

5 Jul 2007 01:06:03 GMT

The website of the Eparchy on Odesa have a new address: http://od.uaoc.net/.

New Site for Press Service of the UAOC in Ukraine

4 Jul 2007 14:00:44 GMT

Press Service of UAOC in Ukraine launches new informative site. Regular updates.

Now available: NEW e-Cards for the Holydays

5 Jul 2007 04:32:31 GMT

Send e-cards for this Holydays from the UAOC's website!
We renewed the eCards Gallery and add many more icons.

Seasonal Icon: The Nativity of St. John the Baptist

3 Jul 2007 13:54:16 GMT

June 24/July 7

O Prophet and Forerunner of the coming of Christ, in spite of our honor and devotion, we are unable to give you worthy praise. Through your glorious and noble birth your mother's childlessness was ended, your father's tongue was freed and the incarnation of the Son of God was proclaimed to the world.

(Troparion of the Feast - Tone 4)

Article: Ukrainian Orthodoxy Doesn't Need a Ruler

27 Jun 2007 13:36:39 GMT

Bishop Paul Peter Jesep of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church Kyiv-Patriarchate in the Diaspora issued a statement that a united Orthodox Church must never occur at the expense of the spiritual integrity and sovereignty of its people.

Visit Bishop Paul Peter's Articles Section.

President meets Metropolitan Mefodiy

21 Mar 2007 13:46:40 GMT

Victor Yushchenko has met with Metropolitan Mefodiy, head of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church.

They spoke about how to unify the country’s Orthodox churches to create a national church. They agreed it was vital to achieve national unity and bridge religious differences.

Although the President believes “the unification of Ukraine’s Orthodox churches will contribute to the nation’s spiritual unity,” he said the government should not interfere with this process. He expressed hopes the country’s religious leaders would compromise without any “preliminary demands.”

Metropolitan Mefodiy said he approved the idea of starting talks involving Ukraine’s Orthodox leaders. He added that the President’s insistent desire to unify the churches “yields positive results.”

“Most of the churches have already realized that this is necessary not only for the church but also for the country,” he said.