In a celebration of faith and community, His Eminence Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel led the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ services at the Spiritual Center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA in South Bound Brook, NJ on January 7, 2024.

The St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church of the Spiritual Center, serving as a sacred space for faithful, became a focal point for the Christmas festivities. The liturgical leadership of Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel added a profound depth to the spiritual observance, emphasizing the importance of ancient traditions, unity, and the message of love and hope that Christmas embodies.

Both hierarchs of the Church delivered heartfelt spiritual reflections that resonated with the faithful in attendance. Vladyka Daniel related a story of a young boy, who survived the most recent bombings in Eastern Ukraine, who recovered from a destroyed chapel a figurine of Christ-child, took it home and whispered to parents that he will keep Jesus “safe”. Archbishop stated, that as centuries ago, the world was and is still not ready to welcome the Savior into their lives and hearts; yet the example of little Alipij shows us the power of the will of a human, as long as our hearts and lives concentrated on his message of love and salvation, even in the midst of destruction. Vladyka’s words likely echoed the meaning of the season, encouraging reflection, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose. The faithful, in turn, embraced the spiritual teachings, fostering a sense of community and shared faith in the newborn Savior.

The clergy, standing alongside Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel, fulfilled a crucial role in leading the liturgical aspects of the Christmas services. The sacred rituals and traditions were upheld with reverence, creating an atmosphere of sacredness and devotion. The choir’s responses, under the leadership of Dr. Michael Andrec   contributed to the seamless flow of the service, allowing the faithful to fully immerse themselves in the religious experience of the Nativity of Christ.

In a spiritual Christmas liturgy marked by solemnity and reflection, Metropolitan Antony led the faithful in heartfelt prayers, extending special supplications for the well-being and peace of Ukraine. The Christmas liturgy became a platform for both spiritual celebration and a poignant moment of solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

As spiritual leaders, presiding over the liturgical celebration of Christmas, Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel took a moment to address the congregation and emphasize the importance of collective prayer, particularly in times of global significance. Amidst the joyous atmosphere of the holiday season, the Archbishop Daniel’s emotional words served as a reminder of the challenges faced by Ukraine and the power of communal intercession.

The inclusion of Ukraine-specific prayers in the Christmas liturgy showcased the UOC of the USA’s commitment to addressing the broader concerns of the global community. By incorporating these prayers, the hierarchs of the Church demonstrated the Church's role as a compassionate and empathetic institution that extends its spiritual reach beyond the immediate congregation.

In the spirit of the Nativity of Christ season, the hierarchical prayers for Ukraine underscored the universal message of hope, peace, and goodwill. The liturgy not only celebrated the birth of Christ but also served as a reminder of the Church's role in fostering empathy, compassion, and a collective responsibility to uplift those facing challenges around the world.

The Christmas day prayers served as a beacon of light for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, symbolizing resilience, unity, and the enduring strength of faith as the ancestral homeland Ukraine continues to fight the invasion and destruction caused by Herod-like actions of Russia.

As clergy and faithful gathered to celebrate the birth of Christ, there was a palpable sense of unity and shared purpose. The Christmas services at the Spiritual Center of the UOC of the USA were not merely a religious observance; they were a communal expression of faith, love, and the enduring values that bind the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA together. The communal prayer served as a testament to the strength of the Ukrainian Orthodox community's faith and its commitment to preserving the rich traditions that define this sacred festive season.