The Annunciation of the Birth-Giver of God Ukrainian Orthodox Mission in Charlotte, NC recently celebrated a significant milestone, commemorating its first anniversary of service in the life of community with a special visit from His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, spiritual father of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. The occasion was marked by a profound sense of spiritual reflection and celebration, as temporary pastor Very Rev. Fr. Vitaliy Pavlykivskiy, along with founders Petro and Ludmyla Melnychenkos, warmly welcomed the hierarch.

During the anniversary celebration, the mission also welcomed Deacon Pavlo Vysotskyi, who served as a deacon of the Archpastoral Divine Liturgy, and Sunbdeacon Maksym Zhuravchyk, who alone with altar servers Yurii and Petro assisted Archbishop Daniel in the altar. The liturgy was attended by a congregation of over 70 individuals, many of whom approached the Holy Mysteries of Repentance and Eucharist, reaffirming their commitment to their faith as Dobrodiyka Oleksandra Pavlykivsky led the congregational chanting of the Archpastoral Divine Liturgy.

Archbishop Daniel delivered a thought-provoking sermon centered around the significance of the feast of Annunciation, urging the faithful to emulate the virtues exemplified by the Mother of God. His words resonated deeply with those in attendance, serving as a source of inspiration and guidance.

Vladyka Daniel reflected that the Feast of the Annunciation holds profound significance in the Orthodox Christian tradition, commemorating the momentous event when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus Christ, the Son of God… The Annunciation represents the pivotal moment when Mary, in her humility and obedience, willingly accepted God's will, becoming the vessel through which salvation would enter the world. Her fiat, "Let it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38), epitomizes the ultimate act of surrender and trust in Divine Providence.

The Annunciation serves as a testament to the profound synergy between humanity and divinity, as well as the profound humility and obedience exemplified by the Virgin Mary. Orthodox Christians view the Most Holy Birth-Giver of God as the New Eve, whose obedience contrasts with the disobedience of the first Eve, thereby initiating the process of redemption and restoration.

Adding to the spiritual ambiance of the occasion, Archbishop Daniel brought forth an image of the cross, accompanied by a relic of the cross of Christ, on the third Sunday of Great Lent. This prayerful liturgical procession further enriched the worship experience, emphasizing the solemnity of the moment and reminding congregants of the enduring message of redemption and sacrifice.

Reflection upon the meaning of the liturgical observation of the Third Sunday of Lent and the Veneration of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, Vladyka Daniel stated:

“The third Sunday of Great Lent holds a special significance in the Orthodox Christian calendar, marked by the veneration of the Holy Cross. This solemn occasion, known as the Sunday of the Cross, serves as a pivotal moment in the Lenten journey, inviting believers to reflect deeply on the profound symbolism and spiritual significance of the cross in their faith tradition.

At the heart of Orthodox theology lies the centrality of the cross as the ultimate symbol of redemption and salvation. The cross, once an instrument of suffering and death, has been transformed into a symbol of hope, victory, and divine love through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Orthodox Christians view the cross not merely as an emblem of Christ’s suffering, but as a symbol of His triumph over sin and death, and as the means by which humanity is reconciled to God.

The Sunday of the Cross during Great Lent serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring message of the cross and its transformative power in the lives of believers. It is a time for introspection, repentance, and renewal as believers strive to emulate the self-emptying love and sacrificial obedience of Christ.

One of the central themes of the Sunday of the Cross is the call to take up one’s own cross and follow Christ. Orthodox Christians understand this as a call to embrace the struggles and challenges of life with faith, courage, and perseverance, trusting in God’s grace to sustain them through every trial. The cross becomes a symbol of solidarity with Christ in His suffering, as well as a source of strength and endurance in times of adversity.

In Orthodox liturgical practice, the Sunday of the Cross is marked by the veneration of the cross itself. Believers bow before the cross, kiss it reverently, and receive its blessing as a tangible reminder of Christ’s presence and grace in their lives. The cross is not merely a symbol to be admired or revered, but a sacred object through which believers experience the transformative power of Christ’s love and mercy.

Beyond its liturgical observance, the Sunday of the Cross serves as a reminder of the importance of self-denial and spiritual discipline during the Lenten season. Orthodox Christians are called to fast, pray, and engage in acts of charity and compassion as they prepare their hearts and minds for the celebration of Pascha, the feast of Christ’s resurrection.

In essence, the Sunday of the Cross during Great Lent encapsulates the central themes of Orthodox spirituality: faith, repentance, and the transformative power of the cross. It invites believers to journey with Christ through the depths of His suffering and death, trusting in the promise of His resurrection and the hope of eternal life. As Orthodox Christians venerate the cross on this sacred day, they are reminded of the enduring significance of Christ’s sacrifice and the boundless love of God revealed through the cross.

Following the liturgical celebration, the community gathered for a joyful luncheon, fostering fellowship and the sense of prayerful embrace and belonging. The festivities continued with a formal artistic program, showcasing the diverse talents of parishioners. The solemn artistic expressions served as a testament to the vibrant and dynamic nature of the mission.

As the Annunciation of the Birth-Giver of God Ukrainian Orthodox Mission reflects on its inaugural year, this anniversary celebration serves as a poignant reminder of the unwavering dedication and resilience of its members. Through worship, fellowship, and charitable care, the mission continues to flourish, nurturing the spiritual growth of its community and embracing the timeless traditions of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.