Jubilarians Honored during Annual Archieparchial Wedding Anniversary Divine Liturgy Celebration

Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka was the main celebrant and homilist at the 11:00 A.M. Divine Liturgy, concelebrated by Very Reverend Roman Pitula, cathedral rector.

Lisa Oprysk led the congregation in the singing of the liturgical responses.

During his homily, Metropolitan Stefan offered congratulations to the jubilarians and said, "Thank you for having lived your covenant of marriage with great mercy and joy.  You lived it because of your deep love for one another.  You lived it because of your care for one another…  God’s hand was present throughout, known and unknown to you, and He promised this in the blessing you received in your marriage."

Just before the Dismissal, the Jubilarians, standing on the solea in front of the iconostas, renewed their marriage vows.  Metropolitan then bestowed a blessing upon each couple and sprinkled them with Holy Water.  Each couple was also presented with a commemorative blessing certificate by Metropolitan Stefan.

After the Divine Liturgy, a dinner reception was held at the Archbishop’s residence for the anniversary couples and their guests. 

The anniversary cake was cut by Peter and Bernadette Nush and Jason and Deborah Yulich, who were observing the longest and most recent wedding anniversaries, respectively.

The celebration was coordinated by Very Rev. Archpriest John M. Fields, Director of Religious Education and Evangelization of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia.

May the Lord, our God, continue to bless and grant to all the Archieparchial Jubilarians long life, peace, good health and happiness for many happy and blessed years!

Watch a video and see pictures from the Anniversary Celebration on our “Archeparchy of Philadelphia” Facebook page.