On March 22, a great event took place at St. Volodymyr Parish. The parish administrator, Fr. Roman Bobesiuk, Fr. Dennis Smolarski SJ, and Fr. Deacon Oleh Zatvarskyi, together with the parishioners, welcomed Bishop Benedict Aleksiychuk, Eparch of the St. Nicholas Eparchy in Chicago, with bread, salt, and flowers. Before the Liturgy, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and veneration took place.
Bishop Benedict presided over the Hierarchical Liturgy. In his homily, he emphasized the importance of valuing every moment and using time wisely. Everyone has a calling, and each person is called to grow closer to God and to one another.
The Divine Liturgy concluded with a “Mnohaya Lita” and the reading of decrees. The first decree, read by Fr. Dennis Smolarski SJ, announced the establishment of St. Volodymyr Parish, as it had previously been a mission. This event has historical significance and calls everyone to continue working for the growth of God’s Kingdom through the service of the parish community.
The second decree, read by Fr. Roman Bobesiuk, granted the relics of Blessed Nicholas Charnetsky for permanent veneration at St. Volodymyr Church.
The celebration ended with words of gratitude from Fr. Roman and the blessing of Bishop Benedict.