On Sunday, October 5, our parish celebrated the feast of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A solemn festive service, a charity fair, and warm fellowship brought all parishioners and guests together.
The celebration began with a procession around the church with the icon of the Mother of God of Zarvanytska to glorify this icon. After that, the Divine Liturgy took place, led by Fr. Lubomyr Mandziuk from Portland, concelebrating with Fr. Andriy Oliynyk, the parish priest of our church.
"The distance from Seattle to Zarvanytsia, where the Virgin Mary appeared, is over 10 thousand kilometers. And so far you have chosen the Virgin Mary, who appeared in Zarvanytsia, as your patroness. Therefore, appreciate this… We see how various miracles occur through the apparitions of the Virgin Mary. But let us remember that whether in Zarvanytsia or in Medjugorje, or in Fatima, or in Lourdes, these are not different Virgin Marys, but one and the same One who appeared in due time in different places for the salvation, strengthening and nourishment of the human soul… The temple holiday after the 12 greatest Great Holidays in the church is also a Great Holiday, because it is a birthday. Appreciate what you have here, regardless of which continent we are on — let us raise our children in good faith, teach them Ukrainian culture. Let us pray to the Most Holy Theotokos today that she may intercede for our native land, Ukraine. So wherever we are, whatever language we speak, let us remember where we came from. The Mother of God trusts and believes in us; when we doubt, the problem is in us. The Lord believes in us and is waiting — let us only know how to reach out, open windows and doors for Him and love our parish."
— Fr. Lubomyr Mandziuk, homily
After the service, in the courtyard of the church, a blessing and consecration of water took place, along with a charity fair where authentic Ukrainian products, religious books, and pastries were sold. The proceeds will be donated to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
A reception and a festive concert were held in the church hall. At the beginning, prayers were offered for Ukraine, then the church choir sang a song to the Virgin Mary. Talented children and adult parishioners performed poems and songs. Singing competitions were also held.
At the end of the celebration, Father Andriy thanked the organizers, guests, and parishioners.
"Our parish is like a big picture. And each of us is like a small puzzle. And only together, with these puzzles, can we put together that big picture called parish."
— Fr. Andriy Oliynyk
