This was the name of our annual pre-Christmas retreat, which took place at the parish from December 12 to 14. It was led by Fr. Myroslav Dumych, pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Detroit and rector of the Missionary Institute of the Diocese of St. Nicholas in Chicago.
The first day began with Confession, heard by Fr. Myroslav and Fr. Andriy Oliynyk, pastor of our church of Our Lady of Zarvanycia. We then prayed the Rosary together with Christmas reflections and celebrated the Divine Liturgy.
"It is very important during Christmas to remember the unity of family and those who protect us. To have Christmas in Ukraine right now costs very many lives. So let us pray for our soldiers, let us pray that this Christmas may come as soon as possible in a time of peace… I wish that this Christmas coming to us, and the star that will light up and blaze in the sky, may bring with the snow glory to God in the highest and peace on earth — and peace to Ukraine."
— Fr. Myroslav, first homily
On the second day, after Confession, there was a Divine Liturgy for the reposed, followed by a memorial service. Fr. Dumych then gave his second homily, reflecting on icons, their symbolism and veneration, and on the Proskomidia — the first part of the Liturgy which commemorates the Christmas star.
"Whenever we are in church, let us always remember those three symbols of Christianity: the manger in which Christ was born — symbolized by the Proskomidia; the altar present in every church, upon which during the Liturgy the great Mystery of the Eucharist takes place — God giving Himself to us; and the third symbol — the sign of the Cross that crowns our church. So let us keep this in mind and not celebrate Christmas without Christ."
— Fr. Myroslav
On Sunday, during the third day, all who wished again had the opportunity to go to Confession, pray the Divine Liturgy together, and listen to the closing homily.
We thank Fr. Myroslav Dumych and his family for visiting our parish and sharing the spirit of Christmas, inspiring us to reflect on what Christmas truly means for each of us and what it ought to be. We also thank our pastor Fr. Andriy Oliynyk, who organized these days of retreat and renewal as yet another opportunity to prepare for Christmas and to welcome the newborn Jesus into our hearts and spend this time with Him. For let us remember — "God is with us."
