On May 4th the Holy Myrrh-Bearers Ukrainian Catholic Church in Swarthmore joyfully marked the 10th anniversary
The parish priest, Rev. Daniel Troyan, presided over the Divine Liturgy. Former pastors Rev. Peter Waslo and Rev. John Churpita, along with Deacon Ihor Demydas, celebrated with him.
During the service, Rev. Peter Waslo read a congratulatory letter from Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, addressed to the clergy and faithful on this momentous jubilee.
In his message, Metropolitan Borys emphasized the profound meaning of celebrating this anniversary within the broader context of the Jubilee Year of Hope proclaimed for our Church: “Significantly, your tenth anniversary coincides with the Jubilee Year of Hope — your parish is truly a sign of hope for our Church in the United States.”
The Metropolitan also highlighted the active growth of the parish community. In recent years, approximately 25 new families have joined the parish and become actively engaged in its spiritual life.“Many have begun their life in Christ through Baptism and Chrismation,” he noted.
In conclusion, Metropolitan offered the following blessing: “May the joy of the Resurrection always fill the hearts of your faithful, and may the Holy Myrrh-Bearers — your patronesses — be steadfast guides as you go forth into the world to proclaim the Paschal message of Christ’s victory over death and the gift of eternal life.”
Following the Divine Liturgy, parishioners gathered for a festive banquet. The program included viewing the Metropolitan’s video message, a short film about the parish’s journey, and heartfelt addresses by Rev. Waslo, Rev.Churpita, and Rev. Troyan.
In an atmosphere of gratitude and unity, the community once again came together in prayer, thanking God for their path and entrusting the future years of their ministry to His providence. The faithful prayed for their parish's ongoing growth, its missionary calling, and new vocations to the priesthood.
This anniversary was a joyful culmination of ten blessed years and a new beginning — a clear testimony that the Holy Myrrh-Bearers Ukrainian Catholic Church in Swarthmore remains a living, vibrant center of faith, tradition, and Gospel-inspired service.
