On the Eve of Theophany, Metropolitan Borys Reflects on Baptism and Conversion
On January 4, on the eve of the Feast of Theophany of Our Lord, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia. Concelebrating with him were the cathedral rector, Fr. Roman Pitula; Fr. Dr. Mark Morozowich, a professor at The Catholic University of America; Fr. Volodymyr Radko; and Deacon Ihor Demydas.
In his homily, Metropolitan Borys reflected on the beginning of the new year in a world still marked by suffering and sin. He spoke of the harsh realities endured by people today, especially in Ukraine, describing the war as “a conglomeration of all sins,” including violence, lies, rape, and the abduction of children.
Yet, the Metropolitan emphasized, the Church does not begin the year with despair, but with proclamation. “What we celebrate is not good advice,” he said, “but Good News—the Gospel about the fact that God has come into this world to free us of sin, of death, of all that is against the will of the Father.”
Turning to the figure of John the Baptist, Metropolitan Borys highlighted his radical openness to God and his refusal to conform to the surrounding culture. John’s call, he explained, was not merely moral correction but true conversion—metanoia—and a baptism unlike the ritual washings known to many religious groups of the time. “Many were waiting for the Messiah,” he noted, “but they were not really open.”
The Metropolitan pointed to John’s asceticism and spiritual focus as a lasting challenge for Christians today. His witness, he said, calls believers to return to the meaning of their own baptism and to live it fully. He encouraged the faithful to remember the date of their baptism and to recognize it as foundational to their Christian identity.
Sharing a personal testimony, Metropolitan Borys said, “For me, it was April 29, 1961, and I have a picture in my bedroom because it was the most important day of my life—the day when, through the faith of the Church, I was incorporated into the Body of Christ.” He added that this baptismal life is continually deepened through listening to God’s Word and being nourished by Christ’s Body and Blood.
Concluding his homily, Metropolitan Borys invited the faithful to rediscover baptism as a living reality. “Find that date,” he urged, “and make it a day of great celebration and gratitude.”
