Subdeacons Kyle Hayes and David Wallace Ordained to the Diaconate in Front Royal

May 18, 2026

On Sunday, May 17, 2026, during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at SS. Joachim and Anna Ukrainian Catholic Church in Front Royal, Virginia, Archbishop Borys Gudziak ordained Subdeacons Kyle Hayes and David Wallace to the holy diaconate. Clergy, family members, parishioners, altar servers, and guests gathered in prayer for this joyful occasion in the life of the Church.

At the beginning of his homily, Archbishop Gudziak reflected on the vitality of the parish community and the witness of families who support vocations to ministry.

“It is a special joy to be here with you in this parish of life, in this parish of vitality,” Archbishop Gudziak said. “You are so life-giving.” He also thanked the families of the newly ordained deacons for their support and openness to service in the Church. “I thank their families, their wives, their children for your openness to this service because it will also be a service for the entire families.”

Reflecting on the many children and young families present in the parish, Archbishop Gudziak spoke about the hope for future vocations. “There is great hope for this parish,” he said. “And I hope that we will have many vocations because the Church is very young.”

On the Seventh Sunday after Pascha, the Sunday of the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, Archbishop Gudziak reflected on the mystery of the Holy Trinity and the unity to which all Christians are called through Christ, “The whole goal of the economy of salvation, the logic of salvation, the method of salvation is to bring us into unity with God.”

Speaking about the grace of the sacraments and the calling of the diaconate, Archbishop Gudziak noted that “today, we’ll see the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Subdeacon Kyle and Subdeacon David as they are called by the Church.”

Father Robert invited everyone to continue the celebration at the parish reception held in honor of the newly ordained deacons.

Following the ordination, Deacon David Wallace expressed gratitude to those who supported him on his journey to the diaconate, especially his family, parish community, and clergy. Addressing Father Robert, he said, “Words cannot express the gratitude I have for you. Not only for the countless miles of driving over the last nearly eleven years to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and the other services. But for your spiritual guidance and support for my family in times of joy and sorrow.” He also thanked Father Mykola and Uliana for “your dedication to our parish — your love for our young people.”

Deacon Kyle Hayes also expressed gratitude to all those who supported him with their prayers, encouragement, and presence on the day of his ordination.

The celebration continued with a reception shared by clergy, family members, parishioners, and guests.

The celebration concluded with closing remarks and prayer by Father Mykola.