SOUTH BOUND BROOK, N.J. – Hundreds gathered at the Metropolia Center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. (UOC-U.S.A.) on August 29 for a celebration in honor of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s renewed independence.

The faithful arrived, many sporting Ukrainian attire, for a hierarchical divine liturgy that was celebrated by Archbishop Daniel, ruling hierarch of the Western Eparchy of the UOC-U.S.A. He earnestly prayed for the abatement of the COVID-19 virus, the recovery of all who have fallen ill and the peaceful repose of those who have succumbed to the illness.