AXIOS Father Alexis! ☦

There is a lot to catch up on, but this feels like the most important right now...

AXIOS to my love & the newly ordained Father Alexis!

As my own words seem insufficient, here is a compilation of beautiful words put out by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA as they recounted this sacred occasion witnessed by loved ones from near and far. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

“He was led around the altar three times, symbolizing his full offering to the service of the Lord. Through the laying on of hands and the descent of the Holy Spirit, a new priest was born. The cry of Axios! - He is worthy! - thundered throughout the church as Fr. Alexis was vested, received his cross, and stood before the altar as a servant of God.

Following the ordination, Fr. Alexis approached his beloved wife Delaney and their children, offering them his first priestly blessing with tears of joy and gratitude. They, too, had said “yes” to the call - to walk beside him in faith, sacrifice, and love. Archbishop Daniel later offered a heartfelt prayer over Delaney, asking the Holy Spirit to grant her strength and grace as a pillar beside her husband.

Also in attendance for this sacred celebration were representatives of the Ukrainian American Veterans, who came not only to witness the ordination of a fellow servant, but to honor one of their own. As Fr. Alexis prepares to begin his chaplaincy service in the United States Army, the commander of the local chapter of the Ukrainian American Veterans stepped forward to present him with a deeply meaningful gift: a set of military green vestments, identical in color and design to those worn by Orthodox chaplains serving amidst the suffering and struggle in Ukraine. The vestments symbolize not only priestly service, but solidarity with those who risk their lives for the well-being of others.

As Fr. Alexis now steps forward into military chaplaincy, we lift our prayers for him and his family. May the same Christ, who walked beside His Apostles, be with Fr. Alexis in barracks and battlefields, in hospital rooms and moments of despair, offering peace, healing, and hope to all he encounters.”

AXIOS AXIOS AXIOS! ☦❤🙏🏻

Father Alexis was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on March 22, 2025 (pictured with our Archbishop, Archbishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA)