08/01/2026
Giving Thanks to God: Twenty Years of Pastoral Ministry today on August 1, 2026.
By Very Reverend Volodymyr Klanichka
With a heart filled with gratitude, I give thanks to Almighty God for the great blessing of serving as pastor of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware, and St. Basil Ukrainian Catholic Church in Chesapeake City, Maryland, for the past twenty years.
Looking back on these years, I can only echo the words of the Psalmist: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endures forever.” Every day of my priestly ministry has been a gift of God’s grace. He has guided me through moments of joy and sorrow, challenges and blessings, always reminding me that I am simply His humble servant.
Serving these two beloved parish communities has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Together we have celebrated the Divine Liturgy, administered the Holy Mysteries, welcomed new children into the Church through Baptism, blessed marriages, comforted families in times of illness and loss, and entrusted our departed loved ones to God’s eternal mercy. We have shared the beautiful traditions of the Byzantine Rite, preserved our Ukrainian Catholic heritage, and witnessed God’s faithfulness through every season.
I offer my deepest gratitude to all the parishioners whose faith, prayers, generosity, and dedication have strengthened our communities. Your love for Christ and His Church has been a constant source of encouragement. Together we have cared for our churches, supported one another, and worked to ensure that our parishes remain places where people encounter the living God.
I also thank my brother priests, deacons, cantors, altar servers, parish councils, catechists, volunteers, benefactors, and all who have faithfully shared in the work of the Gospel. Your service has enriched the life of our parishes and has helped build vibrant communities of faith.
These twenty years have also reminded me that the Church is not merely a building but the People of God journeying together toward His heavenly Kingdom. Every prayer offered, every act of kindness, every sacrifice made in love for Christ has become part of the living witness of our parish family.
I especially thank God for the gift of my vocation to the holy priesthood. It has been my greatest joy to proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the Divine Liturgy, preach God’s Word, and accompany His people throughout every stage of life. Whatever good has been accomplished during these years belongs first and foremost to God, whose grace makes all things possible.
As I celebrate this milestone, I entrust the future of our parishes to the loving protection of our Lord Jesus Christ, the intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God, St. Nicholas Church, and St. Basil the Great. May they continue to guide and protect our faithful, strengthen our families, inspire our young people, and bless all who enter our churches seeking God’s mercy and peace.
I humbly ask for your continued prayers, that I may remain a faithful servant of Christ and His Holy Church. May God grant us many more years to worship together, grow in faith together, and proclaim the hope of the Resurrection to all.
To Almighty God be all glory, honor, and thanksgiving for the blessings of these twenty years of pastoral ministry.
“Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!”
