On Dec. 4, 2021, St. Vladimir Church in Arnold suffered a devastating fire. St. Vladimir has been a fixture of the Arnold community for 100-plus years and our beautiful church building has stood at the corner of Kenneth Avenue for nearly 75 years. Our community extends far beyond the walls of this building, into the hearts of many, among them, those who grew up in this church, those who are regular participants in our events and anyone who has been touched by our Christian efforts. You are all part of our St. Vlad's family. We thank you for your outpouring of prayers and support, and share your grief over this tragic fire.
A message from our priest, the Rev. Yaroslav Koval:
Before I write what happened on the 4th of December at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church, we have to know about the sign of the Cross. We don't know how many journalists and news stations live streamed that fateful Saturday evening, but one this is proven: our little iron cross on the top of the sanctuary resisted the fire so long that many people cried out, seeing the image of the Holy Cross surrounded by fire. Our strength, our faith, comes from the Holy Cross. Now, for us and our community, we experience this moment of sadness. But the merciful Lord closes one door and opens another one. And with this, He is telling you to keep your faith alive and you will be well.
"With the sign of the Cross we were baptized. We grow under the sign of the Cross. From the Cross flows our strength and our holy faith as well," Ukrainian writer Ivan Evanko.