Seminarians plant new maple tree to mark 31st anniversary of Chornobyl disaster

SOUTH BOUND BROOK, N.J. – The student body of St. Sophia Theological Seminary participated in the planting and dedication of a new maple tree on April 26 as the worldwide community marked the 31st anniversary of Chornobyl nuclear disaster that occurred on April 26, 1986. Archbishop Daniel, assisted by the Very Rev. Stephen Hutnick and Deacon Ivan Tchopko, led a memorial service at the planting site, calling to remembrance the countless victims of Chornobyl. Metropolitan Antony stated that this tree was the 90th tree planted on the grounds of the Metropolia Center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. that is dedicated to the tragedy of Chornobyl.