A retreat for clergy wives was held in Melbourne
From 6 to 8 March, a spiritual retreat for the wives of clergy of the Melbourne Eparchy was held in Melbourne at the Cathedral Parish of Saints Peter and Paul. Wives of priests and deacons from various parishes of the eparchy took part in the retreat, including participants from Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, Ardeer, and Geelong.
The retreat began on Friday evening with common prayer. On Saturday morning the Divine Liturgy was celebrated, and in the evening the participants prayed Vespers. The participants also had the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Confession. On Sunday, they took part in the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral.
On Saturday the participants had the opportunity to listen to a spiritual reflection titled “The Quiet Co-Participant in the Vocation,” delivered by Bishop Mykola Cardinal Bychok. In his reflection, he spoke about the special role of a priest’s wife in supporting her husband, as well as the importance of prayer, trust in God, and the daily witness of Christian faith within the family.
“Your vocation is beautiful, but it is not easy. People often expect you to be always patient, always welcoming, always understanding, always available. But you are human. You have your own struggles, your own wounds, your own limits. God does not ask you to be perfect. He asks you to be faithful. Sometimes you are too visible—everyone watches you, comments on you, judges you. Sometimes you are invisible—your sacrifices unnoticed, your efforts unacknowledged. Both can be painful. But Christ sees. Christ knows. Christ honours your hidden work,” the bishop emphasized.
During these days of spiritual renewal, the clergy wives had the opportunity to pray together, listen to spiritual reflections, converse, and share their experiences. Such gatherings help strengthen spiritual support among the families of priests and deepen the sense of unity within the life of the eparchy.
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