Bishop Mykola Bychok at a parish feast in Ardeer: ‘Our lives are not eternal. Eternity is waiting for us.’
On Sunday, August 18, the community of the Dormition of the Mother of God parish in Ardeer gathered for a festive service to celebrate the church feast. The solemn Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was led by Bishop Mykola Bychok, Eparch of Melbourne, in concelebration with Father Ruslan Babii, the administrator of the Ardeer parish, and Deacon Michael Zylan, Chancellor of the Melbourne Eparchy.
The full church, where the faithful, parishioners, and guests gathered in prayer, felt majestic and sublime. The liturgy was accompanied by the choir of the Cathedral Church of Sts. Peter and Paul from Melbourne, directed by Mr. Volodymyr Holovko, who added solemnity and a special mood to the service.
Bishop Mykola delivered an inspirational homily on the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, highlighting its significance and the reminders it offers us. “When we look at the icon or shroud of the Dormition, we see the Virgin lying in the tomb. We see the one who gave the world Christ, who gave God. The Mother of God could not escape death; she simply fell asleep. She, who is more honourable than the Cherubim and incomparably more glorious than the Seraphim, did not escape the end of human life. Even though Mary has completed her earthly life and has passed it on to her son, we believe that He who entered her ever-virginal womb will also receive her in His abode. For Christ said, ‘Where I am, there my servant will be also. The one who serves me will be honoured by the Father in heaven.’”
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Mykola thanked the church administrator and all the parishioners for the opportunity to share in the joy of the church holiday and urged them to always be ready to meet God. “Indeed, this holiday teaches us a lot. Our lives are not eternal. Sooner or later, we will leave this world, but how prepared are we for this meeting with God? We, as Christians, must remember that we must be prepared every minute of every day to die with dignity. I wish all of you a true Christian life. I wish you to be modern apostles in Australia and show your family, your friends, and all those who live near you that our lives are not eternal. Eternity is waiting for us.”
The administrator of the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God, Fr. Ruslan Babii, also expressed his gratitude to Bishop Mykola and Deacon Michael Zylan for their joint prayer and thanked his parishioners for their active role in organising the celebration. Afterwards, a loud “Many Years” was sung for all those present.
The liturgy was followed by the blessing of water, which the bishop generously sprinkled on the faithful, blessing them for spiritual growth and strengthening in faith.
The festive day continued in the warm atmosphere of the Ukrainian Community Hall, where a celebratory lunch was held. The attendees had the opportunity to socialise, enjoy performances by creative groups, sing together, and celebrate this important day for the parish community.
Press office of the Melbourne Eparchy
