Bishop Mykola in Northam: “This church is not holy simply because it is beautiful or historic. It is holy because what happens here changes lives.”
On Sunday, August 10, a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Church of the Nativity of Mother of God in Northam, Western Australia, marking the 50th anniversary of the church’s consecration.
Northam holds a special place in the history of Ukrainians in Western Australia. Almost all migrants sent to this state after the Second World War first arrived at the camp in Northam. The former military camp, originally built for the needs of the army, was later converted to accommodate settlers from various parts of the world. It was here that most Ukrainians who settled in Western Australia found their first refuge. Thus, Northam became a kind of first home and centre of life for the Ukrainian community in the state.
The Liturgy was led by Bishop Mykola Cardinal Bychok, Eparch of Melbourne, and concelebrated by Fr. Ihor Holovko, Syncellus for Clergy of the Melbourne Eparchy and Administrator of the parish in Perth, to which the Northam church belongs, as well as Fr. Stephen Victor from the local Roman Catholic parish of St. Joseph.
Among the numerous guests and faithful were the mayor of Northam, Mr. Chris Antonio; Sisters of the Congregation of the Servite Sisters; and parishioner Mrs. Anna Pidhirna, who has belonged to the Northam community since its foundation. Members of the third and fourth generations of the Kotliar family greeted Bishop Mykola at the church’s entrance. Their grandfather was the carver of the church altar and, fifty years ago, had likewise welcomed Bishop Ivan Prasko during his visit to consecrate the church in Northam.
In his homily, Bishop Mykola emphasised that the gospel story of the storm at sea is not merely an account from the past but also a reflection of our present-day lives. ”Todays Gospel story is not just about something that happened 2,000 years ago. It is about what happens in our lives today. All of us know what it’s like to face storms — not storms of wind and rain, but storms of grief, illness, financial worry, anxiety, conflict, loneliness. Like the disciples, we often feel that Jesus is far away. We feel tossed about by forces we cannot control. And sometimes, in the darkness, we do not recognize Jesus when He comes. But He does come — always. And He says the same words to us: “Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.” Jesus is not far away; He is with us in this holy Church.”
He also reflected on the significance of the church, which for fifty years has served as a spiritual home for the community: ”Today is a joyful and sacred day. We gather to celebrate 50 years since this church was consecrated — 50 years since these walls were set apart, blessed, and dedicated as a house of prayer, a dwelling place for God’s presence in the heart of Northam. For half a century, this building has stood as a spiritual home for Ukrainians— not only of bricks and mortar, but of memory and mission, of sacraments and service. Generations have come here to be baptized, to receive the Eucharist, to be married, and to farewell their loved ones in hope of the resurrection. But let us remember something important: this church is not holy simply because it is beautiful or historic. It is holy because what happens here changes lives.”
At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Bishop Mykola expressed his gratitude to the parishioners and to all who took part in the celebration. After the service, everyone was invited to continue the celebration at a festive meal.
This anniversary was a special opportunity for the Ukrainian community to give thanks to God for fifty years of spiritual life, prayer, and service within the walls of their church.
Press office of the Melbourne Eparchy
