Bishop Mykola received the highest award from the Sovereign Order of Malta
On Monday, December 2, 2024, in Rome, His Grace Bishop Mykola Bychok, Eparch of Melbourne, admitted to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta with The Dignity and Rank of Bailiff Grand Cross of Honour and Devotion.
On Monday morning Bishop Mykola accompanied by Fr. Simon Ckuj, Protosynkellos of Melbourne Eparchy, attended the Magistral Palace of the Sovereign Military order of Malta at the invitation of His Most Eminent Highness the Prince and Grand Master of the Order Fra John T. Dunlap.
Upon arrival at the Magistral Palace, Bishop Mykola was met by members of the Sovereign Council and escorted to the Chapel. The ceremony began with His Grace Bishop Mykola being invested with the highest dignity of the Order Bailiff Grand Cross of Honour and Devotion. This was then followed by the celebration of the Holy Mass by the Magistral Chaplain. The Holy Mass was offered for Peace in Ukraine.
“This award, which was presented to me today, is not a personal one. I accept it as a sign of respect for the immense work that the Order of Malta is doing in Ukraine. In my opinion, this award is a recognition of their diligent, many years of service. I dedicate this award to all our soldiers, defenders, medical workers, chaplains, those who are in captivity, those who are missing, and to all those who are defending our beloved Ukraine,” Bishop Mykola shared.
The morning concluded with breakfast with the Prince and Grand Master and members of the Sovereign Council where the Grand Master shared information about the works of mercy that the Order of Malta carry out in the world including Ukraine.
It should be added that by accepting this award, Bishop Mykola simultaneously becomes a member of the Sovereign Order of Malta and will support it with his prayers. In the past, Patriarch Josyf Cardinal Slipyj and Patriarch Lubomyr Cardinal Husar were also awarded the Grand Cross of Honor and Devotion of the Sovereign Order of Malta.
catholicukes.au
