Commemorating the Fourth Anniversary of the Full-Scale War in Ukraine in the Melbourne Eparchy
On February 24, four years passed since the beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. During this time, the Ukrainian people have courageously resisted the aggressor, defending their land, freedom, and dignity. On this day, Ukrainians around the world come together to remind the world of the ongoing war, to support their compatriots, and to pray collectively for a just and long-awaited peace.
In the Melbourne Eparchy, prayerful events were also held to mark this tragic date. On February 23, at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Melbourne, prayer vigils were held for peace in Ukraine. On February 24, the faithful of other parishes gathered in churches for services and rosaries, offering prayers for Ukraine and for all those who continue to fight on their native land.
The clergy of the eparchy, together with parishioners from various parts of Australia, also joined public rallies in the main squares of the cities. On this day, His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok, together with the clergy of St. Andrew’s parish in Sydney, participated in an event in Sydney. The event, held at St Mary’s Cathedral Square, was also attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Australia, Mr Vasyl Myroshnychenko; the head of the AFUO and the Honorary Consul of Ukraine in New South Wales, Ms Kateryna Argyrou; as well as representatives of the Australian government.
Addressing those present, Cardinal Mykola said: “Today we gather with heavy hearts, because although the full‑scale invasion began four years ago, this war did not begin in 2022. It began in 2014, when Russia illegally annexed Crimea and occupied parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Since then, Ukraine has endured relentless aggression, escalating into the brutal and unjust war we witness today—a war that has brought unimaginable suffering to our people. We stand here not only to remember but to speak the truth, to defend human dignity, and to pray for peace rooted in justice.”
The Bishop also drew attention to one of the greatest tragedies of this war—the abduction of Ukrainian children by russia: “As a Church, we believe that every child is an icon of God’s love. To steal a child is to attempt to steal the future. Yet even in this darkness, we proclaim that evil does not have the final word. The Lord hears the cry of the poor, and He gathers every tear. Our prayers—your prayers—are not wasted. They rise like incense before God, and they strengthen those who fight for truth, for justice, and for the return of every stolen child.”
At the conclusion, Cardinal Mykola called for prayer: “Today, as we stand before this great cathedral, we unite our voices with millions around the world. We pray for the liberation of Ukraine, for the healing of her wounds, and especially for the safe return of every child who has been taken. We pray for peace—not the peace of silence or surrender, but the peace that flows from truth, justice, and the triumph of human dignity. May the Lord bless Ukraine. May He protect her children. And may He grant us the grace to remain steadfast in hope until the day when every family is reunited, every injustice is answered, and peace returns to our beloved homeland.”
Recalling this tragic date, we call on everyone to remember Ukraine not only on such days but to pray daily for peace, for victory, and for the healing of the wounds caused by the war. We also remind you that in our eparchy, every Friday is a special day of prayer and fasting for peace in Ukraine.
The full text of His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok’s speech can be found here.
Press officer Melbourne Eparchy
