From Wellington to Auckland: A Pastoral Visit to Ukrainians in New Zealand
From 21 August to 7 September 2026, Fr. Andriy Mykytyuk, Syncellus for the Laity of the Melbourne Eparchy, was on a pastoral visit to New Zealand. Over the course of almost three weeks, Fr. Andriy travelled thousands of kilometres across the North and South Islands, visiting Ukrainians living there, praying with them and learning about the life of the local communities.
The route of the journey included Wellington, Waikanae, Nelson, Invercargill, Dunedin, Christchurch, Tauranga, Hastings, Orewa and Auckland. Prayer together was at the heart of the pastoral visit. Divine Liturgies were celebrated in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland, while Molebens for peace in Ukraine were celebrated in Nelson, Dunedin, Tauranga and Hastings.
These services were particularly significant because there is currently no permanent Ukrainian church community in New Zealand with its own clergy—either Catholic or Orthodox. Therefore, the opportunity to gather together, pray in their native language and worship according to their own spiritual tradition is especially precious for local Ukrainians.
Prayer naturally continued into fellowship. After the services, people stayed together, shared food, got to know one another and spoke about their lives, their joys and their difficulties. These gatherings provided an opportunity not only to gain a better understanding of the needs of Ukrainians in different parts of the country, but also simply to feel that they were one community and part of the Church, despite the great distances.
An important part of the visit was the time spent in Wellington, where Fr. Andriy took part in celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence. During the celebration, he addressed those present and conveyed greetings to the Ukrainian community from His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok. The celebrations brought together not only Ukrainians but also representatives of the diplomatic corps from various countries. This provided a valuable opportunity for personal conversations with diplomats, to introduce the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and to speak about the life and ministry of the Ukrainian Catholic community in Australia and New Zealand.
Prayer for Ukraine brought together not only Ukrainians. In Nelson, representatives of local government, including the city’s mayor and politicians, joined in prayer. Their presence was a sign of solidarity with the Ukrainian people and support for Ukrainians who are now building their lives in New Zealand. During the time on the South Island, there was also a warm and meaningful meeting with the Honorary Consul of Ukraine for the South Island, Olena Grubb. It was a valuable opportunity to speak about the lives of Ukrainians, their needs, and opportunities for further support and development of the Ukrainian community.
In Dunedin and Auckland, Fr. Andriy also joined rallies in support of Ukraine—another sign that the voice of the Ukrainian community in New Zealand is heard not only in churches but also in the public squares of its cities.
A particularly joyful event during this missionary journey was the celebration of the Mystery of Baptism. Another child, through the Mysteries of Christian Initiation, became part of the Christian community and began a life with God and in God.
Meetings with representatives of other Christian communities were also an important part of the journey. At the invitation of Anglican priest Rev. Ivica Gregurec, Fr. Andriy took part in a prayer service for peace in Ukraine at All Saints Anglican Church in Howick, Auckland, and preached a homily.
This pastoral visit once again showed how important it is for the Church to go to her people, especially in places where there is no permanent presence of Ukrainian clergy. Distance should not become an obstacle to the unity of the Church. Wherever our faithful may live, the Church seeks to be close to them—to pray together, to listen, to support, to serve and to help build a vibrant Christian community.
Our sincere thanks go to everyone who helped organise the services and gatherings in different cities, who opened the doors of churches and their homes, helped along the way, prepared meals to share and found the time simply to be together. Above all, our deepest gratitude goes to everyone who came to pray. May the Lord bless all Ukrainians in New Zealand, strengthen them in faith, grant unity to our communities, protect our families, and grant Ukraine a just and lasting peace.
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