Hierarchical Divine Liturgy to Commemorate the Raising to the Sacred Purple of His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok
On Friday, February 14, at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Melbourne, a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated to commemorate the raising to the Sacred Purple of His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok, Eparch of Melbourne.
Present at the Divine Liturgy in Melbourne were Archbishop Charles Balvo, Apostolic Nuncio to Australia; Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney; bishops from various dioceses of Australia; bishops and clergy of the Eastern Catholic Churches; priests and deacons of the Melbourne Eparchy; and representatives of other Christian communities, including Bishop Genieve Blackwell of the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, Archpriest Fr. Michael Solomko of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and members of the Victorian Council of Churches.
The celebration was also attended by representatives of political and civil authorities, community groups, and organisations, including the Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia, Mr. Vasyl Myroshnychenko.
Bishop Mykola began his homily by welcoming all present at the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul, particularly representatives of the clergy, political authorities, and the community.
He shared his reflections on the calling and responsibility associated with the title of Cardinal: “It was unimaginable a few months ago that I would be standing before you as a Cardinal of the Holy Church, with all the responsibilities that this high office brings. I have been greatly strengthened by the prayers and support of my brother bishops in Australia and Ukraine, as well as thousands of well wishes from around the world, whose prayers have accompanied me.”
“Today, I also reflect on the words of the psalmist, ‘Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to thy name give glory, for the sake of thy steadfast love and thy faithfulness’. Becoming a Cardinal is not for personal glory, but a cross that I must carry. Pray that I may worthily carry this burden for the glory of God and His Church. Pray that I may be a faithful shepherd and teacher of the Beatitudes. Pray that I may be steadfast in faith and courageous in love preaching the truth as handed to us by the Apostles and Holy Fathers.”
Concluding his homily, Cardinal Mykola called on those present to pray for a just peace in Ukraine and other parts of the world where people suffer from war, emphasising that, as Christians, we are called to bring hope in the midst of tribulation.
After the Divine Liturgy, the guests were invited to a festive meal, where they had the opportunity to have a personal conversation with the Cardinal.
Press office of the Melbourne Eparchy
