Parish Feast in Geelong: “A Feast of Maternal Love and Mercy”
On Sunday, October 5, the parish of the Protection of the Mother of God in Geelong solemnly celebrated its Parish Feast. On this festive day, clergy and faithful from Geelong, Melbourne, Ardeer, and Noble Park gathered to honour the Holy Mother of God, the heavenly patroness of the Ukrainian people, in united prayer.
The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was led by His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok, Eparch of Melbourne, and concelebrated by Fr. Myroslav Vons, administrator of the Geelong parish; Fr. Andriy Mykytyuk, syncellus for the laity of the Melbourne Eparchy; and deacons from the Cathedral in Melbourne.
In his homily, Bishop Mykola emphasised the profound spiritual significance of the Feast of the Protection, calling it “a feast of maternal love and mercy.” He reminded us that the Mother of God never abandons her children in times of trouble: “She sees our tears, hears our sighs, and is always ready to extend her omophorion to protect us from evil, sorrow, despair, and sin. Her Protection is the warmth that comforts us in life’s storms.”
The bishop also spoke of the feast’s special significance for Ukrainians: “Today, when Ukraine is once again facing trials, the Feast of the Protection is inextricably linked with the Day of the Defenders of Ukraine. We ask the Most Holy Mother of God to cover our soldiers and heroes—those who stand in defence of our land, our freedom, and our future—with her omophorion.”
After the Liturgy, those present continued the celebration together at a parish reception filled with joy and fellowship.
Concluding the celebration, parish administrator Fr. Myroslav Vons thanked everyone present, noting that this year’s celebration was made truly special by the heartfelt prayers and joyful presence of all who joined: “We sincerely thank you for your united prayer, for your cheerful spirit, for the warmth of your hearts, and for being with us in our community of the Protection of the Mother of God. Many happy and blessed years to all of you! It was a wonderful celebration, made beautiful by wonderful people!”
