The First Anniversary of Bishop Peter Stasiuk’s Passing into Eternity
On 13 August, a Divine Liturgy and Memorial Service were celebrated at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Melbourne to mark the first anniversary of the passing into eternity of Bishop Peter Stasiuk, CSsR, the second Eparch of Melbourne.
Clergy, faithful and friends of the Cathedral parish gathered in prayer to remember Bishop Peter Stasiuk, CSsR, and to thank God for the gift of his life and his many years of episcopal ministry.
Bishop Peter led the Eparchy of Melbourne for almost three decades. Throughout his years of service, he provided pastoral care for Ukrainian Catholic communities across Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, fostering the development of parishes, the formation of clergy, the preservation of the traditions of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, and the passing on of the faith to future generations.
The homily during the Divine Liturgy was delivered by Fr Simon Ckuj, Protosyncellus of the Eparchy of Melbourne. Reflecting on the words of St Paul about “godly sorrow”, he emphasised that the anniversary of Bishop Peter’s passing is a time not only of sorrow, but also of gratitude and Christian hope. “Anniversaries of death have a way of slowing us down. They invite us to remember not only the person, but the grace that God worked through that person. And they remind us that the communion of saints is not an idea—it is a living reality,” Fr Simon said.
Reflecting on Bishop Peter’s many years of service, Fr Simon emphasised that the best way to preserve his memory is to continue the work to which he dedicated his life: “Bishop Peter would not want us to be paralysed by memory. He would want us to continue the work: to build communities that are welcoming, to form young people who know their faith, to preserve our liturgical beauty, and to stand with Ukraine in truth and dignity.”
Following the Divine Liturgy, a Memorial Service was celebrated for the repose of Bishop Peter’s soul. The evening concluded with fellowship in the parish hall, where those present had an opportunity to share memories of his life and ministry.
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