“Through art, we can discover the Ukrainian spirit and identity.” Bishop Mykola at the opening of the exhibition in Melbourne
On Sunday, 15 September, Bishop Mykola Bychok, Eparch of Melbourne, inaugurated a new exhibition at the Ukrainian Museum of Australia, which operates under the Eparchy of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Melbourne.
The Ukrainian Museum of Australia is an eparchial museum founded more than 50 years ago with the support of Bishop Ivan Prasko and inaugurated on 3 August 1979. Since then, it has been a unique place where more than 10,000 exhibits representing the historical, cultural, and sacred heritage of the Ukrainian people are kept. The first director of the museum was the late Father Zenon Chorkawyj, who spent many years collecting exhibits in Australia, Ukraine, and other countries. After his death in 2018, the museum was headed by architect and artist Maru Jarockyj, who has held this position ever since.
The Ukrainian Museum of Australia’s new exhibition, Collection/Connection, is the creative realisation of two third-generation Ukrainian artists in Australia, Eva Heiky Olga Abbinga and Kiera Brew Kurec. The exhibition aims to demonstrate the connection between Ukrainian history, culture, traditions, and the personal work of the project’s authors. It includes museum exhibits combined with the artists’ own works.
Opening the exhibition, Bishop Mykola Bychok emphasised the importance of showcasing Ukrainian culture, traditions, and heritage in the world. “During this time of war in Ukraine, Australian Ukrainians are rediscovering their roots and are reconnecting with their Ukrainian identity, which is very necessary right now. As we know, russia is committing genocide against the Ukrainian people and destroying the Ukrainian nation with its history, religion, culture, and tradition. Through art, we can discover the Ukrainian spirit and identity.” He also expressed his gratitude to the museum’s director, Maru Jarockyj, and all the volunteers who have been working tirelessly for the development of the museum for many years, actively supporting the Ukrainian cultural front.
The Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Mr. Nicholas Reece, was the guest of honour at the event. It was his first visit to the Ukrainian Museum of Australia, but he has known about Ukraine for a long time and has visited it before. “I wanted to come here today and show my solidarity with you, my support for you, and let you know that in this city we will be unwavering and unstoppable in our support for our Ukrainian community,” Mr. Nicholas Reece said.
The event was followed by speeches and greetings from numerous guests and representatives of the Ukrainian community and organisations. A special gift to mark the occasion was a textile painting by Nizhyn craftswoman and artist Yulia Petrenko, donated by the Nizhyn Museum of Local Lore to the Ukrainian Museum of Australia. The culmination of the exhibition opening was a choreographic performance by the Lehenda Ukrainian Dance Company. Afterwards, the audience had the opportunity to see the entire exhibition in detail.
Press office of the Melbourne Eparchy, Australia
