Address by His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok at the Rally Marking the 35th Anniversary of Ukrainian Independence in Melbourne

Address by His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok
35^th Anniversary of Ukrainian Independence

Federation Square, Melbourne — 24 August 2026

Dear friends, distinguished guests, members of the Ukrainian community, and all who stand with us in solidarity— Today we gather in the heart of Melbourne to mark thirty‑five years of Ukrainian independence. It is a day of pride, of remembrance, and of deep reflection. Independence is never simply a date on a calendar. It is a story written in sacrifice, in hope, and in the unbreakable spirit of a people who refuse to surrender their dignity.

I stand before you having only recently returned from Ukraine. I travelled through Kyiv, Odesa, Kherson, and other cities and villages—places where life continues with extraordinary courage under the shadow of war. I have had to shelter from missile attacks. I have heard the sirens that pierce the night and felt the trembling of the earth when explosions strike nearby. I have seen the trauma etched into the faces of innocent people whose only desire is to live in peace.

I met veterans whose bodies bear the marks of unimaginable violence—young men and women who will carry these wounds for the rest of their lives. I sat with grieving families trying to comprehend the sacrifices made, trying to rebuild their lives while holding on to memories of loved ones who will never return. Their sorrow is profound, yet their resolve is astonishing.

One moment in particular will remain with me forever. In a quiet cemetery, I stood at the grave of Samuel Pedrazzini, a young Australian who gave his life in defence of Ukraine—a country and a people he loved so deeply that he asked to be buried in Ukrainian soil. As I prayed at his grave, I felt the weight of his sacrifice, the purity of his intention, and the powerful truth that the struggle for Ukraine’s freedom is not only a Ukrainian struggle. It is a human struggle. It is a struggle for justice, for dignity, and for the right of every nation to live without fear.

And yet, despite all the horror, despite the hardship, despite the relentless attempts to break their spirit, the people of Ukraine remain unbroken. Their resilience is not merely endurance—it is a living force. It is seen in the volunteers who rebuild homes, in the teachers who continue lessons in underground shelters, in the chaplains who carry hope to the front lines, and in the families who refuse to let fear define their future.

But resilience alone is not enough. The world must do more. Words of support must become actions. Pressure must be applied to bring an end to this terrible war of aggression. Those responsible for the suffering of millions must be held to account. Justice is not revenge; justice is the foundation of lasting peace.

Ukraine is fighting for its survival, but it is also fighting for the principles that safeguard every free nation. When Ukraine stands, the world stands a little taller. When Ukraine suffers, the world is diminished. That is why your presence here today matters. It is a reminder that Ukraine is not alone.

In these dark times, prayer becomes our strength. Prayer is not passive; it is the heartbeat of hope. It unites us across continents. It sustains those who defend their homeland. It consoles the grieving and steadies the fearful. Prayer reminds us that evil never has the final word, and that even in the deepest night, God plants the seeds of dawn.

As we celebrate thirty‑five years of independence, let us honour the courage of those who defend Ukraine today, let us remember those who have fallen, and let us commit ourselves to the work of peace. May our voices, our advocacy, and our prayers help bring closer the day when Ukraine’s skies are quiet, its cities are rebuilt, and its children grow up knowing only freedom.

May God bless Ukraine. May God bless Australia for its solidarity. And may God bless all who strive for peace, justice, and human dignity.