Ukrainian Catholic ChurchAustralia, New Zealand and Oceania
Bishop Mykola ordained a deacon for Melbourne Eparchy in Rome
June 24, 2025
On Sunday of All Saints of Ukraine, June 22, in the titular church of Santa Sophia in Rome, during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the official taking possession of the church, Bishop Mykola Cardinal Bychok, Eparch of Melbourne, ordained Sviatoslav Pastushchak to the diaconate.
Deacon Sviatoslav Pastushchak, a native of Ukraine, will serve in the Eparchy of Saints Peter and Paul for Ukrainian Catholics in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania after his ordination.
In his homily, Bishop Mykola reflected on a passage from the Gospel of Matthew (4:18–23), which speaks of the calling of the first apostles. “This moment—simple, direct, life-changing—speaks deeply to every Christian vocation,” emphasised the bishop.
Addressing the newly ordained deacon, the bishop said, “Dear Sviatoslav, your ‘yes’ to Christ in this sacred ministry is a gift to the Church. The deacon is not merely a step towards priesthood; he is a servant of the Word, the altar, and the poor. You are called to be the hands of Christ in the world, especially to the suffering, the forgotten, and the voiceless. As you take this step on the road to priesthood, know that you do so not alone. You are surrounded by our prayers, our support, and the example of all the saints—especially those of our Ukrainian Church who ministered with courage under persecution.”
In conclusion, Bishop Mykola wished Deacon Sviatoslav a joyful, faithful, and fruitful ministry.
Joining in these wishes, on behalf of the clergy and faithful of the Melbourne Eparchy, we sincerely congratulate Deacon Sviatoslav and his family on this special occasion. We wish him God’s abundant blessings and the guidance of the Holy Spirit on his path of ministry—for the glory of God and the good of His people.
