Ukrainian Catholic ChurchAustralia, New Zealand and Oceania
Cardinal Mykola’s Visit to the Exarchate of Odesa
July 23, 2026
From 15 to 22 July, Bishop Mykola Cardinal Bychok, Eparch of Melbourne, visited the Exarchate of Odesa at the invitation of Bishop Mykhail Bubniy, Exarch of Odesa. During the week, Bishop Mykola visited Odesa, Pivdenne, Podilsk, Balta, Mykolaiv and Kherson.
During his stay in Odesa, Bishop Mykola visited the “Transfiguration of the Lord” Rehabilitation Centre, the “House of Mercy” operated by the Sisters Servants of the Lord and of the Virgin of Matará, and met with representatives of the five Caritas organisations of the Odesa Exarchate in order to learn more about their service to people affected by the war. In Pivdenne, he prayed for the fallen Ukrainian soldiers and met with their mothers and widows. In Podilsk, he celebrated the Divine Liturgy, blessed the chapel in the city hospital, and addressed medical workers and families of fallen defenders. In Balta, he had the opportunity to learn more about the life of the local parish and its cultural and educational initiatives, as well as to pray together with the faithful for Ukraine.
A special part of the visit was dedicated to Mykolaiv and Kherson — cities that continue to suffer daily from russian shelling. In Mykolaiv, Bishop Mykola met with parishioners of the Church of the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God and Caritas workers. In Kherson, he celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the parish feast of Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Volodymyr the Great, visited the Monastery of Saint Volodymyr, where the Basilian Fathers serve, and met with clergy, religious and local residents.
During the visit, Cardinal Mykola also met with representatives of local authorities and employees of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. These meetings focused on the security and humanitarian situation in southern Ukraine, the consequences of Russian attacks, and the need for continued support for people living under the constant threat of shelling.
In his homilies and addresses, Bishop Mykola repeatedly encouraged people not to lose hope, to remain steadfast in faith and united in prayer, emphasising that the Lord Himself is the source of strength for those going through the trials of war. He also conveyed to the faithful the assurance of the Holy Father Leo XIV of his prayers for Ukraine and his gratitude to the Ukrainian people for their steadfastness in faith.
Reflecting on the visit, Bishop Mykola said that it was especially important for him to be present in southern Ukraine in order to personally support people who live under the constant threat of russian attacks, share their pain and witness the closeness of the Church. According to him, the visit was an opportunity not only to bring words of support, prayer and humanitarian assistance, but also to see firsthand the resilience of local communities which, despite all the hardships of war, continue to be living centres of faith, hope and selfless service to their neighbours.
