Ukrainian Catholic ChurchAustralia, New Zealand and Oceania
Clergy of the Melbourne Eparchy met with the Lord Mayor of Adelaide
September 29, 2025
On Monday, 29 September, a delegation of the Melbourne Eparchy, led by Bishop Mykola Cardinal Bychok, visited the Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Ms. Jane Lomax-Smith. The meeting took place at the Adelaide Town Hall.
Joining the Bishop at the meeting were Fr. Taras Gorpynyak, administrator of the Parish of Our Lady of Protection in Wayville; Fr. Zenon Racki, administrator of the Parish of Saints Volodymyr and Olha in Woodville; and Fr. Paul Babie.
During the conversation, they discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine. Bishop Mykola spoke about those who have arrived in Australia since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, particularly in Adelaide, and expressed his gratitude to the city authorities for the support offered to those who have been welcomed here.
His Eminence also shared his reflections on his visit to Ukraine in June this year, during which he travelled to Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipro. He recounted his experience of being in the capital during a major missile attack — a moment that left a deep emotional impression.
Special attention during the meeting was given to the life of the Ukrainian community in Adelaide, which this year marked the 50th anniversary of the consecration of the Church of Our Lady of Protection in Wayville. Bishop Mykola also presented the mission of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church across Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania.
