Ukrainian Catholic ChurchAustralia, New Zealand and Oceania
Divine Liturgy became spiritual focus of first Plast camp in Western Australia
September 1, 2025
From August 29 to 31, 2025, the first Plast camp in Western Australia took place under the title “Strength in Unity!”, organised for Ukrainian youth and families in the region. One of the key events of the camp programme was the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, presided over by Fr. Ihor Holovko, administrator of St. John the Baptist Parish in Perth.
The service was held outdoors, surrounded by nature, and united all camp participants in a prayer of thanksgiving and for God’s blessing. Children, youth, educators, and parents took part in the celebration.
In his homily, Fr. Igor emphasized the importance of spiritual formation in the life of every Plast member. He recalled the first Plast law — “A Plast member loves God and Ukraine” — and urged the young people to seek God in their daily lives, through service to others and love for their homeland.
The Divine Liturgy became the central spiritual moment of the camp, highlighting the role of Christian values in shaping the worldview of young people. Shared prayer helped participants grow in their understanding of faith and its place in Plast life.
After the Liturgy, the entire camp community sang the prayer “God, Hear Our Plea,” lifting their voices in intention for peace in Ukraine, for the defenders of the homeland, and for the future of Ukrainian youth — both in their native land and throughout the diaspora.
