Ukrainian Catholic ChurchAustralia, New Zealand and Oceania
Easter in New Zealand
May 11, 2024
From May 3 to May 8, Father Andriy Mykytyuk, Synkellos for Laity, was on a pastoral visit to New Zealand, during which the priest travelled more than 2,000 km to bring the good news of the Resurrection of Christ to the faithful who live on the South and North Islands of New Zealand.
Since the visit fell precisely on Easter according to the New Julian calendar, in every city visited by the priest, the faithful had the opportunity to participate in Easter services.
Father Andriy began his visit from Wellington, where the faithful gathered on May 4, Holy Saturday, according to the New Julian calendar. In the following days, the faithful prayed together in Auckland and Christchurch, and at the end, the joyful “Christ is Risen” sounded in Dunedin. Divine Liturgies were held in each city, during which prayers were made in a special way for peace in Ukraine and for the intentions of each of those present. The faithful had the opportunity to bless Easter baskets as well as gather for a joint meal after the service to celebrate together and talk with the priest. In this pastoral visit, Father Andriy was accompanied by his wife, Olesia, who graced all services with her singing.
In Auckland and Christchurch, the baptism of two children also took place, so the holiday of the Resurrection of Christ was supplemented with another joy — the birth of new Christians into this world — and our Church was replenished with two new members.
“It was interesting to celebrate Easter twice, because we in Australia have already celebrated on March 31, according to the Gregorian calendar, but since Easter is a holiday not only of one day but a holiday of our lives, which I emphasised in every homily, therefore every occasion to celebrate and pray together is good,” shared his impressions of Fr. Andriy.
This pastoral visit was a great opportunity for the faithful in New Zealand to gather and pray together for peace in Ukraine and all graces for everyone present. Since the priest visits New Zealand only a few times a year, the faithful take part in joint services with great joy.
