First Confession and Solemn Holy Communion in the Cathedral

October 29, 2024

On October 26–27, an important event took place for the parish community at the Cathedral Church of the Saints Peter and Paul in Melbourne, as children received the Sacraments of Confession and Solemn Holy Communion for the first time.

First Confession and Solemn Holy Communion in the Cathedral

For four months, the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great prepared the children for this meaningful event through weekly Sunday classes. The programme, designed by the Sisters, aimed to teach the basics of the Christian faith in an engaging and informative way.

On Saturday, October 26, the children made their first Confession, and the next day, Sunday, October 27, during the Divine Liturgy, they received Solemn Holy Communion. This moment marked the culmination of their spiritual preparation and a significant step in their Christian lives.

During the homily, Fr. Andriy Mykytyuk, administrator of the Cathedral parish, said, “Yesterday, the children took a very important step—they participated in the Sacrament of Confession. Confession is something unique, because in confession we can feel how our Heavenly Father embraces us, forgives us, takes us by the hand, and gives us strength to move on in life.” He also emphasised that, just as the children had prepared for this Solemn Communion for a long time, each subsequent Communion should be a special meeting with God for which they should prepare.

Parents, relatives, and friends came to support the children on this solemn day, praying and rejoicing together for the young parishioners. After the liturgy, each child received a certificate to commemorate this special day.

The celebration concluded with a communal lunch, during which the children and their families continued to share in the joy of the occasion.

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