Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the SUM’s members in Buxton

For many years, the Day of St. Michael the Archangel has been a special and important holiday for SUM all over the world, since it is St. Michael the Archangel who is the heavenly guardian and patron of this organization. On this day, members of SUM in different parts of the world gather for joint prayer. Representatives of SUM Australia are no exception, and on this holiday, they annually gather at the “Karpaty” residence in Buxton.

This year, for the first time after the transition to the Gregorian calendar, the day of Saint Michael the Archangel was celebrated on November 5. The ceremony began with a traditional appeal. After that, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was held, which was presided over by Bishop Mykola Bychok, Eparch of Melbourne, with the co-service of Deacon Michael Zylan, Chancellor of the Eparchy of Melbourne, and Protodeacon Edward Kostraby.

During his homily, Bishop Mykola emphasised the importance of this holiday for every member of the SUM and said, “Today we celebrate the feast of St. Michael the Archangel. For every member of SUM, this feast is the victory of good over evil, truth over lie, peace over war, and holiness over sinfulness. That is why the feast of the holy archangel Michael, and all heavenly incorporeal powers can be called the feast of our heavenly protectors. Our guardian angels constantly pray for us to God and ask for the graces we need for spiritual strengthening and a successful struggle with evil spirits—the enemies of our salvation. They protect us with their invisible presence from all evil and make our way to heaven safe. The words of the psalm assure us of this: ‘For He will command His angels to guard you in all your ways. They will carry you in their arms so that your foot does not trip over a stone’ (Ps. 90, 11–12).”

At the end of the Liturgy, Bishop Mykola read a separate prayer to St. Michael the Archangel and all the heavenly powers of the incorporeal in front of the recently restored image of St. Michael the Archangel, which was brought from Melbourne.

Afterwards, all the participants gathered near their tents to continue the celebration.

See also

December 2 Bishop Mykola received the highest award from the Sovereign Order of Malta December 2 Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus in Rome November 29 Public consistory and elevation of Bishop Mykola Bychok to the dignity of cardinal, December 7