Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in Ardeer

Responding to the invitation of the administrator of the Parish of the Dormition of the Mother of God, Fr. Ruslan Babii, Bishop Mykola came to Ardeer to share the joy of Christmas with the parishioners of this church.

The celebration began with the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, which was attended by a large number of Ukrainians from Ardeer and the surrounding areas. Father Ruslan Babii and deacon Michael Zylan, Chancellor of the Eparchy, co-served the bishop.

“Today we have gathered as a parish community to celebrate life,” Bishop Mykola began his homily. Reflecting on the significance of the Feast of the Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which is for all Christians a reminder of our baptism and of the constant presence of God in our lives, and the Gospel of Zacchaeus Sunday, which is the beginning of preparation for Great Lent and, accordingly, the beginning of preparation for the Resurrection of Christ, the bishop assigned special attention to the topic of repentance and salvation. After all, baptism is not sufficient for salvation, and in order to be salvated, it is necessary to make significant efforts. Repentance itself is the first element of holiness.

“Let this example of Zacchaeus always remind us that our efforts, which we make to climb the spiritual tree that is the Church of Christ, are not in vain. The Lord will remember us in his kingdom,” called Bishop Mykola, and wished those present to always hear the words, “O Son of God, baptised by John in the Jordan, save us!”

After a joint prayer, the clergy and the faithful gathered in the parish hall for a celebratory lunch, “Shchedryy Vechir”, during which they had the opportunity to communicate and carol together with their bishop.

See also

January 7 Pastoral visit of Bishop Mykola to Tasmania, January 25–26 January 5 Solemn opening of the Jubilee Year in Melbourne December 30 Bishop Mykola to the members of the CYM in Buxton: “We remember all those who are fighting for independence at this very moment”