Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in Rome for Pilgrims from the Eparchy of Mukachevo
May 13, 2025
On Monday, May 12, 2025, Bishop Mykola Cardinal Bychok, Eparch of Melbourne, presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Teresa in Rome. This event was part of the pilgrimage of the faithful from the Eparchy of Mukachevo.
Over five hundred pilgrims from Zakarpattia came on pilgrimage to Rome on the occasion of the Jubilee Year. During the Liturgy, Bishop Mykola was concelebrated by: Archbishop William Skurla, Metropolitan of Pittsburgh (USA); Bishop Teodor Matsapula, eparch of the Eparchy of Mukachevo; Bishop Nil Lushchak, auxiliary bishop of the Eparchy of Mukachevo; Bishop Emeritus Irynej Bilyk; Fr. Simon Ckuj, protosyncellos of the Melbourne Eparchy, as well as numerous clergy of the Eparchy of Mukachevo.
In his homily, Bishop Mykola drew attention to the words of the day’s prokimenon: “Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have hoped in You,” emphasizing that they are deeply connected to the Jubilee Year, which the Church has dedicated to the theme of hope. The bishop noted that in this time we truly seek God’s grace and mercy for everyone, and especially for the Ukrainian people.
He also emphasized the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage to Rome in this grace-filled year: “Throughout 2025, many faithful pilgrims are coming to this holy city, as if to a well of spiritual grace. They come to draw spiritual water, hope, and other virtues that will strengthen them in their Christian spiritual life.”
Reflecting on the Gospel passage, the bishop emphasized that we can be in full unity with Christ when we receive His Body and Holy Blood, as spoken of in the Gospel.
At the end, Bishop Mykola called on the pilgrims to spiritually benefit from their time in Rome: “Make this time of pilgrimage as spiritually fruitful as possible. Visit the holy places, pray, remembering all the intentions you brought with you. Unite in prayer for the Ukrainian people, for peace, for the wounded, the prisoners, and the missing. May this pilgrimage become your offering to the Lord.”







