Ukrainian Catholic ChurchAustralia, New Zealand and Oceania
Parish Feast and Solemn Holy Communion at St. Volodymyr’s Parish in Canberra
July 22, 2025
On Sunday, 20 July, the parish of St. Volodymyr in Canberra celebrated its parish feast day, which this year was combined with a special occasion—for the first time in many years, four children received their First Confession and Solemn Holy Communion.
The Divine Liturgy was led by Fr. Oleh Stefanyshyn, assistant priest at St. Andrew’s Parish in Sydney, concelebrated with Fr. Iurii Tychenok, administrator of the same parish, and Fr. Vasyl Motrichenko, administrator of St. Volodymyr’s Parish in Canberra.
The homily was delivered by Fr. Iurii, who addressed the children with simple yet profound words about the importance of receiving Christ in the Eucharist. During the service, the children, who had been carefully preparing for the Sacraments of Confession and the Eucharist, solemnly received Holy Communion in the presence of their families and parish community.
This day was also particularly special for Fr. Vasyl Motrichenko, as it marked his first parish feast day at St. Volodymyr’s in his role as administrator.
Following the liturgy, the celebration continued in the parish hall. Thanks to the efforts of the children’s parents, a festive lunch was held, featuring a raffle draw, the cutting of a celebratory cake, and warm fellowship over coffee and sweets.
