Speech by Bishop Mykola Cardinal Bychok at the General Assembly of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations in Melbourne

Speech by Bishop Mykola Cardinal Bychok at the General Assembly of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations in Melbourne

15 March 2025

Dear delegates of the General Assembly of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, and distinguished guests,

I extend my heartfelt greetings to each of you. It is both an honour and a privilege to address this gathering, representing the vibrant tapestry of our Ukrainian community across this great land.

First and foremost, I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering collaboration and dedication demonstrated over the years. Our shared endeavours have not only strengthened our community but have also ensured the preservation and flourishing of our rich spiritual and cultural heritage in Australia. Each organisation’s commitment has been instrumental in weaving the fabric of our united diaspora.

As with any enduring community, we stand at the crossroads of generational change. The seamless transfer of leadership roles is both a challenge and an opportunity. It is imperative that we approach this transition with sensitivity and foresight, ensuring that the wisdom and experiences of our predecessors guide and inspire the emerging leaders. By fostering mentorship and open dialogue, we can bridge generational divides, ensuring continuity and renewed strength in our mission.

I strongly encourage many of the older generation leaders to reflect upon their experiences of 20 or 30 years ago, the difficulties in facilitating leadership renewal and the resistance you faced from the older generation. I ask that you be open in welcoming a younger generation of leaders in our community organisations. The younger generation has much to offer having a fresh approach, whilst building on the achievements of past generations.

The wisdom, mentorship and leadership given to us by the late Stefan Romaniw, should inspire us to seek renewal and growth. He was always welcoming of a younger generation of leaders. In my short time as a bishop in Australia, we were able to achieve much with Stefan’s support, advise and help. I take this opportunity to thank him for his example of service and leadership not only in the AFUO but for the Church and the people of Australia and Ukraine. Eternal memory!

Our community’s history is marked by successive waves of migration, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives. It is crucial to recognise and address the subtle — and sometimes not so subtle — divisions that may arise between earlier settlers and more recent arrivals. We have observed in different countries that such distinctions can lead to fragmentation. Let us learn from these experiences and strive to cultivate an inclusive environment where every individual, regardless of their migration timeline, political or religious outlook, feels valued and integral to our collective identity.

The synergy between the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Australia and our community organisations has been the cornerstone of our resilience and growth. Historically, this collaboration has created initiatives such as the “Dnister” and “Karpaty” cooperative societies, and their successors which have played a pivotal role in supporting our community’s economic and social needs. The Church’s foundational role in preserving our spirituality, traditions, and culture cannot be overstated. As we move forward, this unity must remain steadfast, adapting to contemporary challenges while honouring our shared legacy.

From the earliest days of Ukrainian migration to Australia, the Church has been a sanctuary and guiding light. It has provided not only spiritual nourishment but also a sense of belonging and identity. For new generations of migrants, the Church continues to be a beacon, offering programs and initiatives that foster integration while preserving our distinct heritage. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the Church remains accessible and relevant, addressing the evolving needs of our youth and newcomers, whilst at the same time being faithful to the teaching and tradition giving to us by Christ, the Holy Apostles and the Fathers and Mothers of the Church.

One of the great lights of our Church and our community are the Ukrainian Schools, those that are conducted by the Church and community organisations. For more than 75 years, Ukrainian language schools have been a beacon of hope for our Church and community. All our schools should take a holistic approach to education encompassing not only language studies but also religion and culture. I would like to acknowledge and thank the hard work of teachers, parents as well as students who together make our schools an integral part of our community.

Cultural diplomacy also serves as a bridge, connecting us with the broader Australian society and showcasing the richness of our Christian heritage. The Eparchial Ukrainian Museum of Australia houses valuable artifacts, telling the story of our rich faith, history and culture. Dance groups such as the “Legenda” and “Verhovyna” from Melbourne, “Veselka” and “Zahrava” from Sydney, “Roztiazhka” from Perth, “Kashtan” and “Hopak” from Adelaide, and “Vodohray” from Brisbane, along with various choirs, both parish-based and community-driven, have been ambassadors of our culture. Individual artists have also played significant roles in enriching Australia’s cultural landscape. Their talents and dedication have not only preserved our traditions but have also enriched Australia’s multicultural mosaic.

Organisations such as the Ukrainian Youth Association (СУМ) and Plast have been instrumental in the integral development of our youth. Guided by the motto “God and Ukraine”, with God always at the forefront, they instil values of faith, patriotism, and community service. Their programs nurture leadership, resilience, and a deep-seated commitment to our heritage, ensuring that our spiritual and cultural values are passed down through generations.

In these trying times, as our homeland endures the hardships of war, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has been at the forefront of providing aid and comfort. Through organisations like Caritas, the Patriarchal Foundation “Mudra Sprava”, the Ukrainian Catholic University, and various eparchies worldwide, over 300 million €uro have been distributed to support those affected by the war. The Church has mobilized these resources as well as others to show our commitment to those who are in greatest need. These efforts reflect our unwavering solidarity with our brothers and sisters.

As we gather today, our hearts and prayers are with our people in Ukraine, who are enduring the trials of war. The year 2025 holds special significance for us as it has been proclaimed a Jubilee Year dedicated to the virtue of hope. This sacred time invites us to renew our faith and trust in Divine Providence. We live in hope that this war will soon come to an end, ushering in an era of a just peace. Let us embody the essence of hope, becoming beacons of light and compassion in these challenging times.

While material and financial support are vital, our foremost duty lies in spiritual solidarity — through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. During the Great Fast we pray “the aim of the fast is repentance, a step towards eternal life, especially when we extend a giving hand. Nothing saves our souls more than help for the poor. Charity unites us with the fast and saves us from the spiritual death. Let us love charity because she has no equal. She will save our souls”.

In closing, I once again express my profound gratitude for the unity, dedication, and resilience that define our community. Together, anchored in our faith and cultural heritage, we can navigate the challenges ahead, ensuring that the legacy of our ancestors continues to thrive in this land. May we remain steadfast in our mission, always placing God, Ukraine and Australia at the heart of our endeavours.

O God hear our prayer, as the enemy destroys our land, in unity there is strength for our people, O God grant us unity!

Thank you and may God’s grace continue to guide and bless our community.