Ukrainian Catholic ChurchAustralia, New Zealand and Oceania
The Jubilee year was solemnly opened at St. Volodymyr’s church in Canberra
January 14, 2025
On Sunday, January 12, the doors of St. Volodymyr’s Church in Canberra were solemnly opened to mark the Jubilee Year. This special year will last until December 28, 2025, and provides the faithful with the opportunity to receive a plenary jubilee indulgence.
The celebration began with a special prayer in front of the church doors, after which they were opened as a symbol of the opening of the spiritual door to God’s grace. The Divine Liturgy was led by Fr. Vasyl Motrichenko in concelebration with Deacon Michael Zylan, Chancellor of the Melbourne Eparchy. On this day, Fr. Vasyl Motrichenko was also officially introduced as the new administrator of St. Volodymyr’s Parish in Canberra. He replaced Fr. Wolodymyr Kalinecki, who completed his ministry and took a well-deserved retirement due to age.
Addressing his parishioners for the first time during the homily, Fr. Vasyl spoke about the significance of the Jubilee Year, its deep historical roots, and its important role in the spiritual life of the Church. He reminded us that this year is a time of special approach to God, when the faithful are called to reflect on eternal values, to overcome the sadness and difficulties of the modern world through trust in the Lord. The anniversary year encourages us not only to dream of a better future but also to live in hope, to show love, and to accept God’s grace with gratitude, believing that with the Lord all things are possible. It is a time for renewal in the Holy Spirit, strengthening of faith, and openness to serve our neighbours.
We remind you that according to the decree of December 19, 2024, there are two churches in the Melbourne Eparchy where the faithful can receive the grace of the plenary Jubilee indulgence: the Cathedral Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Melbourne and St. Volodymyr’s Church in Canberra.
We urge everyone to take advantage of this great grace and invite you to the annual pilgrimage of the Melbourne Eparchy to Canberra, which this year will be held on June 7–8.
