Ukrainian Catholic ChurchAustralia, New Zealand and Oceania
“True peace is being in harmony with the Lord God,” Bishop Mykola in Melbourne
April 9, 2024
On April 7, on Thomas Sunday, Bishop Mykola Bychok, Eparch of Melbourne, headed the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Melbourne.
The Second Sunday after the Resurrection was special for the faithful of the Cathedral parish, because on this day they gathered in large numbers to celebrate together the feast of the Resurrection of Christ at the symbolic Easter lunch “Spilne Sviachene”.
So, the celebration began with the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, during which the priests and deacons of the Cathedral served together with Bishop Mykola, and the Liturgy was accompanied by the singing of the parish choir.
Addressing the faithful during the homily, Bishop Mykola told those present about the significance of the Sunday after the Resurrection for the disciples and followers of Christ and also drew attention to the fact that at that time of despair, fear, and ignorance, Christ comes to his disciples and says to them only a few words: “Peace be with you.” And although these are only a few words, their meaning is extremely deep. “Peace is not only the absence of war. True peace is being in harmony with the Lord God. When peace reigns not only on earth but, above all, in our hearts. This is perhaps what Christ wants to teach us today, so that we remember that he is the source of peace, and we are the ones who, as it were, are obliged to convey this peace to others,” explained Bishop Mykola.
Concluding his homily, the Bishop emphasised that very often a lot depends on us and called on the faithful to think: “What do we pass on to others? Are we conveying restlessness, anxiety, some kind of fear, or insecurity? Are we still the apostles of peace, love, hope, faith, and many other virtues?”
After the Liturgy, everyone gathered in the Hall of Patriarch Josyph Slipyi for a solemn joint lunch, which was started by Father Andriy Mykytyuk, administrator of the Cathedral parish. He greeted those present and invited them to pray together. After that, the priests shared the blessed egg with everyone, so everyone had a great opportunity to communicate at the festive table.
