Ukrainian Catholic ChurchAustralia, New Zealand and Oceania
Ukrainian Liturgy in Christchurch
April 22, 2024
On Sunday, April 21, as part of a pastoral visit to New Zealand, Bishop Mykola Bychok, Eparch of Melbourne, met with the faithful in Christchurch.
Ukrainians living in Christchurch gathered in the church of Sts. Peter and Paul for the Divine Liturgy, during which everyone prayed together for personal intentions and, in a special way, for peace in Ukraine.
Reflecting on the passage from the Gospel of John, Bishop Mykola drew the attention of those present to the fact that this paralysed man, who came to the Siloam pool to touch the water and heal, had been on the path of healing for quite a long time — for 38 years, that is, almost two generations. “In the current situation, especially for us Ukrainians living abroad, it seems that Ukraine is also following this path, as if it is paralysed and needs healing. And it seems that there is no one to help her. However, we all understand that we are not alone, just as Christ extended a hand of healing and help to the paralytic, so the Ukrainian people find salvation in Our Lord Jesus Christ,” stressed Bishop Mykola.
After the Divine Liturgy, all those present gathered in a small community in the parish hall for a joint meal, where they had the opportunity to talk with the bishop and, among other things, get answers to pressing questions.
