“I ask you to pray for the captive Redemptorist fathers and for the entire Ukrainian nation” — Bishop Mykola Bychok at the parish feast in Noble Park

June 18, 2023

On Sunday, June 18, the parishioners of the Mission Station of Blessed Mykolay Charnetsky in Noble Park, a suburb of Melbourne, celebrated a solemn parish feast. For the prayerful celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, led by Bishop Mykola Bychok, in co-celebration with Father Yuriy Tychenok, Father Ruslan Babiy, Deacon Michael Zylan, faithful and guests from all corners of the city gathered.

“I ask you to pray for the captive Redemptorist fathers and for the entire Ukrainian nation” — Bishop Mykola Bychok at the parish feast in Noble Park

The sanctuary was filled with prayer, and the fragrance of flowers adorning the church and the aroma of incense created a special atmosphere of holiness. Bishop Mykola, in his sermon, emphasized the significance of Blessed Mykolay Charnetsky as a great preacher of the Gospel, who was an example of obedience to God’s will and unwavering faith. He called on the faithful to follow his example, to deepen their understanding of God’s love, and to bring it to everyone, especially to those in greatest need. The Hierarch remarked, ‘Blessed Mykolay Charnetsky throughout his life followed the words of Christ: “Follow Me!” And he remained faithful to them even in the greatest trials.’ The Bishop shared with the faithful the martyrdom of Blessed Mykolay Charnetsky, intertwining his story with that of the captive Redemptorist fathers Bohdan Heleta and Ivan Levytskyi, who have been held captive by Russian occupiers since November of last year. The Bishop spoke of the self-sacrifice of the fathers who, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, did not leave their place of service in Berdiansk and continued to assist the faithful in every possible way, risking their own lives. ‘Perhaps our Church,’ continued the Eparch of Melbourne, ‘has two new martyrs today, as the current fate of the fathers is unknown. I want to emphasize that, like Blessed Mykolay, Father Bohdan and Father Ivan are also faithful to Christ despite everything. Dear brothers and sisters, I ask you to pray for the captive Redemptorist fathers and for the entire Ukrainian nation! May Blessed Mykolay Charnetsky be our intercessor in God’s grace and mercy.’

After the Divine Liturgy, those present had the opportunity to meet with Bishop Mykola, receive his blessing, and spend time in fellowship. Additionally, the parishioners organized a shared meal where guests, as one Christian family, could celebrate the parish feast and congratulate Father Ruslan Babiy, the administrator of the Dormition of the Mother of God Church in Ardeer, on his birthday.

The parish feast at the Mission Station of Blessed Mykolay Charnetsky became a spiritual gathering and renewal for all who attended. It reminded everyone of the importance of faith, mercy, and unity in God’s love.

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