Archdiocese of Melbourne raises $150,000 for the people of Ukraine

A total of $150,000 has been raised by the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne as part of a special Advent Appeal and will go towards providing aid and practical assistance to those displaced by the war in Ukraine. It comes as the country marks two years since Russia’s invasion.

‘In these past two years, we have kept the people of Ukraine in our hearts and prayers, and sought ways to support those who have found refuge here in Australia—and particularly Victoria,’ said Archbishop Peter A Comensoli.

I am very pleased to say that through this appeal we had over 1,000 donors—with some parishes uniting as one singular contribution.

‘The words and stories shared by Bishop Mykola Bychok, bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Sts Peter and Paul of Melbourne, deeply resonated with the Australian bishops, and certainly inspired my own participation last year in a small delegation that visited the cities of Lviv, Kyiv and the neighbouring communities of Irpin and Bucha.

‘During this trip, we heard first-hand of both the pain and loss—and of the great courage and hope—held by the Ukrainian peoples.’

The 2023 Advent Appeal was launched by Archbishop Comensoli to raise awareness and provide practical relief for those in need.

‘I am very pleased to say that through this appeal, we had over 1,000 donors—with some parishes uniting as one singular contribution,’ the Archbishop said.

‘To date, we have received $131,549.00, a significant amount. On behalf of the Archdiocese, I will be bringing this amount to a total figure of $150,000.’

Archbishop Comensoli presented the donation to a grateful Bishop Mykola Bychok CSsR earlier this week, and reiterated his commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine.

‘May we continue to hold our Ukrainian brothers and sisters in our prayers,’ Archbishop Comensoli said, ‘and seek the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, Queen of Peace, that her Son, the Prince of Peace, will remain close to those who need it most.’