On Friday 14 February 2025, the Ukrainian Catholic community in Melbourne gathered for a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Sts Peter and Paul to celebrate the elevation of Bishop Mykola Bychok CSsR, head of the Eparchy of Sts Peter and Paul of Melbourne for Ukrainian Catholics in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, to the ‘Sacred Purple’ of the College of Cardinals. The event marked a significant milestone in the life of the Eparchy and of the wider Church in Australia.
The liturgy brought together a distinguished assembly of clergy, civil authorities and members of the faithful. Among those present were Archbishop Charles Balvo, Apostolic Nuncio to Australia; Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP of Sydney; bishops from various Australian dioceses; bishops and clergy of the Eastern Catholic Churches; and Fr. Lubomyr Yavorsky, a guest from Ukraine. Also in attendance were representatives of other Christian communities, including Bishop Genieve Blackwell from the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne and Archpriest Fr Michael Solomko of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Political and civil representatives, including the Ukranian Ambassador to Australia, Mr Vasyl Myroshnychenko, also joined the celebration.
It was unimaginable a few months ago that I would be standing before you as a Cardinal of the Holy Church.
Cardinal Bychok began his homily by warmly welcoming those gathered in the cathedral and reflecting on the significance of the occasion. He expressed deep gratitude for the support and prayers he had received from the community, acknowledging that his appointment was an unexpected yet humbling responsibility.
‘It was unimaginable a few months ago that I would be standing before you as a Cardinal of the Holy Church, with all the responsibilities that this high office brings,’ he said. ‘I have been greatly strengthened by the prayers and support of my brother bishops in Australia and Ukraine, as well as thousands of well-wishers from around the world, whose prayers have accompanied me.’
Cardinal Bychok reflected on the words of St Paul, particularly the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and how they should be manifest in the lives of Christians. He emphasised love as central to the Christian vocation, noting that selfless love—agape—must be at the heart of every Christian life, especially those of priests, bishops and cardinals. He also said that joy, peace and faithfulness are essential virtues for those entrusted with the mission of shepherding God’s people.
The liturgy coincided with the feast of Sts Cyril and Methodius in the Byzantine calendar, and Cardinal Bychok highlighted their example of faithfulness in spreading the Gospel in the face of adversity. He drew a connection between their mission and his own journey, particularly in relation to the relics of St Clement, which were brought to Rome by St Cyril.
‘In my appointment as a cardinal, I too have a distant link to St Cyril,’ he noted. ‘At the consistory on 7 December 2024, Pope Francis named me Cardinal Priest of St Sofia in Via Boccea. So my titular church contains the relics of St Clement, brought to Rome by St Cyril. I am humbled to be the cardinal priest of this great temple, a visible sign of our Church’s resilience and faithfulness.’
Becoming a cardinal is not for personal glory but a cross that I must carry. Pray that I may worthily carry this burden for the glory of God and his Church.
The Gospel reading for the liturgy focused on the Beatitudes, and Cardinal Bychok reminded the faithful that these teachings of Christ reveal ‘the goal of human existence, the ultimate end of human acts’. He called on those present to embrace the Beatitudes as a way of life, bringing hope and peace to a world in need.
‘Today, I also reflect on the words of the psalmist, “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to thy name give glory, for the sake of thy steadfast love and thy faithfulness.” Becoming a cardinal is not for personal glory but a cross that I must carry. Pray that I may worthily carry this burden for the glory of God and his Church. Pray that I may be a faithful shepherd and teacher of the Beatitudes. Pray that I may be steadfast in faith and courageous in love, preaching the truth as handed to us by the Apostles and Holy Fathers.’
In conclusion, Cardinal Bychok called the faithful to pray for a just peace in Ukraine and other parts of the world suffering from war, emphasising the responsibility of Christians to bring hope in times of tribulation. ‘Every person has the right to live in happiness,’ he said. ‘It is our responsibility as individuals as well as a Church and community to do all that we can to see the realisation of these promises that Christ offers us.’
Following the liturgy, attendees were invited to a festive meal, providing an opportunity for personal conversations with Cardinal Bychok and further reflection on the significance of the occasion. The celebration marked not only a personal milestone for the Cardinal but also a moment of joy and unity for the Ukrainian Catholic community in Australia and beyond.
Banner image: Cardinal Mykola Bychok CSsR at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy to celebrate his raising to the ‘Sacred Purple’ at the Cathedral of Sts Peter and Paul on Friday 14 February 2025.
All photos courtesy of Eparchy of Sts Peter and Paul of Melbourne for Ukrainian Catholics in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania.
