Civic and religious leaders from across Australia have gathered with the faithful for a Divine Liturgy to commemorate the elevation to cardinal of His Eminence Bishop Mykola Bychok CSsR.
The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy held at the Ukrainian Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Melbourne on 14 February was a solemn and uplifting celebration in honour of the cardinal.
Cardinal Bychok, Eparch of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church in Australia and Oceania, was made the Catholic Church’s youngest cardinal by Pope Francis in a ceremony held in Rome on 7 December.
Present for the celebration in Melbourne was the Apostolic Nuncio Charles Balvo and many of the cardinal’s brother bishops including Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, Eastern Catholic bishops, priests and deacons of the Eparchy, the cardinal’s fellow Redemptorists and members of other religious orders, along with representatives of other Christian communities including the Ukrainian Orthodox and Anglican churches.
Also present were civic leaders including the Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia Vasy Myroshnychenko.
“Today I give thanks to God for all the benefits and gifts he has bestowed upon me which is truly beyond any merits of mine,” said Cardinal Bychok in his homily.
“But as the Holy Father often reminds us, we have a God of surprises.
“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 this high office brings.
“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.”
Earlier in a statement the new cardinal thanked the members of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference for their support and prayers.
“Since my arrival in Australia in 2021, I have found your personal support and friendship to be one of the greatest gifts I have received in my life. My words cannot fully express how much I have come to rely on your wisdom, friendship, and love,” he said.
