Bishop Mykola Cardinal Bychok participated in World Humanitarian Day service in Canberra
On Tuesday, 19 August, Bishop Mykola Cardinal Bychok, Eparch of Melbourne, participated in the World Humanitarian Day service held at the Australian Overseas Aid Volunteer Memorial in Canberra.
The event, organised by Caritas Australia in partnership with Micah Australia and ACFID, brought together representatives of diverse faith communities to reflect, pray, and honour the humanitarian workers who have given their lives to serving others and promoting peace and human dignity. The prayerful commemoration took place in the Bible Garden of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture.
Bishop Mykola had the opportunity to deliver an address, in which he emphasised that service is a sacred calling in the Christian tradition: “In my own Ukrainian Catholic tradition, we speak of служіння—service—as a sacred calling. It is not simply an action but a way of being, rooted in love for God and neighbour. Those we remember today lived out this calling to the very end.”
He also highlighted the importance of interfaith unity: “Here, Christians, Jews, Muslims, and people of many backgrounds stand together. In a world too often divided, our presence says with one voice: We will not let violence and fear have the last word.”
In conclusion, Bishop Mykola expressed condolences to the families, colleagues, and friends of the fallen humanitarian workers, assuring them of prayers, solidarity, and the commitment to continue their mission.
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