Bishop Mykola took part in the Baptism and Confirmation of military personnel in Christchurch, New Zealand
These days, the pastoral visit of Bishop Mykola Bychok, Eparch of Melbourne, to New Zealand continues. From April 11 to 21, Bishop Mykola was in the South Island, where he took part in several important events.
On Saturday, April 20, at St. Patrick’s Church in Christchurch, at the invitation of Fr. Brian Fennessy, Military Chaplain of the Christchurch Diocese, Bishop Mykola took part in the Rite of Baptism and Confirmation of two members of the New Zealand Defence Force, Jacob and Nathaniel.
“Participation in this event was of particular importance to me. On the one hand, this invitation was a manifestation of the fact that New Zealanders support Ukraine, and on the other hand, it was significant for me that I had the opportunity to accompany the ‘birth’ of new members of the Church of Christ, who in a special way contributed to the struggle for the peace and victory of Ukraine because one of these guys trained our Ukrainian military in Great Britain,” Vladyka Mykola shared his impressions.
Addressing the audience, the Bishop spoke about the Ukrainian military, who are like angels of peace for Ukraine, and how many people support our army, help, and volunteer to bring the desired victory closer in any way possible. Bishop Mykola also noted: “My presence at this baptism and confirmation is a special expression of gratitude from the Ukrainian people and, in particular, from me, as a bishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, for the contribution of one of you to the training of our military so that our soldiers have the necessary skills in this fight against the enemy.”
To commemorate this important event, Bishop Mykola presented the newly baptised Jacob and Nathaniel with the UGCC Catechism “Christ is our Pascha” and the UGCC Catechism for Youth “We Walk with Christ” and assured them that he would keep them in his prayers.
