Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in Sydney and the Priesthood Jubilee of Fr. Oleh Stefanyshyn
On Sunday, July 27, at St. Andrew’s Church in Sydney, Bishop Mykola Bychok, Eparch of Melbourne, presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. The bishop visited the Sydney parish shortly after returning to Australia from Rome, where he participated in the Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
During the service, Bishop Mykola was concelebrated by Fr. Iurii Tychenok, administrator of St. Andrew’s Parish; Fr. Oleh Stefanyshyn and Fr. Justin McDonnell, assistant priests; and Fr. Laurence Foote. During the liturgy, special prayers were offered for Fr. Oleh Stefanyshyn, who is celebrating his 30th anniversary of priesthood and his 60th birthday this year.
After the liturgy, Bishop Mykola thanked Fr. Oleh for his many years of service in the parishes of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Australia and presented him with a certificate of appreciation on the occasion of his double jubilee. In his speech, the bishop said, “For three decades, you have been a Good Shepherd, leading God’s people on the path of faith and providing prayerful support and strong spiritual guidance in life’s trials. You have devoted half of your life to God and His people, performing your priestly ministry with modesty, devotion, and love for God and your neighbour. We pray that the immeasurable grace that you have accepted with trust and humility with the gift of the priesthood will be a source of inspiration and spiritual joy in your daily service to God.”
In conclusion, the bishop wished the jubilarian that the Almighty God would continue to guide him and bless him with His generous gifts, sending him strength, inspiration, and good health.
