The AFUO warmly thanks the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne for their generous donation of $150,000 to help Ukrainians displaced by russia’s full-scale invasion.
The funds were raised through a special Advent Appeal launched by Archbishop Peter A Comensoli.
Archbishop Comensoli witnessed the brutal impact of russia’s war when he visited Lviv, Kyiv, Irpin and Bucha last year with a delegation of Australian bishops and laity.
“We heard first-hand of both the pain and loss – and of the great courage and hope held by the Ukrainian peoples,’ said Archbishop Comensoli.
Archbishop Comensoli presented the donation to Bishop Mykola Bychok, the Eparchial Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saints Peter and Paul of Melbourne, at a meeting with representatives of the Ukrainian community in Australia, including AFUO Co chair Stefan Romaniw.
The Archbishop emphasised that it was Bishop Mykola Bychok’s regular reports and appeals to Australian bishops about the situation in Ukraine that inspired him and other bishops to visit Ukraine.
In their meeting, Bishop Mykola noticed there was an icon from the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Irpin. During the brutal russian occupation of Irpin, the parish priest, together with 30 adults and children, were forced to hide in a cellar under this church.
“For me, this fact is extremely telling; it is a demonstration of the connection with Ukraine and a symbol that the Catholic Church in Australia supports the Ukrainian people in these difficult times,” said Bishop Mykola.
Thank you Archbishop Comensoli and the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne for your solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Your support demonstrates a deep commitment to Christian values of compassion, love and respect.
Together, we can make a difference and provide much needed support to the people of Ukraine.
Read the full story here: https://melbournecatholic.org/news/archdiocese-of-melbourne-raises-150-000-for-the-people-of-ukraine
