On Saturday, June 29, 2024, in the Cathedral of the First Apostles Peter and Paul, a hierarchical service was held on the occasion of the feast of the church. Peter and Paul, a Bishop’s service was held on the occasion of the church feast.
The hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Kir Mykhailo of Sokal and Zhovkva in concelebration with Bishop Nicholas, Bishop of Melbourne (Australia), Bishop Michael, Exarch of Odesa, Bishop Peter, Auxiliary Bishop of the Sokal and Zhovkva Eparchy, protopresbyters and invited clergy.
The sermon was delivered by Bishop Mykola Bychok:
“We glorify you, Apostles of Christ Peter and Paul, who enlightened the whole world with your teachings and brought all the ends of the earth to Christ” – these are the words of the Church of Christ that honour the holy Apostles Peter and Paul.
“When I was travelling to Australia, three years ago, and the airport staff asked me if I was a sailor, I said I was a bishop, but they probably didn’t know who I was and after asking me questions, they let me go.
The apostles were fishermen, they rinsed their nets when Christ called them to follow him. And yet I thought I had something in common with fishermen.
We recall two giants of the spirit who were different, but united by their unity in Christ.
Different people who had one thing in common – they talked about Christ.
We all have our own journey to God. Everyone has a turning point in their life when they come to know God. God comes to meet a person to bring them into the Kingdom of God.
God does not do violence to man, he encourages him. When a person repents, God always comes to meet them,” – he said in his sermon.
In conclusion, Bishop Michael called for a meeting with God through the Holy Sacraments and wished that, through the prayers of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, the Lord would grant our country the long-awaited peace.
After the service, Bishop Mykhailo thanked the bishops and priests for their joint prayer and emphasised the faith of the apostles who made this faith alive and shared it.
The bishop also congratulated the birthday celebrants, including Bishop Peter.
The festive service ended with a prayer for Ukraine.
The press service of the diocese