Cardinal Bychok emphasized the importance of preserving cultural and spiritual ties to Ukraine during these turbulent times.
Newsroom (19/09/2025, Gaudium Press ) Cardinal Mykola Bychok, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic prelate overseeing the Eparchy of Sts. Peter and Paul in Melbourne, Australia, delivered a powerful message of solidarity and resilience to Ukrainian Canadian families during his first pastoral visit to Canada. Speaking at the inaugural Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada Bishop’s Dinner on Sept. 11, the 45-year-old cardinal called for unwavering prayers for peace amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Bychok, the youngest elector in the May 2025 papal conclave, was elevated to the College of Cardinals by the late Pope Francis in December 2024 at age 44. His week-long visit to the Greater Toronto Area included stops at Ukrainian schools and parishes, where he emphasized the importance of preserving cultural and spiritual ties to Ukraine during these turbulent times.
On Sept. 6, after visiting Josyf Cardinal Slipyj, a Ukrainian Catholic Saturday school in Toronto, and presiding over a moleben prayer service to mark the start of the school year, Bychok spoke with The Catholic Register. “It was a very important moment for me because if you are an immigrant outside of your country, you’re looking for a special island that connects you to your native land,” he said. “Especially now, during this Russian aggression, it is vital to preserve your faith, language, culture, and tradition.”
He urged Ukrainian families, students, and teachers to remain steadfast witnesses to Christ, proclaiming God’s word not only in church but in daily life. “We must pass on our knowledge, faith, and the rich legacy we inherited from our ancestors to future generations,” Bychok said.
Accompanied by Bishop Bryan Bayda, who has led the Toronto and Eastern Canada eparchy since 2022, Bychok was invited months earlier by Bayda to be the keynote speaker at the bishop’s dinner, held at the Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton, Ontario. The two prelates, who last met at the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) Synod of Bishops in Rome from June 29 to July 10, share a commitment to advancing pro-family initiatives. Bayda said that proceeds from the dinner will primarily fund the establishment of an eparchial family and life office.
Born in Ternopil, western Ukraine, Bychok serves Ukrainian Catholics in Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania but stressed that his support extends far beyond these regions. “I am trying my best to be a huge support for our Ukrainian people who are wounded, not only in Ukraine, where they experience war daily, but abroad as well,” he said. “In this media age, there are no borders. What happens in Ukraine, we know here in Canada minutes later.”
Bychok described his role as a cardinal as being an “island of hope,” particularly in 2025, designated by Pope Francis as a year of hope. His visit also included plans to meet with Cardinal Francis Leo, the Archbishop of Toronto, whom he befriended during their simultaneous elevation to the cardinalate on Dec. 7, 2024. Recalling their time together at the papal conclave, Bychok noted with warmth, “He was my neighbor during the general congregation assemblies, and during the official installation to the College of Cardinals, he was on my right side.” The two cardinals, who last spoke by phone, planned to share a cup of tea to discuss their ministries and reminisce about the conclave.
Bychok reflected on the prayerful atmosphere of the conclave, where he prayed around 12 rosaries and began each day with private prayer before two Ukrainian-painted icons of the Blessed Virgin. He expressed admiration for Pope Leo XIV, elected in May 2025, for his active leadership. “These first few months of Pope Leo, I’m enjoying it because he’s doing so much work,” Bychok said, praising the pontiff’s frequent statements on the war in Ukraine. “Pope Leo’s statements are very clear. The late Pope Francis sometimes made unclear statements, which were badly received in Ukraine. This war began with Russia, not Ukraine. We are the victims.”
Bychok also acknowledged the Aug. 18 White House summit between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. President Donald Trump, and seven European leaders. “We need friends during the war,” he said, noting the U.S.’s critical role in supporting Ukraine. Yet, he emphasized, “What is said on American currency—‘In God we trust’—is above all.”
The cardinal underscored that every Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church worldwide is praying for a just peace, where Ukraine is recognized as the victim and Russia is held accountable for its aggression. After his Canadian visit, Bychok continued his journey to the Archeparchy of Philadelphia, carrying his message of hope and solidarity to Ukrainian communities abroad.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Catholic Register
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