On February 10, 2020, the archpastoral visit of His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of the UOC of the USA and Diaspora to the Ukrainian Orthodox parish of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in the city of Perth, Western Australia took place.

The archpastor led the Moleben service, commemorating the faithful in attendance as well as those who have offered their service in fighting the wildfires throughout Australia.  Welcoming the archpastor to the parish’s temple, Mrs. Olena Kotsur, president of the parochial board of administration asked the hierarch to remember in his prayers numerous generations of faithful of the parish, founders of the sacred Ukrainian Orthodox temple in Perth, Australia as well as those parishioners, who have arrived recently from Ukraine and other parts in the world to Australia in search for spiritual uplifting and economic stability.   

His Eminence was assisted by Very Rev. Fr. Michael Solomko, president of the Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Eparchy of Australia and New Zealand of the UOC oi Diaspora.

Parishioners from various local neighborhoods of Perth prayed with the archpastor. Liturgical chants were sung by the faithful of the parish in attendance.

At the end of the service, Vladyka Daniel addressed the clergy and parishioners present in the church with words of spiritual edification, addressing various administrative issues in the life of the parish.

Visiting his parishioners is a primary responsibility for a bishop, and is a favorite of Archbishop Daniel. These are typically two to three-day visits, over a weekend, and can involve liturgy, preaching, social events, leadership meetings, and community organizations visits.

“I enjoy getting out of my daily routine, while visiting parish communities in the United States of America and abroad and I particularly enjoy the two-way experience of personal interactions with the faithful of the Church,” the Archbishop has said.

In response, Father Michael Solomko, on behalf of all those present, warmly thanked Vladyka for the joy of prayer service, especially noting the pastoral efforts of Archbishop Daniel, as he made an unexpected trip to Perth, Australia in order to address the life and ministry of the Ukrainian Orthodox parish community of the Western Coast of Australia.