The sacred grounds of the Spiritual Center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA in South Bound Brook, New Jersey, were graced with a historic and fraternal encounter as His Eminence Cardinal Mykola Bychok of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saints Peter and Paul in Melbourne, Australia, made an official visit.

With the arrival of Cardinal Bychok, the bells of St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church rang solemnly. This symbolic welcome honored the Cardinal as he entered the heart of the Ukrainian Orthodox community in the United States.

His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, assisted by Archbishop Daniel, clergy, and seminarians of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary, greeted the honored guest. The delegation first led Cardinal Bychok to St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church dedicated to the victims of the artificially created famine - the Holodomor of 1932–1933 - where prayers were offered for the repose of the millions of innocent lives lost and for peace in Ukraine today.

Upon entering the majestic St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church, the Cardinal was greeted by the chanting of seminarians from St. Sophia Seminary, who offered hymns and prayers. A special prayer was intoned by the hierarchs for the well-being of the Ukrainian nation and the peace of the world.

In his welcoming remarks, Metropolitan Antony extended words of fraternal respect and gratitude, noting the shared mission of both Orthodox and Catholic hierarchs in serving the faithful of the Ukrainian diaspora. He emphasized the importance of unity in prayer and common efforts on behalf of the Church communities not only in the United States but also in Australia, where Cardinal Bychok shepherds his flock.

In a brief yet meaningful exchange with the seminarians, Cardinal Bychok shared the significance of his elevation and election as a Cardinal of the Catholic Church. He reflected on the symbolism of the cardinal’s ring and spoke of the broad ecclesiastical responsibilities entrusted to him as a hierarch of the Church.

The visit concluded at the historic Fisher House on the grounds of St. Andrew Memorial Center. In this intimate setting, hierarchs and clergy engaged in open and fraternal conversation. Topics of discussion included administrative challenges, pastoral responsibilities, and the shared witness of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in service to the faithful and in defense of Ukraine’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

The visit of Cardinal Mykola Bychok to the Spiritual Center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA was more than a simple formality - it was a profound witness of unity in faith, love for Ukraine, and dedication to the Gospel of Christ. Both Churches, though distinct in tradition, expressed their commitment to walk a common path of prayer and ministry for the benefit of their faithful across the globe.