UGCC representatives meet with leading parliamentarians of New South Wales

The meetings were also attended by Kateryna Argyrou, Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Sydney and Co-Chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO), and Andrew Menzinsky, President of the Ukrainian Council of NSW.

The UGCC delegation held separate discussions with the Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, the Leader of the Opposition, Kellie Sloane, and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Greg Piper. Bishop Mykola explained the significance of the Permanent Synod of the UGCC, which is being held in Australia for the first time, and outlined the key challenges facing Ukraine amidst the full-scale war. He drew particular attention to the systemic strikes on energy infrastructure and the threat of a new wave of humanitarian crisis.

During the discussions, the parties focused on the situation of the most vulnerable groups—children and the elderly. Data was presented regarding the thousands of Ukrainian children illegally deported by russia. The delegation also highlighted the deepening educational crisis: the lack of access to schooling, a shortage of educators, and the forced evacuation of over 43,000 teachers poses serious threats to entire communities.

Fr. Lyubomyr Yavorskyy outlined the activities of the Mudra Sprava Patriarchal Foundation, focusing on support for elderly people who have lost their homes and livelihoods. He emphasized that, thanks to the Church and charitable organizations, many of these individuals have received temporary shelter and essential aid.

The participants also drew special attention to Ukrainian veterans, particularly those who have undergone amputations, and shared information about the support programs implemented by the Church. Furthermore, calls were made to strengthen international efforts to secure the release of Ukrainians who remain in Russian captivity.

The Ukrainian delegation expressed its gratitude to the leadership of New South Wales for their consistent and long-standing support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian community residing in the region.

At the conclusion of each meeting, Bishop Mykola presented the Australian politicians with symbolic Christmas gifts from Ukraine—an icon of the Nativity of Christ and an angel Christmas tree ornament crafted by Ukrainian veterans.