Bishop Bryan Bayda Presides over Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in Vilshanyk on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul

The head of the Patriarchal Commission of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church for Youth, Bishop Bryan Bayda, presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul at the Church of Saint Paraskeva (Pyatnytsia) in the village of Vilshanyk.

The church was built on the site of the former Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. The parish is served by Fr. Oleh Zdrenyk.

During the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Bryan addressed the faithful with a homily in which he reflected on the significance of Saints Peter and Paul for Christians today.

Addressing the congregation, Bishop Bryan emphasized:

Saints Peter and Paul show us two complementary vocations. Peter represents stability, unity, and the visible rock of the Church. Paul represents missionary zeal, courage, and the willingness to go to the ends of the earth. Together they remind us that the Church is both rooted and dynamic, firm in truth yet constantly reaching out with the Gospel.

What does this mean for us today?

First, we are called to make Peter's confession our own. In a world full of opinions about Jesus—wise teacher, moral example, historical figure, or even myth—we must personally declare: "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." This confession is not the result of human reasoning alone; it is a gift of the Father, received in faith. Have you made this confession your own? Do your daily choices reflect it?

The larger obstacle to declaring Jesus as our Messiah and Saviour is that many don't think they need a saviour. Many of us are similar to an alcoholic who has not yet realized they have a problem and are not even looking for a solution. We think we can correct the problems in our life by our own strength. The fact is, along with Peter, I must declare that Jesus is my Saviour.

Second, we are called to build on the rock. The Church has faced persecutions, scandals, cultural shifts, and internal weaknesses for two thousand years, yet the gates of Hades have not prevailed. Why? Because Christ is the true builder. Our task is to remain faithful to the apostolic teaching handed on through the successors of Peter and the college of bishops.

Third, we are all called to apostolic witness. Most of us are not called to be popes or great missionaries like Paul, but we are all baptized into the apostolic mission. In our families, workplaces, schools, and communities, we are to proclaim Christ — sometimes with words, always with the example of a life rooted in faith, hope, and charity.

Like Paul, we may do so amid trials and weakness. Like Peter, we may stumble and need the Lord's mercy. But the same grace given to them is given to us.

On this feast, let us thank God for the Church founded on the Apostles. Let us pray for our Holy Father, the successor of Peter, and for all bishops and priests who continue the apostolic ministry. Let us ask Saints Peter and Paul to intercede for us—that our faith may be strong, our charity generous, and our witness courageous.

May we, like Peter, confess Christ boldly; like Paul, proclaim Him tirelessly; and together with all the saints, enter into the joy of the Kingdom where every tear is wiped away and Christ is all in all.

Amen.