Cardinal Mykola Bychok has visited a cemetery in Ukraine and prayed at the grave of an Australian volunteer who was killed defending the country against Russian aggression.
On Saturday, during his pastoral visit to Ukraine, Cardinal Bychok visited the Alley of Heroes at the cemetery in the village of Chukalivka, 600km west of the capital, Kyiv. Â
There, he prayed at the grave of Australian volunteer Samuel Michael Pedrazzini, to honour the man who sacrificed his life for the freedom and independence of the Ukrainian people, and commend his soul to God in prayer.
Mr Pedrazzini was born in Lismore. After serving in the Australian Army, including with the Royal Australian Infantry, he offered his military and medical expertise in support of Ukraine.
He first served as an instructor training Ukrainian soldiers in the United Kingdom, and later travelled to Ukraine as a volunteer medic.
Mr Pedrazzini later chose to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine, continuing his service as a combat medic.
Remembered for his professionalism, selflessness, and deep love for Ukraine, Mr Pedrazzini not only sought to help the Ukrainian people but also envisioned building his future in the country.Â
His comrades recall him as a highly skilled soldier, a man of great courage, and someone profoundly committed to serving others.
On June 13, Mr Pedrazzini was killed while carrying out a combat mission in the Donetsk region. In accordance with his wishes, he was laid to rest in the Alley of Heroes.
While praying at his grave, Cardinal Bychok also remembered all foreign volunteers who, in defending Ukraine, offered the greatest sacrifice of all — their own lives.
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His Eminence Cardinal Mykola Bychok prayed at the grave of an Australian soldier who gave his life for Ukraine (Ukrainian Eparchy)
