Cardinal Mykola Bychok at the grave of Australian volunteer Samuel Michael Pedrazzini in Ukraine (Ukrainian Eparchy)
On Saturday, during his pastoral visit to Ukraine, Cardinal Bychok visited the Alley of Heroes at the cemetery in the village of Chukalivka, located 600 kilometers west of the capital, Kyiv.
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, commending his soul to God in prayer. While praying at his grave, Cardinal Bychok also remembered all foreign volunteers who, in defending Ukraine, offered the greatest sacrifice of all by laying down their own lives.
Mr Pedrazzini was born in Lismore and previously served in the Australian Army, including time with the Royal Australian Infantry. He later offered his military and medical expertise in support of Ukraine, first serving as an instructor training Ukrainian soldiers in the United Kingdom and later travelling directly to Ukraine as a volunteer medic. Eventually, Mr Pedrazzini chose to enlist in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, continuing his vital service on the front lines as a combat medic.
Image: Courtesy of the Ukraine Embassy
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. 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, and in accordance with his wishes, he was laid to rest in the Alley of Heroes.
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