History

The search for nuns ready for apostolic work began in the 60's of the past XX century after the settlement of Ukrainian refugees in Australia and the beginning of its Apostolic Exarchate. Bishop Ivan Prasko turned to the General Curia of Basilian Sisters in Rome, and approached Josyf Cardinal Slipyj, with a petition to send nuns to Australia.

At their request Mother Claudia Feddish, General Superior sent an invitation for volunteers to the Provincial Superior in Berisso, Argentina in 1966.

On July 8, 1966, all the Sisters gathered to farewell Mother Maria Afinec and Sisters Anisia Szewczuk, Constantina Zapaia, and Lucia Anheluk as they left to Rome, Italy.

Once in Italy, they were  welcomed warmly by the General Superior and the sisters. There they visited and prayed at the altar of Saint Josaphat, then visited His Beatitude, Josyf Cardinal Slipyj, who blessed their missionary work and gifted them with a large icon of the Mother of God.

They left Rome to finally arrive in Sydney, Australia on March 28th, 1967. In 1970, Sisters founded a monastery in Melbourne and in 1977, another one in Adelaide which later closed in 2010.

Ministries

Basilian Sisters are part of the Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic Church and the wider community in Australia. Their mission is to support the faithful in upbringing their children to know and love God and their heritage. Sincere love for others, much patience, energy work and prayer is needed to achieve these aims. 

Their ministry includes:

• Catechetic classes in Ukrainian Saturday Schools 
• Preparing children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist
• Taking part of the Youth Choir and the singing of the church as needed
• Day care and Preschool for children 
• Teaching folk traditions and customs
• Visiting and supporting the elderly and infirm in hospitals and in their homes
• Maintaining the cleanliness and aesthetic appearance of the church.

Sisters have monasteries in North Melbourne,Victoria, and in Sydney, New South Wales.