Wasyly, Ukrainian-Canadian bishop (b. 1909)

Metropolitan Wasyly (William Fedak): A Life of Dedicated Service to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada

Metropolitan Wasyly, also known by his secular name William Fedak, was a towering figure within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (UOCC). Born Vasyl' Fedak on November 1, 1909, he served as the Primate of the UOCC from 1985 until his peaceful repose on January 10, 2005. His two-decade tenure as spiritual leader marked a period of significant growth and crucial re-alignment for the church, leaving an indelible legacy that continues to shape the Ukrainian Orthodox community in Canada.

Early Life, Immigration, and Educational Foundations

Vasyl' Fedak’s journey began in Kadubivtsi, a village nestled within the historical region of northern Bukovyna. At the time of his birth, Bukovyna was part of the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire, a multi-ethnic and multi-religious domain. This region, now part of Ukraine’s Chernivtsi Oblast, was a cradle of vibrant Ukrainian culture and Orthodox faith. Like many Ukrainian families of the era seeking new opportunities and freedom, the Fedaks embarked on a life-changing voyage. In 1913, young Vasyl', alongside his parents and five siblings, immigrated to Canada, settling in the burgeoning agricultural community of Sheho, Saskatchewan, a hub for Ukrainian newcomers on the Canadian Prairies.

Before dedicating his life to the church, Fedak pursued a career in education, serving as a teacher for 14 years. This experience in secular education likely honed his communication skills and deepened his understanding of community needs, qualities that would later serve him well in his pastoral and hierarchical roles. Driven by a profound spiritual calling, he subsequently entered the seminary of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, undergoing rigorous theological training from 1941 to 1944. This period of intense study prepared him for a life of sacred service.

From Priesthood to Episcopal Leadership

Having completed his seminary education, Vasyl' Fedak was ordained into the diaconate on September 27, 1944, a pivotal step marking his entry into the clergy. Just days later, on October 1, he was elevated to the priesthood, commencing his sacred ministry. As a diligent priest, he served various parishes across Manitoba and Ontario, building strong community ties and nurturing the spiritual lives of the faithful. A significant chapter of his priestly service began in 1951 when he was assigned to St. Vladimir Parish in Hamilton, Ontario. For an impressive 29 years, he faithfully served this community, witnessing its remarkable growth from a modest 47 families to a thriving congregation of 500 families. This period demonstrated his exceptional pastoral skills, dedication, and ability to foster vibrant parish life.

A significant personal transition occurred in April 1976 with the passing of his beloved wife, Paraskeviya Tymofij, whom he had married in 1932. Two years later, a momentous event in the UOCC marked a new direction for Father Fedak. An Extraordinary Sobor – the highest legislative and administrative council of the church – elected him as a candidate for the episcopacy. On July 16, 1978, in a solemn ceremony at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Winnipeg, he was consecrated as the Bishop of Saskatoon. His consecration was performed by leading hierarchs of the UOCC: Metropolitan Andrew (Metiuk) of Winnipeg, Archbishop Borys (Yakovkevych), and Bishop Mykolai (Debryn) of Toronto, signifying the apostolic succession and canonical legitimacy of his new role.

Following the passing of Archbishop Mykolai in 1981, Bishop Wasyly stepped into a critical leadership position, becoming the acting bishop of the Eastern Eparchy. His administrative acumen and spiritual leadership were further recognized in 1983 when he was elevated to the rank of Archbishop of Toronto. These advancements showcased his steady rise through the church hierarchy, based on his proven dedication and capacity for leadership.

Primacy and Historical Re-Alignment with Constantinople

The zenith of Archbishop Wasyly’s ecclesiastical career arrived in 1985. The 17th Sobor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada elected him as its Metropolitan and Primate, entrusting him with the spiritual leadership of the entire church. As Primate, he was honored with the traditional title "His Beatitude," a designation reflective of the UOCC's historical self-governance or *de facto* autocephaly at that time. During his primacy, Metropolitan Wasyly also served as the Chancellor of St. Andrew's College in Winnipeg, the UOCC’s theological seminary, demonstrating his commitment to the ongoing education and formation of future clergy.

One of the most profound and historically significant achievements of Metropolitan Wasyly’s primacy was the UOCC’s establishment of full communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in 1990. This momentous decision officially brought the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada into the broader family of canonical Orthodox Churches worldwide, resolving long-standing questions regarding its canonical status. This act of communion signified the recognition of the UOCC's hierarchy and sacraments by the "Mother Church" of Constantinople. As a direct consequence of this re-alignment, the honorific for Metropolitans within the UOCC transitioned from "His Beatitude" to "His Eminence," aligning with the practices of churches under the direct omophorion (protection) of the Patriarchate. Notably, Metropolitan Wasyly was the last hierarch of the UOCC to hold the title "His Beatitude," a distinction formalized by a decision of His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew I, underscoring his unique place in the church's history.

National Recognition and Enduring Legacy

Metropolitan Wasyly's dedicated service extended beyond the spiritual realm into the broader Canadian society. In recognition of his significant contributions to faith, community, and national identity, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1993. This prestigious national honor, one of the highest civilian distinctions in Canada, acknowledged his profound impact as a spiritual leader and a bridge-builder within the multicultural fabric of the nation.

Metropolitan Wasyly reposed peacefully on January 10, 2005, at the age of 95, concluding a remarkable life of service. His funeral, a solemn occasion reflecting his stature within the church, took place on January 21-22 at the Holy Trinity Metropolitan Cathedral in Winnipeg, attended by numerous clergy and faithful. He was laid to rest at Glen Eden Cemetery. Metropolitan Wasyly is survived by his three sons, Eugene, Yaroslaw, and Emil, from his marriage to Paraskeviya. His son Eugene has continued the family's legacy of church involvement, having served twice on the church's Consistory Board, the central administrative body of the UOCC. Metropolitan Wasyly's life stands as a testament to profound faith, unwavering leadership, and a commitment to uniting and strengthening the Ukrainian Orthodox community in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions About Metropolitan Wasyly

Who was Metropolitan Wasyly?

Metropolitan Wasyly, born Vasyl' Fedak, was the Primate (spiritual leader) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (UOCC) from 1985 until his death in 2005. He played a crucial role in the church's history, particularly in bringing it into full communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

When did Metropolitan Wasyly serve as Primate of the UOCC?

Metropolitan Wasyly served as the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada for two decades, from 1985 until his repose on January 10, 2005.

What was Metropolitan Wasyly's significant achievement regarding the Patriarchate of Constantinople?

One of Metropolitan Wasyly's most significant achievements was leading the UOCC into full canonical communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in 1990. This act provided the UOCC with universal Orthodox recognition and resolved its canonical status.

Why was Metropolitan Wasyly the last UOCC hierarch to hold the title "His Beatitude"?

Metropolitan Wasyly was the last to hold the title "His Beatitude" because this honorific was associated with the UOCC's previous de facto autocephalous status. After the church joined the Patriarchate of Constantinople in 1990, the honorific for UOCC Metropolitans became "His Eminence," aligning with the canonical structure under Constantinople's omophorion, a decision confirmed by Patriarch Bartholomew I.

What national honor did Metropolitan Wasyly receive?

In 1993, Metropolitan Wasyly was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honors, in recognition of his significant contributions to Canadian society and religious life.

Where is Metropolitan Wasyly buried?

Metropolitan Wasyly is buried at Glen Eden Cemetery in Winnipeg, Manitoba, following his funeral at Holy Trinity Metropolitan Cathedral in Winnipeg.