METROPOLITAN WASYLY FEDAK -

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METROPOLITAN WASYLY FEDAK 1909 - 2005 To many, Metropolitan Wasyly was the leader of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada but to us he was also a loving grandfather, great-grandfather, and our friend. He taught us how to love and enjoy my life. He believed in kindness and goodwill and shared stories and sermons to illustrate the importance of living a healthy spiritual life. He was recognized many times in his life for his generosity of heart and spirit, receiving the Order of Canada and being inducted into the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction. These were honours that he accepted most humbly but with pride. He was always joking about his age. At his 90th birthday he received numerous congratulations and responded with the following : You are honouring me as an elderly person, but I want you to be sure that I am still young - young at heart and youthful in my thinking. I'm going to be with you for a long time. In concluding he thanked one and all - the bishops, clergy and faithful - stated humbly, in honouring me you are also honouring the entire Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. Although he lived to an enviable 95 years of age, his passing has left a hole in our hearts. He consoled many mourners in his over 60 years of service in the clergy and was known to say, Brothers and Sisters, although you mourn the passing of your beloved, know that he will live forever and rise again within the Kingdom of God. We believe that he will be with us for a long time to come. Mark and Andrea, Alexandra and Emily, Tamara and Steve, Ryan, Larissa and Joe, Stephanie, Alanna, Catherine and Bill, Matthew, Gerry and Sue, Brianna, and Liam, Paul and Robyn, Bennett and Justine and Conrad, and Alessandra.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 17, 2005