On Saturday, September 7, the Ukrainian Catholic Church commemorated the 40th anniversary of the death of Patriarch Yosyf Slipyj, a gigantic figure in the history of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC). Patriarch Yosyf Slipyj was more than just a religious leader; he was a symbol of faith, perseverance, and resistance under the most challenging circumstances of the 20th century. His life and legacy continue to inspire Ukrainians and the broader Catholic community today.
In the context of this commemoration, Fr. Ihor Shved, pastor of St. Volodymyr and Olha Cathedral, shared valuable resources to deepen the understanding of Patriarch Yosyf's life. Among these is a documentary of his pastoral visit to Winnipeg, Canada, in 1968. The film, titled Пастирський Візит Патріарха Йосифа Сліпого до Вінніпегу, Канада (Patriarch Yosyf Slipyj's Pastoral Visit to Winnipeg, Canada).
Additionally, the youth at St. Volodymyr and Olha Cathedral prepared a presentation/play titled Йосиф Сліпий: Шлях Патріарха (Yosyf Slipyj: The Path of the Patriarch). This is an insightful depiction of his journey through persecution, imprisonment, and eventual leadership of the UGCC. The presentation is in Ukrainian with English subtitles.
Life of Patriarch Yosyf Slipyj
Patriarch Yosyf Slipyj was born on February 17, 1892, in Zazdrist, a village in what is now western Ukraine. He was ordained as a priest in 1917 and quickly became a prominent theologian and intellectual. After becoming the Archbishop of Lviv in 1944, Slipyj's life took a dramatic turn when the Soviet regime suppressed the UGCC as part of its larger policy against religion.
In 1945, he was arrested and subsequently imprisoned in Siberia, spending 18 years in harsh soviet labor camps. His strong faith and unwavering resilience during his imprisonment made him a symbol of strength for the Ukrainian people, both in the homeland and abroad. Even in these difficult circumstances, Slipyj continued to secretly lead the UGCC and inspire those who were able to communicate with him.
In 1963, because of international pressure - especially of Pope John XXIII and US president John Kennedy - Slipyj was released and allowed to travel to Rome. His arrival in Rome marked a new chapter in his life and the life of the UGCC. At the Second Vatican Council, Slipyj played a significant role in advocating for the rights of the Ukrainian Church under Soviet regime.
One of Slipyj's lasting legacies was his desire for the elevation of the UGCC to a Patriarchal dignity. While this request was not fully granted during his lifetime, none the less the people and clergy honored him with the title of Patriarch.
His Visit to Winnipeg
The 1968 pastoral visit to Winnipeg highlighted in the documentary was one of the key moments when Slipyj reconnected with the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada. This visit reinforced the unity of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic faithful across continents. The documentary is a powerful reminder of how Slipyj's presence invigorated the diaspora, which had long been cut off from its homeland due to Soviet occupation.
The Youth Group's Play: Yosyf Slipyj: The Path of the Patriarch
The presentation by the youth of St. Volodymyr and Olha Cathedral brings to life the trials and triumphs of Patriarch Yosyf Slipyj in a dramatic and engaging format. The youth, in this production, focus on his early life, his academic pursuits, and his eventual leadership of the UGCC. They also shed light on his imprisonment, which is a significant part of his life story.
Conclusion
The 40th anniversary of Patriarch Yosyf Slipyj's death offers a moment to reflect on his incredible contributions to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and the broader religious and cultural life of Ukrainians. These videos - both the documentary of his 1968 visit to Winnipeg and the youth group's portrayal of his life - are powerful reminders of the strength of faith even in the face of overwhelming odds. They encourage viewers to connect with Patriarch Slipyj's vision and his enduring influence on the Ukrainian Church and its people.
