The Journey of Father Rev. Andrzej Wasylinko: A Life of Faith, Heritage, and Devotion

Early Life and Childhood in Poland

Rev. Andrzej Wasylinko was born in Poland into a family of Ukrainian heritage. His father was born in Prusia, Rava Ruska County, while his mother was from Lemkivshchyna, a region deeply rooted in Ukrainian traditions. Growing up in communist Poland during the 1980s, he was acutely aware of the historical challenges faced by Ukrainians, especially in a time when Ukraine existed only as a Soviet republic, not as an independent nation.

As a child, Andrzej spent his days tending to the family’s livestock, often reading history books while watching over the cattle. Even at a young age, he was drawn to the stories of Ukrainian history and longed to contribute to his people’s well-being. At fifteen, the age when Polish students had to choose a professional path, he already harbored a secret prayer in his heart: to one day serve Ukraine and its people in a meaningful way.

Discovering His Calling

Initially, Andrzej pursued studies in agricultural management, excelling academically. However, despite his success, he felt unfulfilled. He frequently questioned what God’s true purpose for him might be. It was during Lent, while attending a retreat at his local church, that he heard a priest speak about the call to priesthood. The words struck a chord deep within him. Though he had never considered the priesthood before, he began contemplating whether this was God’s plan for him.

The idea grew stronger when a Roman Catholic priest approached him, recognizing his spiritual potential and asking if he had considered joining a seminary. Andrzej, who identified as a Ukrainian by heritage but had been raised attending Roman Catholic services in Poland, realized he knew very little about his own Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. The lack of exposure to his native religious traditions made his decision even more complex.

Challenges and Military Service

Despite feeling called to the priesthood, Andrzej did not immediately act on it. His father’s illness and family financial struggles made it difficult for him to pursue further studies. Additionally, he was hesitant to reveal his aspirations to his parents. Instead, he joined the military for two years, a mandatory service at the time. By the time he completed his military service in 1989, the idea of communism collapsing seemed unimaginable, and no one foresaw the monumental changes that would come by December, including the fall of the Berlin Wall. Economically, Poland was struggling, sinking deeper into crisis. For younger generation, the future felt uncertain, if not entirely bleak.

Journey to the West

One of his relatives suggested that he should go to Canada. However, the only way to travel freely at the time was through Austria, as it was one of the few Western countries that allowed Polish citizens entry without a visa. Andrzej hesitated at first, feeling uncertain about leaving Poland. When he applied for a passport to travel to capitalist countries, a Polish police officer warned him that he could be arrested for such a request. Thinking quickly, Andrzej changed his application to request a passport for travel to Ukraine, citing family ties there. To his astonishment, the passport he received allowed him to travel anywhere in the world.

Still reluctant to leave, he began taking English classes, but the course was canceled due to low enrollment.

Seminary and Theological Studies

Andrzej eventually made his way to Austria, where he immersed himself in learning English and Ukrainian while awaiting further direction. He met Bishop Ivan Martyniak and heard his homily in Vienna. The message struck him deeply, and he once again felt God’s call to the priesthood. During this time, his family unexpectedly discovered that they had relatives in Canada who were willing to sponsor him. Within months, he received an invitation, an interview, and a visa: one of the fastest immigration approvals in his community.

Once in Canada, he connected with students studying theology in Ottawa, which led to his admission into the seminary. Fr. Andrzej’s priestly formation led him beyond Ottawa, as he studied in California and a monastery in Lviv, where he encountered the future Patriarch Lubomyr Husar.

Ordination and Ministry in Canada

Under the guidance of his bishop, Andrzej returned to Canada to complete his theological studies. He was ordained as a deacon in 2002 and later as a priest, serving in Saskatchewan. His first assignment included overseeing multiple parishes in a predominantly English-speaking region, where he ministered to Canadian-Ukrainians and new Ukrainian immigrants alike. Despite the language barriers and cultural differences, he embraced his calling, bringing faith and hope to his parishioners.

Over the years, he served in various locations, including Kamsack near the Manitoba border, before eventually moving to British Columbia in 2008. For 17 years, he ministered in different parishes, including Vernon, Kelowna, and Kamloops, fostering the spiritual growth of his congregation and helping Ukrainians integrate into Canadian society while maintaining their cultural and religious identity.

A Life Dedicated to Faith and Community

Father Andrzej’s journey reflects the profound ways in which God’s plans often exceed human expectations. As a young boy in Poland, he had wished for a way to serve Ukraine, but God led him on a path that allowed him to serve Ukrainians not only in their homeland but also in Canada. His ministry has been a testament to faith, perseverance, and the power of divine guidance.

Through the hardships of displacement, political turmoil, and personal struggles, he remained steadfast in his faith. His work continues to bridge the gap between different generations of Ukrainians, strengthening the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Canada and preserving the rich heritage of his ancestors. In his own words, God has rewarded him with a life filled with more blessings and opportunities than he ever imagined.

Conclusion

Father Andrzej Wasylinko’s story is one of faith, resilience, and service. His journey from a small Polish village to becoming a dedicated priest in Canada underscores the importance of trusting in God’s plan. Through his ministry, he has touched countless lives, offering spiritual guidance to those in need and strengthening the Ukrainian diaspora’s faith and cultural identity. His life’s work stands as an inspiring testament to the power of faith and dedication to one’s calling.