Metropolitan John (Stinka)

Metropolitan John (Stinka) (1935-2022)

John may be spelt as Ivan, Ioann, Ioannes, Johannes.

Early life of Ivan Stinka

John (also known as Ivan) Stinka was born on 24 January, 1935, at Buchanan, Saskatchewan, Canada, as the youngest of the 12 children of Nikolaj and Annie (Spizawka) Stinka. Buchanan is situated about 60 km (37 mi) northwest of Yorkton, Saskatchewan.

Ivan's primary education was obtained at the Dobranovetz School in Drobot, Saskatchewan (23 km, (15 mi) south of Buchanan), and he obtained his secondary education at the Yorkton Collegiate High School in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.

After receiving his teaching certificate, John Stinka taught at the Hryhoriw Elementary School (near Preeceville, Saskatchewan).

Later, he worked for 10 years in Saskatoon. He was active in the Ukrainian Orthodox community in Saskatoon, where he attended the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral ; he sang in the cathedral choir, and he was an active member of CYMK (Ukrainian Orthodox Youth).

Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Higher education

In 1969, John Stinka enrolled in theological studies at Saint Andrew’s College in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He successfully completed his studies in 1972, and he received a Licentiate in Theology. He continued his studies at the University of Manitoba following his Licentiate degree in Theology.

Saint Andrew's College, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Diaconal ordination, 1973

In 1973, John was ordained by Archbishop Boris (Yakovkevych) to the Holy Diaconate at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He was ordained as a celibate.

From 1969 until the time of his ordination to the Holy Priesthood in 1974, he managed to support himself economically during the summer-time and at other times by serving as a "kosher" butcher in Saskatoon. He improvised as well as he could in order to serve the Jewish clientele in Saskatoon, who apparently had no-one who could provide meat which would qualify as completely kosher. He seems to have been preferred by certain senior-citizens to do this work at that time, because they trusted him.

Presbyteral ordination, 1974

In 1974, Archbishop Boris (Yakovkevych) ordained Deacon John to the Holy Priesthood in the Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.

Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Yorkton, Saskatchewan

Pastoral service

Father John’s first assignment was in Saint Volodymyr’s Church in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and during that time he graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.

Saint Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

In August 1978, Father John was transferred, and assigned to the Church of All Saints in Kamsack, Saskatchewan.

All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Kamsack, Saskatchewan

Throughout the years of his pastorship, Father John was active in the Ukrainian community and the Orthodox community as a whole. He was a well-beloved pastor to the spiritual sheep. This description applies to his whole service in the Church.

At the Extraordinary Sobor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (UOCC) in 1983, the Priest John Stinka was chosen and elected to become a bishop.

Monastic tonsure, 1983

The Priest John Stinka was tonsured to be a monk with the name John, and he was elevated to the dignity of archimandrite.

Episcopal ordination, 1983

On 27 November, 1983, Archimandrite John (Stinka) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate by Metropolitan Andrew (Metiuk), Archbishop Boris (Yakovkevych), and Archbishop Wasyly (Fedak) at the Holy Trinity Metropolitan Cathedral in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Holy Trinity Metropolitan Cathedral, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Episcopal service

Bishop John (Stinka) was assigned to be the Vicar-Bishop of Saskatoon, and assistant to Metropolitan Andrew (Metiuk) in the Central Eparchy of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada.

Holy Trinity Cathedral, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Western Eparchy, 1985

At the 17th Sobor in 1985 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and following the repose of Archbishop Boris (Yakovkevych), Bishop John was transferred, and he was assigned to be the Bishop of Edmonton and the Western Diocese. This diocese includes the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia.

Saint John's Cathedral, Edmonton, Alberta

In 1990, Bishop John (Stinka) was elevated to the dignity of archbishop.

In 1990, the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada was officially renamed “The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada” (UOCC) by an Act of Parliament.

In 1990, the 18th Sobor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada in Winnipeg decided to enter into Eucharistic Union with the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople (Istanbul). This decision also changed the relationship with the other Orthodox dioceses and parishes in Canada in a positive way.

Archbishop John (Stinka) was amongst those who were personally received into the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the patriarchate in Constantinople.

At the same time, it had been decided by the Western Eparchy to construct a home for the bishops of the eparchy in Edmonton. This house was to include a domestic chapel, and also an office space for the eparchy.

The land was blessed by Archbishop John (Stinka) on 20 November, 1990, and construction began.

Photos of the site blessing

After the completion of the construction, Archbishop John blessed the house, and also the offices and chapel within it before the house was inhabited and the offices beginning their function.

UOCC Western Eparchy office and episcopal residence

During his 15 years of careful, and pastoral oversight in this diocese, Archbishop John (Stinka) was found by most people to be very approachable. In time (although it was not so in fact), he was treated at least spiritually as though he were the bishop of all the Orthodox in the city. During this time, and under his leadership, the Western Eparchy was able to construct a new and adequate official residence for the Ukrainian Orthodox Archbishop of Edmonton. This new structure includes office-space for the diocese, a domestic chapel, a residence for the diocesan bishop, and sufficient space to host smaller meetings, and to receive guests.

On 19 May, 1993, the Council of Bishops of the UOCC awarded Archbishop John (Stinka) with the right to wear the Cross on the klobuk.

Metropolitan of the UOCC, 2005

Following the repose of Metropolitan Wasyly (Fedak) in 2005, Archbishop John became the Acting Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (UOCC).

In 2005, at the 21st Sobor of the UOCC in Winnipeg, Manitoba, he was chosen to be the Primate and Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (UOCC).

On 20 November, 2005, this choice and nomination was later approved and blessed by the Holy Synod in Constantinople.

On Sunday, 23 July, 2006, Metropolitan John (Stinka) was enthroned at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Co-presiding were Archbishop Yurij (Kalistchuk) of Toronto, Archbishop Antony (Scharba) of New York & Washington (UOCUSA), and Bishop Georgije (Ðjokić) of the Canada Serbian Diocese of Canada. Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of the Greek Metropolis of Toronto, the Patriarchal Exarch of Canada, presided over the enthronement. On behalf of Patriarch Bartholomew I (Archontonis) of Constantinople, he invested Metropolitan John (Stinka) with the panagia, the blue mantiya, the episcopal staff and the white klobuk.

Holy Trinity Metropolitan Cathedral, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada Consistory Office, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Primatial service

When he became the metropolitan, the Consistory Council found that it was necessary to find a new and official residence in Winnipeg to serve the metropolitans to come in the future (his predecessor had owned his own home there). This took some time, and he lived in various places and conditions in the meanwhile. Regardless, he continued to serve pastorally as required throughout the country. During his years of active service as metropolitan, his health began to deteriorate, due to the stress involved. He began to have heart difficulties which became acute, and which in the end caused him to consider the need to retire. One of the symptoms of his fragility was the great weakness in his voice.

Retirement, 2010

At the opening of the meeting of the Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada on 15-17 April, 2010, Metropolitan John (Stinka) informed the members of the Consistory that, after much reflection and prayers, and having given due attention to the state of his health, he had decided to retire from his responsibilities as the First Hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, effective 18 July, 2010. He also informed the Consistory that he had written a letter to the Bishops' Council, to the Members of the Consistory, and to the Ecumenical Patriarch about his intention, and he emphasised that he intended to make a public announcement about this at the 22nd Ordinary Sobor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada on 12-18 July, 2010, in Winnipeg.

At the 22nd Sobor of the UOCC held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, 12-18 July, 2010, Metropolitan John officially retired from active service as Primate of the UOCC because of poor health.

He was granted the title “Metropolitan Emeritus”, and he moved from Winnipeg to live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and near his family.

In retirement, Metropolitan John (Stinka) entered the Metropolitan Ilarion Residence in Saskatoon. He was canonically attached to All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox parish in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (the Metropolitan Ilarion Residence is nearby the Temple).

All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Temple, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

From that time, Metropolitan John continued to serve liturgically when requested and blessed to do so, and within the limitations of his health.

Retirement allowed him to reconnect with family and friends. It was also an opportunity for him to rest and relax and to deal with some health concerns. As well, Vladyka John continued to be responsible for maintaining the care of his sister, Katie. However, there was always time for travel and joy. As was his nature, he enjoyed socialising and taking part in the activities at Ilarion Residence. He was always up for a game of pool or bingo, and he enjoyed listening to musical entertainment. Vladyka John was happiest when he was with others even though a hearing and a voice impairment made communicating a challenge. His sense of humour never left him despite the fact that aspects of his personality did change as his diagnosis of dementia progressed in time.

Metropolitan John and Father Patrick

When Metropolitan John’s health began to deteriorate, in 2021, it was necessary for him to move to Greenfield Care Homes, where more support could be provided. Here, he was blessed again to be with compassionate people who took great care of him. For the care given at the Ilarion Residence, and Greenfield Care Homes, Vladyka's family were extremely grateful.

His final days were spent at "Hospice at Glengarda", where he received excellent care from a dedicated staff. Again, the family were very grateful.

Repose, 2022

On the evening of Monday, 19 September, 2022, Metropolitan John (Stinka) fell asleep in the Lord in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

On Thursday, 22 September, 2022, Thursday, the coffin with the body of Metropolitan John was transported to Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral on Avenue J South, at 20th Street West, in Saskatoon.

At 7:00 p.m., the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Hierarch was served at Holy Trinity Cathedral by Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk), with Bishop Andriy (Peshko), Mitred Archpriest Taras Makowsky, other priests, and a protodeacon.

On Friday, 23 September, 2022, the Hierarchical Memorial Divine Liturgy was served by Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk), with Bishop Andriy (Peshko), Mitred Archpriest Taras Makowsky, 13 other priests, and 1 protodeacon. The priests who served on this day (from across Canada) were ones who had been ordained by Vladyka John. At the conclusion of the service, a final Panikhida (memorial service) was offered.

After the funeral obsequies were concluded, a procession was formed, and the body of Metropolitan John was transported to the Woodlawn Cemetery for interment. Bishop Andriy (Peshko) presided at this service.

Metropolitan John (Stinka) was predeceased by his parents, Nick and Annie Stinka ; his brothers and sisters, George (Doris) Stinka, Arseny (Victoria) Stinka, Mary (Peter) Senkiw, Lillian (Harry) Skwarchuk, Sophie (Harry) Chobotar, Wasyl (Anne) Stinka, Vicky (Matt) Pidhorney, Katie Stinka ; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

At the Funeral Service

Before the Divine Liturgy

Hierarchical Memorial Divine Liturgy

Clergy in the Altar

At the Cherubic Hymn

Panikhida Service

Committal and forgiveness prayer

Last Kiss

Bishop Andriy (Peshko) serves at the Interment

— Vicar-Bishop of Saskatoon 1983-1985. Preceded by : Bishop Wasyly (Fedak). Succeeded by : Bishop Yurij (Kalistchuk).

— Bishop of Edmonton and the Western Eparchy 1985-1990. Preceded by : Archbishop Boris (Yakovkevych). Succeeded by : Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk).

— Archbishop of Edmonton and the Western Eparchy 1990-2005.

— Archbishop of Winnipeg, Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada 2005-2010. Preceded by : Metropolitan Wasyly (Fedak). Succeeded by : Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk)

— Former Archbishop of Winnipeg, Metropolitan of Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada 2010-2022.

Reflections

Throughout his time of service, and continuing in retirement, Metropolitan John (Stinka) could be described as being an honest man, a forthright man, and a very kind and hospitable servant of the Lord.

During the course of his pastoral service, whether as a priest or as a bishop, it was noticeable that he was in his manner a "peace-maker", or a "peace-keeper". Despite the differences that have grown up amongst the various Orthodox Christian administrations and dioceses within Canada, Vladyka John consistently treated every person in an even manner : every person as a human being created in the Image of God.

For such reasons, some may refer to him as a true "Human Being" (in Ukrainian, "Cholovik", or in Greek, "Anthropos").

In 2020-2021, the Covid-19 virus came to Canada. With it and its treatment as a pandemic came repeated and prolonged closures and/or limited permitted attendance in the Temples everywhere in Canada. The particular nature of these limitations depended on the regulations established by each province. Interprovincial travel was severely curtailed, and international travel became almost impossible. These regulations particularly affected nursing homes and retirement residences, in which the residents were kept confined and isolated in their rooms for prolonged periods of time. This measure was to protect them from the danger of contracting the virus ; but it had profound negative emotional and psychological consequences on many.

Funeral Homily for His Eminence Metropolitan John of Blessed Memory
Delivered by Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk)

Today, September 23, 2022, we are gathered here in the Holy Trinity Cathedral of the
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada in Saskatoon to pay our last respects and bid farewell to the newly
reposed Servant of God, His Eminence Metropolitan Ivan.

By the grace of God, our dear Metropolitan Ivan began to serve God as a clergy in 1973, almost half
a century ago, and in 1983 he was ordained as the bishop of Saskatoon. From 1985 to 2005, he was
the bishop of Edmonton and the Western Eparchy, and from 2005 to 2010, he was the Metropolitan of
the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada.

Many are called, but few are chosen by the Lord. The Lord chose our dear Metropolitan Ivan and
laid a heavy cross on him, to be the successor of the apostles, the bishop of the Holy Orthodox Church.
The holy apostles suffered a lot during their lives. Being a bishop who is a successor of
the apostles and the Lord Himself, is a very heavy cross to bear and few are chosen by the Lord to
fulfil this service. The mitre worn by the bishop symbolises the Lord's crown of thorns. A bishop
often is in a position where very few people support and are with him. The majority are against
him. Today he may hear the word ‘Hosanna’, and tomorrow he may hear the words ‘Crucify and crucify
him’. During his life as a bishop, our dear Metropolitan Ivan heard the words ‘Hosanna’, but many
times, he also heard the words ‘Crucify him, crucify him’. But the Lord is a just Judge and He
will reward each one according to his deeds.

May the Lord forgive those who did evil to him, because they did not know what they were doing.
The Lord never leaves those who believe in Him, and especially those who faithfully serve Him.
After affliction and suffering, the Lord will reward them to see the light of His Holy Resurrection.

Metropolitan Ivan was a faithful servant of the Lord, and where the Lord is, there will be His servant.
Metropolitan Ivan was kind and merciful and did no harm to anyone. He had a big heart filled with
love and forgiveness. He was a faithful servant of God and was an example for all of us : in word,
in deed, in love, in spirit, in faith. He bore many abundant fruits in the Vineyard of Christ.
Dear Metropolitan Ivan, you ‘let the light so shine before men, that they may see your good works
and glorify our Father who is in Heaven’.

He was born on Saskatchewan soil ; he became the bishop of Saskatoon, and today the soil of
Saskatchewan receives him and embraces their bishop. It is a great blessing from God to be a
bishop and in many Orthodox nations there is a pious tradition to visit the grave of your bishop in
times of trouble and misfortune and ask him to pray for help before God. He has great favour
before God to intercede for the flock entrusted to him, even after death.

Quiet and humble, with a pleasant smile, Metropolitan Ivan won love and respect in Edmonton and the
Western Eparchy, where he faithfully served God and His people for 20 years. With gratitude and
love, I remember Metropolitan Ivan, especially how he treated me and Bishop Andriy, young bishops
back then in 2008. I ask him for forgiveness for not helping him enough as he fulfilled his
service as the metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada.

His All-Holiness Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch,
sends his condolences to the plenitude of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, and to the
family of newly reposed Metropolitan Ivan. His Eminence Archbishop Sortirios of Canada also sends
condolences to the clergy and Faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, and to the
family of the newly departed Metropolitan Ivan.

Dear family, please accept our deep condolences from me personally and from the whole of the
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, on the passing of a prominent member of your family - His
Eminence Metropolitan Ivan. Dear fathers who were ordained by Metropolitan Ivan, commemorate him
in prayers and in Holy Liturgies all your life, your cherished spiritual father. Thank you to all
the fathers who honoured our Metropolitan Ivan today with their prayerful presence. I sincerely
thank Cathedral Dean, Mitred Archpriest Taras Makowsky and the parish council, Choir Director Larry
Klopoushak and the choir, for organising the funeral services. I especially thank our dear
Faithful who came today and yesterday to pray for the repose of the soul of the newly departed
servant of God, Metropolitan Ivan.

May the blessing of the newly reposed servant of God, Metropolitan Ivan, be with all of you.
May his memory be eternal !

Awards

• Nabedrennik (1977)

• Skufia (1980)

• Cross on the klobuk (29 May, 1993, from the UOCCC Bishops' Council)

References

Wyrwoll, Nikolaus ed., “Orthodoxia 2014-2015" (Regensburg : Ostkirchliches Institut, 2015). ISBN 978-7245-1959-1.

Orthodoxwiki biography

Wikipedia biography

UOCC biography

Russian Wikipedia biography

Drevo Encyclopaedia biography

Encyclopaedia of Ukraine biography of Metropolitan John (Stinka)

Religion Wiki biography

Orthodox Research Institute biography

Additional information :

Minenko, T, “The Development of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada — 1918 – to present”, (Discussion paper – Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, New York, June 28-29, 1989).

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., "Orthodox America 1794-1976 : Development of The Orthodox Church in America" (Syosset, NY : The Orthodox Church in America Department of History and Archives, 1975). ASIN : B000ZLZAUE.

Trosky, O, “The Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church in Canada” (Winnipeg : Bulman Bros, 1968). ASIN : B0006DWYPA

Yuzyk, Paul, “The Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada, 1918–1951” (Ottawa : University of Ottawa Press, 1981). ISBN 10 : 2760309274 ; ISBN 13 : 978-2760309272.

UOCC article about Metropolitan John (Stinka)

RISU article about the 2010 retirement

Park Memorial, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Obituary (20 September, 2022)

“Saskatoon Star-Phoenix” Obituary (21 September, 2022)

Funeral sermon for Metropolitan John (Stinka) of Blessed Memory delivered by Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) (22 September, 2022)

Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Conclusion of Funeral for Metropolitan John (Stinka) with Interment (22 September, 2022)

Memory Eternal : Council of Bishops of the UOC of the USA Expresses Condolences on the Repose of Metropolitan John (former metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada) (22 September, 2022)

Patriarchal Litia for the blessed memory of former Archbishop of Winnipeg, John (Stinka)

UOCC Brief History of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada

Eastern Eparchy History of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada

Wikipedia article about the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada

Article about Saint Andrew’s College, Winnipeg