View source for Protopresbyter Volodymyr and Dobrodijka Halina Sluzar



[[File:ProtopresbyterVolodymyrSluzar 1.png]]  [[File:H41fdlmupjgw5awha1dr-23578 1.jpg]]

'''Protopresbyter Volodymyr and Dobrodijka Halina Sluzar'''


'''Protopresbyter Volodmyr Sluzar (1919-2014)'''

and

'''Dobrodijka Halyna (born Machuha) Sluzar (1921-2008)'''


Volodymyr may be spelt Wolodymyr, Vladimir, Valdemar.

Halyna may be spelt Galina, Galene, Helen.

Dobrodijka may be spelt Dobrodyka.  


==Early life of Volodymyr V Sluzar==

On 8 April, 1919, Volodymyr Sluzar was born into the family of pious parents Vasyl and Anna Sluzar, in the village of [https://climeradar.com/weather-radar/ua-dubravka-337566947 Dubravka], in what is now the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lviv_Oblast Lviv oblast] (not far from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivano-Frankivsk Ivano-Frankivsk]), [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukraine Ukraine]. At that time, it was part of the independent [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Ukrainian_People%27s_Republic West Ukrainian People's Republic], which later became the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Soviet_Socialist_Republic Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic].  

When Volodymyr completed [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primary_school primary school], his parents, who saw their son’s interest in further study, sent Volodymyr to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lviv Lviv] to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lviv_Academic_Gymnasium Ukrainian gymnasium] there, for his [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secondary_school secondary education].  He successfully completed the final exams of his [https://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CG%5CY%5CGymnasium.htm gymnasium] studies in 1938.

==Higher education==

Then Volodymyr began eagerly studying for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tertiary_education post-secondary studies]. 

However, when [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II World War II] broke out in 1939 and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Ukraine Western Ukraine] was annexed to the [https://origins.osu.edu/read/soviet-ukraine-nutshell eastern soviet Ukraine], post-secondary education institutions were opened in Lviv in the autumn of 1939.  

Volodymyr registered to study, first, at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Lviv Franko University], and then transferred to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drohobych_State_Pedagogical_University_of_Ivan_Franko Pedagogical Institute] after the first semester.  He successfully completed this first sememster in 1941, a week before the [https://www.worldhistory.org/German-Soviet_War/ Soviet-German war] began.


[[File:Львів, Університетська 1, Головний навчальний корпус університету 2.jpg]]  '''Franko University'''

==Teaching ; exile==

During the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reichskommissariat_Ukraine German occupation of Ukraine], Volodymyr taught at the school in the village of [https://mapcarta.com/13768792 Bortynky] ; but in 1944, he fled to the West because of the war. 

In exile, Volodymyr fled first to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austria Austria], and then later to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bavaria Bavaria] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany Germany]. 

After hostilities ceased, Volodymyr lived in a refugee camp ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Displaced_persons_camps_in_post%E2%80%93World_War_II_Europe displaced persons’ camp]) in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straubing Straubing], Bavaria, Germany.

==Early life of Halyna Machuha==

Halyna was born on 6 July, 1921, to Hryhory and Alexandra Machula in the village of [https://en.dokladno.com/map.php?obl=10&raj=114&np=280&s=yp  Pavlivka] ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaporizhzhia_Oblast  Zaporrhizka Ooblast]) (Ukraine was still in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yekaterinoslav_Governorate  Yekaterinoslav Governorate] at that time). She was the eldest of 4 siblings. 

'''Exile'''

During the time of forced [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collectivization_in_the_Soviet_Union collectivisation] by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Union Soviet government], her family was exiled to labour camps in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_North Northern Russia]. 

Later, Halyna's family moved to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stavropol  Stavropol], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stavropol_Krai  Stavropol Krai], in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caucasus Caucasus region], where Halyna completed her secondary schooling. 

Then she began post-secondary education in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_school Stavropol Medical School]. 


[[File:StavropolMedicalSchool 3.png]]  '''Stavropol Medical School'''


With the onset of war between Germany and the USSR, Halyna was forced to abandon her studies. 

'''Further exile'''

With the retreat of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wehrmacht  German army] from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Europe  Eastern Europe], Halyna and her family found themselves in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany  Germany] as forced labourers. 
After the end of the Second World War, Halyna and her family remained as [http://www.dpcamps.org/histukr3.html refugees] in Germany. 

In 1946, at the refugee camp where they lived in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bavaria Bavaria], Halyna met her future husband, Volodymyr Sluzar.

==Marriage==

On 21 May, 1946, Volodymyr Sluzar and Halyna Machuha were crowned in marriage in Bavaria. 

==Emigration==

Later in 1948, Volodymyr and Halyna were sponsored for emigration to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada  Canada] (through [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_High_Commissioner_for_Refugees UNHCR]), and they settled first in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yorkton  Yorkton], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatoon  Saskatchewan].  

Later, they moved to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg Winnipeg], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba Manitoba].

In their home, they continued as before, with regular prayers.  They also continued actively participating in liturgical services, and religious education in primary and secondary schools.

==Continuing education==

Because [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II World War II] had interrupted his aspirations, it was only after his arrival in Canada that Volodymyr could realise his heart's desire.  

Living in Winnipeg, Volodymyr was able to embark on the study of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theology theology] at [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Winnipeg_MB_Saint_Andrew’s_College_1932 Saint Andrew’s College], where he supplemented the course work, and prepared himself for [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ordination ordination].

==Ordinations==

On Sunday, 22 March, 1953, based on his academic and theological preparations, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Ilarion_I_(Ohienko) Metropolitan Ilarion I (Ohienko)] (of blessed memory) ordained Volodymyr Sluzar to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon Diaconate] in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  

On Sunday,  28 March, 1953, Metropolitan Ilarion I (Ohienko) ordained Deacon Volodymyr Sluzar to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Presbyter Priesthood] at the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Winnipeg_MB_Holy_Trinity_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Metropolitan_Cathedral_1946 Holy Trinity Cathedral] in Winnipeg, Manitoba. 

==Pastoral service==

A few weeks after ordination, Metropolitan Ilarion assigned Father Volodymyr to serve as parish priest at the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Pentecost Descent of the Holy Spirit] Church, now called the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saskatoon_SK_Holy_Trinity_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Cathedral_1918 Holy Trinity Cathedral] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatoon Saskatoon], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatchewan Saskatchewan], because the priest of that parish was on sick-leave.  


[[File:Holy Trinity Cathedral Saskatoon 2.png]]   '''Holy Trinity Cathedral. Saskatoon'''


The parish was large, and well-organised.  It had a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunday_school Sunday School], a [https://shkola-ucc-ca.translate.goog/school-listings/ridna-shkola-programs/?_x_tr_sl=uk&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Ukrainian School], a [https://www.ucc.ca/ucc-member/ukrainian-orthodox-youth-of-canada-cymk/ CYMK youth organisation], a branch of the [https://www.ucc.ca/ucc-member/ukrainian-womens-association-of-canada/ Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada], a [https://www.ucc.ca/ucc-member/ukrainian-self-reliance-league-of-canada-cyc-usrl/ Self-Reliance Association], and an excellent parish choir.  

In addition to the parish community, Saskatoon also had the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saskatoon_SK_Saint_Petro_Mohyla_Institute_1916  Saint Petro Mohyla Institute], which provided, and continues to provide housing mostly for university students. Thus, this environment provided plenty of pastoral work.


[[File:Mohyla_Institute_2020_2.png]]  '''Petro Mohyla Institute'''


'''Canora'''

In 1957, there came the opportunity to move to the [https://orthodox-world.org/en/i/24753/canada/saskatchewan/canora/church/holy-trinity-orthodox-church Holy Trinity Parish] in the town of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canora,_Saskatchewan Canora], Saskatchewan.   This was a new parish in the town, with several smaller country parishes attached.  It proved to be a good place for living and working for Father Volodymyr, Dobrodijka Halyna, and their children.  


[[File:Holy Trinity Ukr Orthodox Church 904 Main Street Canora SK 1.jpg]]  '''Holy Trinity Church, Canora'''


Parish membership in the district consisted mostly of farming families who were good neighbours, and who harmoniously carried out their church and community work.  There, in Canora, Father Volodymyr and Dobrodijka Halyna, with the help of interested parents and family members, renewed the Sunday School, the Ukrainian School, and the women’s and men’s organisations within the parish.  At the same time, the Canora community built a modern Temple.  Parish life was developing well and moving forward. 

'''Winnipeg'''

At the end of June, 1965, Father Volodymyr received by telephone a proposal from Metropolitan Ilarion that he become [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Dean dean] of the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Winnipeg_MB_Holy_Trinity_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Metropolitan_Cathedral_1946 Holy Trinity Cathedral] parish in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  He considered this proposal with Dobrodijka Halyna  and his children ; and bearing in mind their future education, Father Volodymyr and his family moved to Winnipeg.  Father Volodymyr embraced his pastoral duties at the cathedral parish.  There was even more pastoral work in this large urban community.  


[[File:Holytrinitycathedral 2.png]]  '''Holy Trinity Cathedral'''


Dobrodijka Halyna provided much assistance in caring for the Sunday School and Ukrainian School.  She was involved in all aspects of parish life.  She taught the youth in the Church School, and in the [https://shkola-ucc-ca.translate.goog/school-listings/ridna-shkola-programs/?_x_tr_sl=uk&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Ukrainian Language School] ("Ridna Shkola").  She took an active part in many cultural and educational programmes, and she served on the executive of the [https://www.ucc.ca/ucc-member/ukrainian-womens-association-of-canada/ Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada] (UWAC).  For her service in the community, she was formally recognised and honoured by both the Church and the UWAC.  Dobrodijka Halyna's life was one of devotion and dedication to God, her family, and her community.  Her strong [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Christian faith] sustained her throughout life's many hardships.  She was proud of her Ukrainian heritage, and she strove to pass this tradition on to her children and grandchildren, as well as to the children she taught in Ukrainian and Sunday schools.  She also recognised the value of higher education, and she encouraged her children and grandchildren in their schooling. 

'''Consistory Office'''

In 1973, Father Volodymyr was released from his pastorship of the cathedral, and he was assigned to work as Secretary of the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Central_Eparchy_of_the_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Office of the Consistory].  


[[File:UOCCCOnsitoryWinnipeg 2.png]]  '''Winnipeg Consistory Office'''


On Sundays, he served in one of the pastoral congregations of the [https://www.uocc.ca/about/parishes/?wpv_view_count=3176&wpv-eparchy=winnipeg-region&wpv-parish-location=0&wpv_post_search=&wpv_filter_submit=Submit&wpv_sort_order=asc Winnipeg rural district]. 

'''Vita district parishes'''

Then, in September, 1981, Father Volodymyr was released from his responsibilities at the Consistory.  

He was transferred to the pastoral service in the [https://www.uocc.ca/eparchy/central-eparchy/vita-region/ Vita parish district], where he served until August, 1986.  

Then, he spent the last stage of his active parish work serving in the Winnipeg rural district, in the congregations of [https://www.uocc.ca/parish/st-nicholas-parish-4/ Gonor], [https://www.uocc.ca/parish/holy-trinity-parish-18/ Poplar Park], [https://www.uocc.ca/parish/sts-peter-and-paul-parish-34/ Tyndall], and [https://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/stvladimircemeterybeausejour.shtml Beausejour].  In the summer of 1998, this district was dissolved.

==Retirement==

In 1998, Father Volodymyr was given retirement, and he was attached to the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Winnipeg as a priest-[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emeritus emeritus]. 

During his years of service, Father Volodymyr carefully had prepared for all his pastoral services – the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Mysteries Sacramental needs], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Theosis  sanctifications], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Homily sermons], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Catechumen catechism], and youth work ; and he carried them out with spiritual inspiration.  He was honoured by the UOCC for his dedicated and longstanding pastoral service with many Metropolitan Hramota (Gramota/Blessing Certificate) awards, and he received all the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Clergy_awards clergy awards], including the title of [http://orthodoxwiki.org/Archpriest Protopresbyter].

==Bereavement==

On 25 June, 2008, Halyna Sluzar, beloved wife of Protopresbyter Volodymyr Sluzar, [https://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id-137373/Halyna_Sluzar fell to sleep in the Lord], at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Oaks_General_Hospital Seven Oaks General Hospital] in Winnipeg. 

On Sunday, 29 June, 2008, at 7:00 p.m., a [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/res/reading/memorial/Panikhida_for_Adult.pdf Panikhida] ([https://orthodoxwiki.org/Memorial_Services Memorial Service]) was offered at the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Winnipeg_MB_Holy_Trinity_Russian_Orthodox_Cathedral_1904 Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity], 1175 Main Street, Winnipeg. 

On Monday, 30 June, 2008, at 9:30 a.m., the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/res/reading/funeral/Service_for_Orthodox_Lay-Persons.pdf Funeral Service for a Lay-person] was offered at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral.

Following the funeral obsequies, the body of Dobrodijka Halyna Sluzar was taken to the [https://www.findagrave.com/virtual-cemetery/1020976 Glen Eden Memorial Gardens] for interment.  [https://cropo.com/226/Our-History.html Cropo Funeral Chapel] was entrusted with the arrangements.  

Dobrodijka Halyna Sluzar was survived by her husband, Protopresbyter Volodymyr (after 62 years of marriage) ; her children George (Joanne) of Ottawa, Ontario, and Vera (Brett MacIntyre) of Richmond Hill, Ontario ; her beloved grandchildren Tara, Maia, Andrew and Mark ; brother Ivan (Raisa) Machula (Toronto, Ontario), her sister-in-law Maria Sluzar  and their families ; and Irene Strilchuk (Yorkton, Saskatchewan) and many family members in Ukraine.

==Repose of Father Volodymyr==

On Thursday, 30 July, 2014, Protopresbyter Volodymyr Sluzar [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/133763205/wolodymyr-sluzar fell asleep in the Lord] at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mackenzie_Richmond_Hill_Hospital MacKenzie Health Centre] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richmond_Hill,_Ontario Richmond Hill], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario] (at the age of 95, years and in his 61st year of priesthood).

On Wednesday, 6 August, 2014, at 7:00 p.m., a [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/res/reading/memorial/Panikhida_for_Adult.pdf Panikhida] ([https://orthodoxwiki.org/Memorial_Services Memorial Service]) for the newly-departed Protopresbyter Volodymyr Sluzar was offered at [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Winnipeg_MB_Holy_Trinity_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Metropolitan_Cathedral_1946 Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity], 1175 Main Street, Winnipeg.

On Thursday, 7 August, at 10:00 a.m., a Memorial [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy] was offered for the newly-departed Protopresbyter Volodymyr Sluzar at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral in Winnipeg.  

Following the funeral obsequies, the body of Protopresbyter Volodymyr Sluzar was taken to the [https://www.findagrave.com/virtual-cemetery/1020976 Glen Eden Memorial Gardens] for interment next to that of his wife.  [https://cropo.com Cropo Funeral Chapel] was entrusted with the arrangements. 

Father Volodymyr Sluzar was survived by his family : son George (Joanna) and children, Tara, Maia and Andrew from Ottawa, Ontario ; daughter Vera (Brett MacIntyre) and son Mark in Toronto, Ontario ; his sister Barbara and her family in Ukraine.


[[File:ProtopresbyterSluzarGraveMarker 1.jpg]]  '''Grave-marker'''

==References==

[https://cropo.com/tribute/details/3913/RIGHT-REVEREND-PROTOPRESBYTER-WOLODYMYR-SLUZAR Cropo Funeral Home obituary of Protopresbyter Vloldymyr Sluzar]

[https://cropo.com/tribute/details/2994/Halyna-Sluzar/obituary.html Cropo Funeral Home obituary of Dobrodijka Halina Sluzar]


'''Additional information :'''

[https://www.uocc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/visnyk-2014-09.pdf In Memoriam of Protopresbyter Volodymyr Sluzar, UOCC Vestnik/Herald] September, 2014, pp. 9, 11.

[https://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/index.php/passage-details/id-215896/SLUZAR_WOLODYMYR Winnipeg Free Press obituary of Dobrodijka Halyna Sluzar] 

[https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/133763205/wolodymyr-sluzar Findagrave reference for Protopresbyter Volodymyr Sluzar] 

[https://www.uocc.ca/eparchy/central-eparchy/ UOCC Central Eparchy]   

[https://www.uocc.ca/ Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada web-site]   

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Orthodoxwiki article about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Wikipedia article about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada]  

[https://www.patriarchateofconstantinople.com/index.html Church of Constantinople web-site]   

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Constantinople]   

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Bartholomew_(Archontonis) Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)]   

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Ilarion_I_(Ohienko) Metropolitan Ilarion I (Ohienko)]

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Michael_(Khoroshy) Metropolitan Michael (Khoroshy)]

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Andrew_(Metiuk) Metropolitan Andrew (Metiuk)] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Wasyly_(Fedak)  Metropolitan Wasyly (Fedak)] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_John_(Stinka) Metropolitan John (Stinka)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Yurij_(Kalistchuk) Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk)] 

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Ilarion_II_(Rudnyk) Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Job_(Getcha) Archbishop Job (Getcha)]  

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Andriy_(Peshko) Bishop Andriy (Peshko)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Winnipeg_MB_Saint_Andrew’s_College_1932 Saint Andrew’s College, Winnipeg, Manitoba]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Central_Eparchy_of_the_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Consistory Office Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saskatoon_SK_Holy_Trinity_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Cathedral_1918 Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan] 

[https://www.uocc.ca/parish/4605/ Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church Canora, Saskatchewan]

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Winnipeg_MB_Holy_Trinity_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Metropolitan_Cathedral_1946  Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, Winnipeg, Manitoba]  

[https://uocc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/visnyk-2014-10.pdf Renovations to the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Canora, SK] (September 15, 2014) (p. 16).

[https://www.uocc.ca/press-release-october-19-2025-holy-trinity-ukrainian-orthodox-cathedral-saskatoon-sk/ Central Eparchy : Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Saskatoon, SK Press Release] (25 October, 2025)  


[[Category:Clergy]]  [[Category:MP]] [[Category:UGOCC]] [[Category:UOCC]]  [[Category:EP]]