Memorials

Reverend Ivan Trush (1954-2021)

Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada

Reverend Ivan Trush was associated with the Ukrainian Youth Ensembles (YMA) Corporation since their inception in 1985, as their chaplain and spiritual advisor, under the Artistic direction of the late Wasyl Kardash. Reverend Trush was a model of excellence and commitment—a devoted member of the Orion Men’s Choir. Reverend Ivan took part in the Ukrainian Youth Ensembles’ three-week historic concert tour to Ukraine in 1990, concelebrating Divine Liturgies with His Excellency Bishop Isidore Borecky.

Reverend Ivan Trush, the son of Mykola and Anhelyna (nee Szul), was born on February 10, 1954 in the village of Banie Mazurskie in north-eastern Poland. In 1947, his parents were forced to leave their native land, Lyubachiv, an action known as: Akcija Wisla. After high school, Reverend Ivan continued his studies at the Metropolitan Seminary of Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski in Warsaw; was ordained by Bishop Julian Wojtkowski, Bishop of Olsztyn, in his home village of Banie Mazurskie. From 1981-1984, Reverend Ivan worked as a priest in Poland; from October 8, 1984, he served the Ukrainian community in Ontario: associate pastor, Church of the Holy Protection, Toronto; pastor of both Holy Protection and Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ parishes, Thunder Bay; pastor, Holy Spirit U.C.C., Hamilton; and pastor, Ukrainian Catholic Church Saint Volodymyr, Thornhill ON.

The Ukrainian Youth Ensembles (YMA) Corporation, members of the Levada and Orion Choirs (TORONTO) are truly grateful that the Lord had blessed them with the spiritual guidance of Reverend Ivan Trush--chaplain, advisor, mentor, and friend! Otets Ivan will live in our hearts and we will miss him dearly!! May his profound spirituality and wisdom continue to guide, inspire and enrich the lives of all those he touched throughout his life.

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