It’s the end of an era at the Sault’s St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church.
Rev. Jarolsaw Lazoryk, known as ‘Father Jerry’ to his parishioners and throughout the broader community, is leaving as leader of his congregation after 24 years of service.
Lazoryk will begin new duties at Saints Cyril and Methodius parish in St. Catharines next week, having held his final services at St. Mary’s Sunday morning.
Born, raised and educated as part of a Ukrainian family in Poland, Lazoryk visited an uncle in Toronto when he was 26.
“There was a parish, St. Nicholas Ukrainian Church in Toronto, where they filmed the wedding in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. I was ordained there in 1987,” Lazoryk recalled with a chuckle.
He was transferred to St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in the Sault - on St. Georges Avenue - in 1997.
“When I came here it was quite a cultural difference. I didn’t really speak English. The parish was multinational. We have Ukrainians, we have Italians, Slovakians, French, Portuguese and we now have students from India. So I had to learn quite a few things and serve the people in a way that would benefit them.”
The church has approximately 95 registered families, with about 65 active members.
Not only did Lazoryk adapt well to his new congregation, but he became very much an active northerner during his time in the Sault.
“I’ve enjoyed downhill skiing, playing soccer, swimming, loving nature and fishing.”
“I like to be active. For me, activity is a sign of life.”
Apart from his service at St. Mary’s, Lazoryk became known for his community involvement, helping Women In Crisis, Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH) and Sault Area Hospital (SAH), also serving as the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service chaplain.
“What a ride. An awesome ride,” Lazoryk smiled, reflecting on his quarter century of life and work in the Sault.
Lazoryk struggled with cancer for several years, from 1998 to 2014.
“The doctors in the Sault were awesome to me. I can’t thank them enough. The surgeries, the after care from the nurses was just super. The hospital care for me was excellent.”
“They kicked me out of the oncology clinic. They said you no longer need to come here,” Lazoryk said, again with a smile.
“For me, I was in the hospital both as a hospital priest that comes to pray with people and grieving families, but also as a patient. It was all an experience of how you find people around you who become the carriers of your comfort. They carry you. I call them guardian angels.”
“I saw the face of Jesus in those people, the physicians, the nurses and many parishioners who carried me through that time.”
Reflecting on his time as the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service chaplain, Lazoryk said it was another chance to learn and serve people.
“They asked questions, they were seeking advice, seeking guidance. There were a couple of incidents, difficult incidents that happened to the police officers. I would go to their door, I would just sit and talk and share what we needed to share. I wanted to be of assistance. They are normal people who see some things that are not normal.”
What led him to the Catholic priesthood?
“I was always interested in doing something that society would benefit from. I think it had everything to do with Jesus, the Holy Spirit and His guidance and I did not turn away. I walked through the doors and continued the journey...there’s a little motto I have. It’s called ‘love Jesus and work hard.’”
After nearly 25 years at St. Mary’s, Lazoryk said he considers many of his parishioners as ‘brothers and sisters.’
The St. Mary’s church kitchen, with Lazoryk’s help, has been very active over the years, selling food prepared in the kitchen to pay off the church’s mortgage.
“We’ve had many different functions, weddings, receptions, retirement parties. It was providing service while also benefiting us so we can sustain ourselves. It was a balance for all of us.”
Rev. Michael Hayes of Kenora will be succeeding Lazoryk as head of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church.
“As a human being, it’s one of the saddest moments in my life (to leave the church and the Sault). But looking at it as a priest, I’m sent to serve (in St. Catharines). For me it’s a challenge but it’s a chance to learn. The more you learn, the more you can help.”
Lazoryk offered some parting advice.
“Society today has so many challenges, so much pain, with young people engaged in addictions, we have to have families stay together. Jesus is the definition of good life. So we have to start trusting Him, listening and following Him. He’s not a complicated teacher. When you actually trust and follow His teachings you can find peace, comfort, answers, a perfect direction for a healthy, strong, family oriented life. Jesus is the perfect physician.”