by Gordon Nary
Gordon: What Universities and Schools did attends, what degrees and certificates did you earn. what was you favorite course, and why was it your favourite?
Fr. Andriy: I finish secondary and Hight School in my hometown – Lviv, Ukraine. Then I finish two years of the Cantor School. And finally, I finished Ukrainian Catholic University and Holy Spirit Seminary in Lviv. I have a Master Degree in Liturgical Studies. So, my favourite subject is liturgy ? because I love prayer and beauty of the church services.
Gordon: When you received your vocation, with whom you discuss it, and what was their advice?
Fr. Andriy: It’s hard to say when… it’s kind of process ? I was an altar server since I turned 8 and I started it really by accident ? but as I always say: God doesn’t have coincidences. The church where I served was a monastic church, so I have chance to talk to many monks and priests and see their life in priesthood. They said if God calls – follow, He has a plan ?
Gordon: Where did you attend seminary, what was your favourite course, and why was it your favourite?
Fr. Andriy: I studied in parallel in Seminary and University. So, my favourite subject is liturgy.
Gordon: When and where did you serve as Assistant of the Spiritual Director, and what were your primary responsibilities?
Fr. Andriy: I was assistant of the Spiritual Director back in my students time. Ukrainian Catholic University has program, called “English Summer School”. It’s run every year during summer school holidays and is good opportunity for students from UCU and Seminary improve their English. As assistant I help priest to run prayer program, sing all church services, etc. I was good experience to pray in English.
Gordon: When did you serve parish priest at Dormition of the Mother of God Ardeer, Victoria, Australia and approximately how many people were at there and what is on of your favorite memories of you time there?
Fr. Andriy: I served at the Parish of the Dormition of the Mother of God, since we came to Australia second time, April 2018. I was at this parish for 5 years. It’s small parish. Normally we had around 40 people on Sunday. Church was build Ardeer in 50s, at that time 150 Ukrainians families lived in that suburb. Now we have les then 15.I never forger my first Sunday at this parish. I was in the church earlier, prepared everything and was waiting for the faithful. 15 minutes before the Liturgy church was still empty, I was nervous, that no one is coming ? but then 10 min later people stat come and fill up the church by service started.
Gordon: Where are you currently serving a priest?
Fr. Andriy: Currently, I’m Administrator of the Sts Peter and Paul Ukrainian Cathedral in North Melbourne. Also, I’m Synkellos (Vicar) for the Laity in our Eparchy (Diocese)
Gordon: What impact has the Australian Broadcast Company had upon church membership?
Fr. Andriy: I think that any broadcast company has impact on people. People are watching TV and absorb information. So, depends on what people see, what values are advertised, what choices, opportunities are proposed.
Gordon: Please explain why Australia's Catholic plenary council is in crisis over role of women in the church
Fr. Andriy: I think because they a little bit got lost what actually is a role of women in the Church.
Gordon: Thank you for a great interview.