In Lviv, a Final Farewell to a Defender of Ukraine who was baptized by His Beatitude Sviatoslav

Ivan Skrypnyk was born in Zaporizhia and studied at Sahajdachny National Academy of the Ground Forces in Lviv.  During his training, Ivan experienced a conversion, encountering God and the Church. In 2005, then Vice-Rector of the Holy Spirit Lviv Theological Seminary, Fr. Sviatoslav Shevchuk, now Head of the UGCC, baptized Ivan at the National Academy.

At the time, a group of Academy cadets were undergoing baptismal preparation, led by Fr. Rostyslav Vysochan, Head of Pastoral Affairs in the Department of Military Chaplaincy of the UGCC’s Patriarchal Curia, and Bishop Stepan Sus, Bishop of the Curia.

Father Rostyslav Vysochan, who became the serviceman’s godfather, eulogized Ivan at the funeral, saying that the deceased was a man of duty, whose heart was filled with love for others: "Seeing how quickly Ivan’s life changed since 2005 when I became his godfather, I must say that he was a man who performed his duties sincerely. He cheerfully accepted this world. He was brought up with love for his family and friends. It is important for us to understand that everyone who today has felt called to defend his homeland has become a defender, and a defender is one who knows how to love. May the Lord embrace the soul of the newly departed Ivan."

Fr Rostyslav remarked that Ivan Skrypnyk will remain in his heart forever: "As I once prayed for his health as my godson, I will continue to remember him in my prayers."

Bishop Stepan Sus shared his memories of the brave soldier: “Ivan was always fair, he had many friends. He was responsible for training in the military unit in Starychi.  His belief in the Lord, his prayer, his going to church, and his baptism in adulthood, -- all became the foundation of his life; he strove to show his faith in his actions, and to be a good man.

The bishop also said that like Fr. Rostyslav, he was friends with Ivan until the last days of his life.

“Ivane…,” Bishop Sus addressed the deceased: “I remember that bright day when Rostyk and I were preparing you for baptism. Rostyk became your godfather, although we all wanted to be your father, brother and friend. Everyone loved and loves you… We will be very sad without you… Rest with Our Lord, Eternal memory!

The UGCC Department of Information