OBITUARY: Bishop Basil Filevich, 88, retired eparch of Saskatoon (05/28/06)

OBITUARY: Bishop Basil Filevich, 88, retired eparch of Saskatoon

EDMONTON - Bishop Basil Filevich (emeritus) of Saskatoon, passed away on April 20 at the age of 88, reported the Edmonton-based newspaper Ukrainian News, citing a release from the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon.

One of nine children, he was born in Stryi, Ukraine, to Omelian and Anna (Pelech) Filevich. He completed his theological studies at St. Joseph's Seminary in Edmonton and was ordained to the priesthood on April 12, 1942, by Archbishop Basil Ladyka, OSBM, in Mundare, Alberta.

He gained experience as pastor in Dauphin, Manitoba, in 1942-1943, in 1943-1948 in Kitchener, Ontario, and in 1948-1951 in St. Catharines, Ontario. In 1951 he was named chancellor of the Eparchy of Toronto and served as rector of St. Josephat Cathedral in Toronto until 1978, during which time he built a new residence, established the first all-day parochial school and renovated the church.

Other milestones in his career included being named monsignor in 1959 by Pope John XXIII, being named vicar-general of the Eparchy of Toronto in 1962, and his elevation to the rank of mitred archpriest by Cardinal Joseph Slipyj in 1972. After his work at St. Josephat Cathedral, he was pastor in Thunder Bay, Ontario, in 1978-1983.

On December 20, 1983, he was appointed as bishop of Saskatoon by Pope John Paul II. He was ordained to the episcopacy at St. Michael Cathedral in Toronto on February 27, 1984. He was installed as bishop of the Eparchy of Saskatoon at St. George Cathedral in Saskatoon on March 4, 1984, where he served until 1996.

During his time as eparch, he introduced the deaconate program in the Eparchy of Saskatoon, was actively involved with the Catholic Charismatic movement, and served as chaplain to the St. Joseph's Home in 2002-2003, where he enjoyed his daily walks, a good game of golf and travel holidays, and kept in contact with his many friends and family.

Bishop Basil was predeceased by his parents, Omelian and Anna Filevich; brothers Michael and Nick; and sisters, Mary Wicentowich, Cassie Boyko, Nellie Lekky, Annie Kropielnicki and Jennie Wenger, and many nieces and nephews. He is survived also by numerous great and great, great nieces and nephews in Canada and the U.S., as well as extended family in Ukraine.

Prayer services for Bishop Filevich were held on April 26, with a divine liturgy led by Metroplitan Lawrence Huculak on April 27 at St. George Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Saskatoon. Interment took place at Woodlawn Cemetery, Ukrainian Catholic Clergy Section, Saskatoon. Among the clergy attending were all the Ukrainian Catholic bishops of Canada, including Metroplitan Bzdel (emeritus) and five Roman Catholic bishops; 32 Catholic priests, including four from the Latin Rite; and two priests representing the Othodox community.

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