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Alexy ChaplyukClergyman of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Archpriest
Date of Birth: 20.09.1936
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Early Life and Vocation
- Seminary and Ordination
- Pastoral Ministry
- Family and Personal Life
- Final Years and Passing
- Legacy
Early Life and Vocation
On September 20, 1936, Protopriest Aleksey Chaplyuk was born in Krasny Kut, Ukraine. During World War II, he lost his father at the tender age of six. Despite adversity, he worked in a mine while attending mining school. Drawn to the Church, he eagerly participated in liturgical services at the nearest temple.
Seminary and Ordination
Determined to pursue a life of faith, Aleksey sought admission to the Moscow Theological Seminary. Facing resistance from the authorities, he was temporarily sent to the military. However, due to injuries suffered in a mining accident, he was unable to serve in the army. With the blessing of Archimandrite Seraphim (Tyapotchkin), he finally enrolled in the seminary in 1967. In 1970, he was ordained as a deacon and later as a priest.
Pastoral Ministry
After graduating from the seminary with honors in 1971, Father Aleksey embarked on his pastoral journey. From 1977 to 1982, he served as rector of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Mariupol. He also ministered in Karlovka and, from 1984 until his retirement in the mid-2000s, as rector of St. George's Church in Sartan. Throughout his ministry, he received numerous ecclesiastical awards.
Family and Personal Life
On October 1, 2021, Father Aleksey and his wife, Matushka Lyubov, celebrated 55 years of marriage. Their union was blessed by Venerable Amphilochius, who prophetically told Matushka that she would become a priest's wife. Together, they raised five children, four of whom graduated from music departments of theological academies and married clergy. Their family also includes 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Final Years and Passing
Despite suffering from diabetes and blindness for the last ten years of his life, Father Aleksey remained a devout and active minister. He regularly attended and preached at liturgical services. On December 6, 2022, after a brief illness, he departed this earthly life in Kherson. His funeral service was conducted at St. Nicholas Maritime Cathedral by his grandson, Archimandrite Siluan (Pasenko), and other clergy.
Legacy
Protopriest Aleksey Chaplyuk is remembered as a humble and prayerful pastor, a zealous preacher, and a dedicated servant of the Orthodox Church. His spiritual teachings emphasized repentance and the importance of church life for salvation. Through his unwavering faith, he became an example of virtue and a guide for countless souls.
