Vasiliy Fialco Bishop of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Date of Birth: 02.10.1946 Country: Ukraine

1. Early Life and Education
2. Military Service and a Life-Changing Journey
3. Ecclesiastical Career
4. Leading the Hmelnytskyi Diocese
5. International Engagement and Honors

Early Life and Education

Antonii Mykhailovych Pakanych was born on October 2, 1946, in the village of Dulitske, Ukraine. After completing his secondary education, he pursued studies at the Kyiv Construction Technical School from 1960-1964. In 1973, he graduated with a degree in Industrial and Civil Construction from the Voronezh Engineering and Construction Institute.

Military Service and a Life-Changing Journey

From 1973 to 1974, Pakanych served in the Soviet Army. Upon his return, he visited the Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra during the feast of St. Sergius of Radonezh. This experience marked a turning point in his life. In 1975, he enrolled in the fourth grade of the Theological Seminary but later left due to family circumstances.

Ecclesiastical Career

In 1976, Pakanych became an ipodeacon to Bishop Chrysostom of Kursk and Belgorod before being ordained a deacon on April 24, 1976. He was appointed a priest on August 14, 1977, and served as the rector of the Cross-Raising Church in Stary Oskol. From 1978, he was a cleric of the Vinnytsia Diocese, serving as a staff priest at the Nativity-of-the-Theotokos Cathedral in Vinnytsia.

On April 10, 1979, he was tonsured into monasticism as Antony in honor of St. Anthony of the Caves. In 1980, he was appointed dean of the 7th district of the diocese and elevated to the rank of hegumen in 1982. After graduating from Moscow Theological Seminary, he served as the rector of St. Paraskeva's Church in Kalinivka.

Leading the Hmelnytskyi Diocese

On June 22, 1993, Pakanych was appointed Metropolitan of the Hmelnytskyi Diocese. He initiated the construction of the new St. Pokrovsky Cathedral, completing its foundation during his tenure as rector of the Nativity-of-the-Theotokos Cathedral from 1989 to 1990. He also served as a deputy of the Hmelnytskyi Oblast Council of People's Deputies.

International Engagement and Honors

In 1988, Metropolitan Pakanych participated in a delegation to Poland for a conference on the 1000th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus. He also traveled to Mount Athos and Greece, taking part in celebrations at the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Athens and the Monastery of St. Panteleimon. He was awarded the order of Archimandrite in 1985.