FR. JOHN SYROTA, C.SS.R.

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FR. JOHN SYROTA, C.SS.R. Fr. John Syrota, C.SS.R., completed his earthly pilgrimage on March 12, 2000 at St. Pauls Hospital in Saskatoon, SK. He was 77 years of age and had served as a priest for over 53 years. Fr. John was born in Elfros, SK on May 28, 1922, the sixth child of Nicholas and Anna (Skolny) Syrota. He completed his elementary school in Elfros and then took up his high school, novitiate, and seminary with the Ukrainian Redemptorists in Yorkton, SK. On September 24, 1941, he made his religious profession of vows as a Redemptorist. He was ordained a priest by Archbishop Basil Ladyka, OSBM, on September 8, 1946, in Yorkton. After his ordination, he continued a year of studies and did pastoral work in the parishes of the Yorkton area (1946-49). He managed the Redeemers Voice Printing Press for one year. In 1949, he was assigned to Sacred Heart Church in Ituna, SK, where he served for 12 years. He was an assistant chaplain of St. Anns Orphanage and served the outlying mission parishes. At that time, transportation was mainly by train, but also by horse and buggy. During his tenure, a new rectory was built. In his last four years as superior and pastor, he initiated the plans and campaign for a new church in Ituna. From 1961-66, Fr. John served as pastor of Holy Eucharist Church in Toronto, ON, then located on King Street East. Within that time, he negotiated the sale of the property to the City of Toronto for the Don Valley Expressway and purchased property on Broadview Ave. for the building of a new church, rectory, and auditorium. From Toronto, Fr. John returned to Yorkton (1966-69), then to Ituna (1969-70), and was appointed to Wynyard, SK as assistant and pastor (1970-75). Thereafter, he was stationed in Newark, NJ (1975-81). He was next assigned to Winnipeg, MB (1981-84) then was pastor of Holy Eucharist Parish in Toronto (1984-87). He returned to Ituna for the third time and was pastor (1987-90). From Ituna he returned to Yorkton and served as assistant pastor (1990-95). Due to ill health, he became a resident at St. Josephs Home in Saskatoon and was there for the past five years. Fr. John did pastoral work for most of his life. He also preached missions, Lenten tridiuums and retreats. During his 53 plus years of priesthood, he conferred the Sacraments of the Church upon hundreds of faithful and celebrated devoutly thousands of Divine Liturgies. The Lord has richly blessed the Church through his priestly contribution. Fr. John touched the hearts of many by his friendly disposition, his warm smile, his compassion, and patience in suffering. He was always hospitable and generous with his help and care. In turn, everyone loved him. Fr. John was always a sportsman at heart. He loved hockey, golfing and bowling. Many thanks to the Sisters of St. Joseph and the staff of St. Josephs Home for their tender loving care in looking after Fr. John during his illness. Fr. John was predeceased by his parents, Nicholas and Anne; brothers, William, Sylvester, Joseph and Nestor. He is survived by three brothers, Norman (Kay), Toronto, Donald (Mary), Elfros, Gordon (Alice), Regina, SK; sister-in-law Ann Syrota, Elfros, and numerous nephews and nieces. Parastas for Fr. John took place at St. Josephs Home, 33 Valens Dr., Saskatoon on Wednesday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m. Upon that there will be a Parastas for him at St. Marys Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton on Thursday, March 16 at 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will take place at St. Marys Church in Yorkton on Friday, March 17 at 10:00 a.m. Vichnaya Pamyat. May we always remember him gratefully. Arrangements are shared by Park Funeral Home of Saskatoon, Baileys Funeral Home of Yorkton and Cropo Funeral Chapel, Winnipeg.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 16, 2000