It is with deep sorrow that we learned of the passing of Father Dr. Jaroslaw Shudrak, a wonderful person, an exceptional doctor, a patriot of Ukraine, a devout priest.
Born in Lviv in 1943, his family was forced to leave Ukraine due to the Soviet regime, emigrating to Europe and then to Canada.
During his professional career as a dentist, Dr. Shudrak believed that the dentist’s role was far beyond just fixing teeth. His amiable personality and great sense of humour always made for a pleasant dental visit.
He was always open to others and himself. In his adult years, he followed his calling and became a deacon first, and after receiving the Sacrament of the Priesthood, he zealously served the Church of Christ and Ukraine.
Father Dr. Jaroslaw Shudrak was one of the founders and the first President of the Children of Chornobyl Canadian Fund (CCCF), which coordinated the medical and humanitarian assistance from Canadian benefactors for relevant organizations and institutions in Ukraine to help the victims of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster, especially children.
As the CCCF became acquainted with the humanitarian situation in Ukraine during the crisis of the 1990s, the target group expanded. The Dzherelo Children’s Rehabilitation Centre in Lviv became a permanent partner and recipient of support for many years.
From the very beginnings of the CCCF and Druzi Dzherela, Dr. Father Shudrak was instrumental in supporting the delivery of equipment and supplies to Dzherelo Centre and the various other CCCF projects of the Children of Chornobyl Canadian Fund.
From the Canada-Ukraine Foundation and Dzherelo Center, we offer our condolences to his family and friends. Father Dr. Jaroslaw Shudrak was a very respected man, and we are grateful for the gift of his life!
May He rest in Lord!
Вічная Пам’ять!
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The family asks to donate to the Dzherelo Children’s Rehabilitation Centre in Lviv through the Canada-Ukraine Foundation as an expression of sympathy.
Donations may be made either by cheque payable to CUF – Dzherelo and sent to Canada-Ukraine Foundation, 620 Spadina Avenue, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2H4 or online at cufoundation.ca (on donation page under “fund” choose Dzherelo)