St. Michael’s Thanks Fr. Alexander Laschuk for his Service to the Sheptytsky Institute
The University of St. Michael’s College wishes to thank Father Alexander Laschuk, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute (MASI), for his extraordinary service to the Institute and to the Regis St Michael’s Faculty of Theology. After more than five years at MASI, Fr. Laschuk stepped down from MASI as of December 31, 2025 to focus on his many other professional and vocational duties.
“Fr. Laschuk has been invaluable to the Institute and has served the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology (RSM) extremely well. He has been instrumental in revitalizing the Institute’s programming and chaplaincy,” said Prof. Jaroslav Skira, who is the Fr. Terrance Forestell, CSB, Dean of the Faculty.
While Fr. Laschuk has enjoyed the work he has taken on while at MASI, he has a number of demands on his time, filling several roles concurrently, Skira said.
Fr. Laschuk “would have loved to continue in his role at MASI but his responsibilities as the Judicial Vicar of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese as well as of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada, serving as Chancellor of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto, have been quite demanding, all of which take place in addition to his teaching for RSM,” the Dean added. “Most importantly, he has a lovely young family to care for. We will miss Fr. Laschuk’s friendly and collegial demeanour and his dedication, which have contributed greatly to the Institute’s success.”
St. Michael’s President David Sylvester echoed Skira’s comments.
“Fr. Laschuk has been a true asset to the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology, dedicated to MASI and a strong source of guidance and support,” Sylvester said. “He remains a friend to St. Michael’s and I wish Fr. Alex, Olenka and their children well.”
Catherine Pawluch, President of the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute Foundation, which funds the work of MASI said: “We owe a profound debt of gratitude to Fr. Alexander Laschuk for his dedicated service as Executive Director of MASI and for shepherding the Institute through the recent years of transition. He has brought much needed stability and continuity to the work of the Institute. The MASI Foundation extends its gratitude to Fr. Alex and we wish him every blessing as he takes on his new role as Chancellor of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada.”
Fr. Laschuk completed his doctorate of canon law at Ottawa’s Saint Paul University. His research interests are ecclesiology, procedural law, penal law, and sacramental law. The courses he has taught while at St. Michael’s include Canonical Tradition of the Christian East and Introduction to the Eastern Churches.
“We are coming up on 10 years at St. Mike’s and in the last five MASI has really solidified our position at the university,” says Fr. Laschuk, pointing to milestones such as granting His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, an honorary doctorate, the sold-out event featuring a conversation between His Beatitude and historian Timothy Snyder, and the naming of Sheptytsky House as signs of MASI’s success.
“Working at St. Mike’s has been a great experience. It’s top-tier university where I was learning great management from David (Sylvester), who is a great leader, and I have had many opportunities for growth,” Fr. Laschuk says. “I look forward to collaborating with MASI and St. Mike’s and I hope to continue teaching.”
Plans for a replacement for Fr. Laschuk will be announced in the new year.