Obituary of Rev. Father Methodius Kushko C.Ss.R
Father Methodius Kushko, C.Ss.R.
Fr. Methodius Kushko, C.Ss.R. reposed in the Lord on the morning of Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Home in Saskatoon, SK at the age of 92. He is predeceased by his parents Matheas and Anna (Zubyk) Kushko, his sister Eugenia Sereda, his brother Bill Kushko and sister Stephanie in infancy. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Fr. Methodius was born in Edmore, Sk. on June 16, 1932. After high school, he attended the Saskatchewan Teacher’s College and taught for 11 years. He was principal at Buffalo Narrows, Margo and Hazlet and assistant superintendent in the Borderland School Unit. Hearing God’s call, he joined The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (The Redemptorists) making his first profession of vows on August 28, 1966. He completed theological studies in Ottawa and was ordained to the priesthood on July 5, 1970 in Yorkton by Bishop Andrew Roborecki.
Fr. Methodius’ first assignment was to teach at St. Vladimir’s College, Roblin, MB. where he became principal in 1972 and pastor of the Roblin parish area in 1974. He served in a variety of Ukrainian Catholic Parishes: as pastor of Sacred Heart in Ituna, SK (1978-81); Preeceville, SK (1981-82); assistant pastor of St. John the Baptist, Newark, N.J.(1982-84); pastor of Immaculate Conception, Hillside, N.J. (1984-86); pastor of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Moose Jaw, SK. (1987-93). In 1992, he completed a B.A. honors degree in psychology from the University of Regina. He returned to St. Vlad’s to teach again in 1993. He was assigned to Sacred Heart Parish in Ituna, SK. 1996-2002.
At the age of 70 in 2002, Fr. Methodius went to St. Mary’s Monastery in Yorkton, SK. to “semi-retire.” He became involved with CJGX Radio and then hosted the Ukrainian Hour for many years on The Rock FM and Access TV Channel 7.
Throughout his long, dedicated and colorful ministry, Fr. Methodius was active in church organizations as chaplain for the UCWL and the Knights of Columbus. He taught the Ukrainian language and promoted the Ukrainian culture for which he was recognized in 2013 by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Saskatchewan as a recipient of the Nation Builders Award.
In 2019, Fr. Methodius moved to St. Vladimir’s Villa in Saskatoon to fully retire. With declining health, he went to Trinity Manor and then to St. Joseph’s Home.
The Redemptorists of the Province of Canada wish to extend their gratitude to the staff at St. Vladimir’s Villa, Trinity Manor and St. Joseph’s Home for caring for Fr. Methodius in his last years.
A Priestly Parastas will be prayed at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Parish, Yorkton, SK on Sunday, September 8 at 7 PM. The funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Mary’s on Monday, September 9 at 10 AM.
Internment to follow in the Yorkton Cemetery.
May God grant His ever to be remembered servant Fr. Methodius eternal rest! вічная память!
