Ukrainian Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky: an unrecognized hero who saved hundreds of Jews during the Holocaust

“We want to pay tribute to the man who saved hundreds of Jews,” — said the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Azman.

Andrey Sheptytsky in 2008, the Jewish community of Ukraine recognized him as a Righteous One.

November 1 marked 80 years since the death of the Ukrainian Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytskywho was one of the most significant religious figures in Ukraine at the end of the 19th – first half of the 20th century. Sheptytsky was not only a spiritual leader, but also proved himself to be a real hero, saving Jews from Nazi persecution. However, despite his actions, he was never given the title “Righteous Among the Nations” in Israel.

Hero in the Shadows: Saving Jews during the War

With the outbreak of World War II, Metropolitan Andrei Sheptytsky and his closest associates launched a secret mission of mercy, hiding dozens of Jews in monasteries and other religious institutions. One of the most famous cases is the Metropolitan’s sermon on November 21, 1942, when he called on his followers to resist violence and renounce the killing of innocents. This was a bold statement under the conditions of Nazi terror, and many priests of the time took it as a guide to action.

With Sheptytsky's consent, a significant number of Jews hid in Greek Catholic monasteries and even in the metropolitan residence. He ordered the hiding of more than 300 Jewish children (in particular, the son of Lvov rabbi Izakael Levin Kurt, who later named his sons Andrey and Klimenty) and valuable Jewish documents.

In rescuing the Jews, he was helped, among others, by Joseph’s sister Veter (in 1946 she was imprisoned by the communist regime for a total of 30 years) and his brother Kliment (37 Jews; another 16 Jews were in a shoe factory that belonged to the Students; arrested by the Soviet regime of 1947).

It should be noted that the Metropolitan hid this saving action of his from most of the clergy because circumstances required it. Rabbi David Kagane writes with undisguised sympathy about the noble behavior of Andrei Sheptytsky during the war in his “Diary of the Lviv Ghetto.”

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“Thou shalt not kill” is one of the most important commandments to which the Metropolitan called his followers in this dark time.

The feat of Klimenty Sheptytsky

Andrei Sheptytsky’s brother, Klimenty, made a huge contribution to the salvation of Jews, for which he was posthumously awarded the title “Righteous Among the Nations” in 1996. In a factory owned by the Studites, Andrei's brother set up a secret hideout for more than 30 Jews, risking his own life. His selfless actions remain one of the shining examples of human kindness and courage.

Yad Vashem and the non-recognition of Andrei Sheptytsky

In Israel, at the request of David Kagane, the issue of awarding Andrei Sheptytsky the title “Righteous Among the Nations” was considered. However, in a vote in 1981, of the 13 commission members, 5 supported the awarding of the title, 6 opposed it, and 2 abstained, including Kagane himself. The reasons for the refusal were “support for the SS division “Galicia””, accusations of “ideological closeness to Nazism” and the opinion that “the metropolitan could have done more to save the Jews.”

Contrary to the often widespread assertion, Metropolitan Andrei did not express any official support for the creation of the Galicia division. It should be noted that the Metropolitan agreed to send priest-chaplains there for the spiritual service of the soldiers.

The decision caused mixed reactions.

Attempts to recognize Sheptytsky as a Righteous Among the Nations continued after that, but without success, including in 2007. In response, in 2008, the Jewish community of Ukraine recognized him as a Righteous One..

Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Azman emphasized the importance of memory about such people.

“We want to pay tribute to the man who saved hundreds of Jews“- said the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Azman on this occasion. “We must fight not only anti-Semitism and xenophobia, but also remember our heroes and remind the younger generation about them“.

In honor of Sheptytsky, the “Tree of Life” was planted near the Brodsky synagogue in Kyiv.

In 2012, the lower house of the Canadian Parliament unanimously recognized the Metropolitan's contribution to human rights, noting that he saved more than 160 Jews. In 2013, the Anti-Defamation League posthumously honored Sheptytsky for his “courage and heroism” in saving Jews with the Jan Karski Award, which was accepted by his relative, Professor Jerzy Weiman.

Conclusion

Andrey Sheptytsky remained for many people a symbol of courage and mercy, capable of heroic deeds to save lives. His story is a reminder of the strength of spirit and the importance of showing humanity even in the most difficult conditions. It is difficult to say why he was never recognized as a Righteous Among the Nations, but his contribution to saving hundreds of lives will remain unforgettable.

“The memory of heroes like Andrei Sheptytsky should be passed on from generation to generation,” note the authors of NAnovosti.

The Metropolitan's Influence on Modern Society

The actions of Andrei Sheptytsky remain relevant today. His actions inspire new generations not only in Ukraine, but also beyond its borders. It is important to remember historical figures who embody humanistic values ​​and strive to preserve their legacies in modern times.

Count Andrey Sheptytsky ChSVV (baptized Roman Maria Alexander; July 29, 1865 – November 1, 1944) – head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Metropolitan of Galicia, Archbishop of Lviv (1901-1944). Bishop Stanislavovsky (1899-1900). Doctor of Law (1888) and Theology (1894); Maecenas. One of the outstanding leaders of the Ukrainian church and national movement of the first half of the 20th century, a representative of the Sheptytsky count family.

During the First World War he was arrested by Russian troops (1914) and taken to Russia. After returning to Lviv, he became a co-founder of ZUNR (1918). In 1919 he was interned by the Polish authorities.

The process of beatification began in 1955. Metropolitan Andrei's brother, Count Lev Sheptytsky, and his wife were killed by the Bolsheviks after the annexation of Western Ukraine, and their son Andrzej was later killed at Katyn. Vladyka died on November 1, 1944 from cerebral edema caused by a complication of influenza. He was buried in the Cathedral of St. George in Lviv; his funeral became a mass demonstration.

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