Archbishop Michael (Khoroshy)

Archbishop Michael (Khoroshy) of Toronto [Теодот Хороший], (b. July 10, 1885, in Fedorivka, Ukraine; d. May 5, 1977, in Toronto, Ontario), bishop, poet, writer, and composer of liturgical music, including a Divine Liturgy, All-Night Vigil, and five sacred concertos [концерти].

In 1907, Theodot Khoroshy was graduated from the pedagogical seminary in the town of Shamovka in the Kherson region of Ukraine, and became a singing teacher. In the summer of 1909, he enrolled in the choir conducting courses for deacons at Saint Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery in Kyiv. He was ordained a deacon in 1912 and a priest in 1920. Afterwards, he assumed the name Michael.

Bishop Michael came to Canada in 1951 at the invitation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada and was appointed Archbishop of Toronto and the Eastern Diocese. He was elevated to Metropolitan in 1973. He passed away on May 5, 1977, and is buried in Prospect Cemetery in Toronto.

1912: Ordained a deacon.

1920: Ordained a priest.

1942: Tonsured a monk and consecrated a bishop (and then archbishop).

1951: Came to Canada and was appointed Archbishop of Toronto.

1973: Elevated to Metropolitan.