A Theatrical Performance “A Heart Devoted to the People” Presented at TNMU

The theatrical studio Art-drama, which has delighted the community of Ternopil National Medical University for many years with its creativity, presented a short performance titled “A Heart Devoted to the People” on October 30, 2025. The play was dedicated to Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky, a prominent spiritual and public figure of Ukraine. This year marks the 140th anniversary of his birth.

The performance began with a prayer — the TNMU choir performed the well-known Christian prayer “Our Father.” Among the honored guests were Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Ternopil-Zboriv Archdiocese of the UGCC, Theodor Martynyuk, and the university chaplain, Ihor Drapak.

The life and activity of Andrey Sheptytsky spanned the periods of two world wars and six political regimes, including the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Western Ukrainian People’s Republic, Poland, the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany, and again the Soviet Union. Sheptytsky was renowned for his charitable, educational, and human rights activities. He founded numerous educational institutions, supported youth organizations, and made significant contributions to the development of Ukrainian art, science, and medicine. His work was dedicated to preserving human dignity and promoting interethnic harmony in the most challenging times.

Actors of the Art-drama studio portrayed the spiritual journey of Andrey Sheptytsky — his formation as a spiritual leader and his unwavering decision to serve the Church. This choice became the point of no return. From a young man named Roman Sheptytsky, he transformed into Andrey, the future Metropolitan who would dedicate his entire life to guiding others on the path of faith.

The roles were performed by:
Yelyzaveta Miz – Sofia Sheptytska,
Roman Krasytskyi – Ivan Sheptytsky,
Vitalii Trach – Roman (Andrey) Sheptytsky,
Older brother – Nazarii Bobko,
Younger brother – Mykhailo Haley,
Sister – Viktoriia Klopotiuk,
Friend-skeptic – Nazar Krasytskyi,
Friend-pragmatist – Iryna Shvak,
Friend-romantic – Illia Sobchuk,
Shadow of doubt – Kateryna Savchenko,
Voice of faith – Daryna Fedoriv,
Spiritual mentor – Demian Yashchyshyn.

Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Ternopil-Zboriv Archdiocese of the UGCC, Theodor Martynyuk, thanked the university’s student community for their creativity and their desire to learn more about the luminaries of the Ukrainian nation, such as Andrey Sheptytsky. He also presented acknowledgments on behalf of the Ternopil-Zboriv Archdiocese to the leaders of the theatrical studio, Maryana Varvaruk, and the choir conductor, Anton Shupa.