 In the fall of 1969, John Stinka enrolled in theological studies at St. Andrew's College in Winnipeg, which he successfully completed in 1972 with a Licentiate in Theology.He continued his studies at the University of Manitoba following his Licentiate in Theology.On August 18, 1973 he was ordained into the Holy Diaconate at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Saskatoon by Archbishop Boris (Yakovkevych), and on August 25, 1974 in Holy Tranfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton, Deacon John was ordained to the Priesthood, again ordained by Archbishop Boris.