In Memory of Border Guard Andriy Korniychuk

Andriy Korniychuk, who hailed from the Rivne region, left a deep mark in the hearts of his colleagues, students, and all those who had the chance to communicate with him. He studied at School No. 8 in the city of Dubno and later continued his education at the Volyn Spiritual Seminary and the Lviv Theological Academy. After that, Andriy earned a diploma from the Rivne Institute of Slavic Studies, where he began teaching English, particularly at the Dubno College of Culture and Arts of the Rivne State Humanitarian University.

His colleague Andriy Mukha recalls Andriy Korniychuk with warmth: "He worked with us about ten years ago. We probably worked together for about ten years, and we sat on the same floor. He never said a bad word to anyone. He was such a kind-hearted person, a wonderful individual." These words highlight the positive and friendly personality that Andriy embodied.

In addition to teaching, Andriy actively volunteered at YMCA camps (Young Christian Association) and taught at the Verbskiy Lyceum. The director of the lyceum, Maria Humenyuk, shared her memories of him: "He worked with us for one year. I remember how a year ago he was preparing Christmas carols with his students. No one could have thought that a year later we would be here to say goodbye to him. He was always cheerful, smiling, intelligent, witty, and had a great sense of humor. He loved talking with the boys about cars and always had some interesting phrases to share."

Students also remember Andriy as a kind and compassionate teacher. Eleventh-grader Solomiya noted: "Andriy Yaroslavovych was a very good teacher. He always gave advice and support. He often talked about his life. He adored teaching and educating children." Another student, Oksana, added that they could always rely on their teacher: "Andriy Yaroslavovych stood out for always being on the same wavelength as us. He constantly shared his love for cars and funny life anecdotes. I remember how we had cake in his class on my birthday."

Andriy Korniychuk also studied at the Lviv Theological Academy, now known as the Ukrainian Catholic University. There, he is remembered as a very cheerful and joyful person. Andriy Kurochka, the head of the development department at UCU and Andriy's classmate, shares his memories: "A constant smile on his face, childlike simplicity, and the ability to be amazed and rejoice in each day of life are my main emotional memories from studying with Andriy 25 years ago. His kindness made it comfortable to be around him, and his trust in a world that was not always kind to him and his family. In photos from his time studying at the LBA and in the last pictures from the front, he is smiling as usual. Now, that smile is eternal."

In July 2025, Andriy Korniychuk joined the border troops, demonstrating his dedication and patriotism. Unfortunately, on December 2, he was killed near Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region while defending his country. Farewell to Andriy Korniychuk took place on December 9 in Independence Square in Dubno, where family, friends, and colleagues honored his memory.

Andriy left behind a wife, children, and a mother who will always remember his kindness and devotion. His life and contributions to educating the youth will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

Photo: Dubno District State Administration, Suspilne. Rivne

Source: Suspilne, Ukrainian Catholic University

Prepared by the Ukrainian National Agency Ukrinform in collaboration with the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory and the online media of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine ArmyInform

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