“Saskatoon Priest Sentenced for Kissing 13-Year-Old”

A Saskatoon priest, 71, has been sentenced to eight months in jail and 18 months of probation for kissing a 13-year-old girl in a supply closet at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of St. George in the Pleasant Hill neighborhood two years ago. The priest, Janko Kolosnjaji, was found guilty in February and appeared in provincial court on Thursday where his defense lawyer, Zachary Carter, confirmed the sentencing. During the proceedings, prosecutor Sheryl Fillo highlighted the impact on the victim, a refugee from Ukraine, whose first kiss turned into a traumatic experience. The victim described feelings of pain, shame, and confusion following the incident, with her mother emphasizing the breach of trust and dignity by a person in a position of authority. The victim’s statement in court detailed how the world felt hostile and dangerous after the assault, reflecting the profound emotional and psychological harm caused by the priest’s actions.