- The Governor General of Canada
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Joshua Kenneth Wasylciw
Calgary, Alberta
Grant of Arms
April 15, 2010
Vol. V, p. 510
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Blazon
Arms
Per pale barry of six Vert and Or overall a Latin cross throughout counterchanged, a point pointed Ermine;
Crest
A demi-lion Or wearing an omophorion Azure charged with crosses patté Or and holding an open scroll proper charged with an antique crown Or;
Motto
PRO DEO ET IMPERIO;
Symbolism
Arms
The division of the shield into green and gold rectangles evokes a bird’s eye view of patchwork prairie fields, representing the farming heritage of Mr. Wasylciw’s family and his own upbringing in Alberta’s agricultural Peace River country. Green and gold are the colours of Mr. Wasylciw’s alma mater, the University of Alberta, where they represent the province’s rural character and the pursuit of knowledge respectively, two themes that also underpin Mr. Wasylciw’s personal history. The Latin cross denotes Mr. Wasylciw’s Roman Catholic faith. The triangle in ermine, a fur often associated with royalty, is a reference to Mr. Wasylciw’s strong support for the monarchy; its resemblance to a snow-covered mountain peak recalls his years of volunteer service in the Canadian Ski Patrol.
Crest
The gold lion appears on the arms of the Ukrainian oblast of Lviv, homeland of Mr. Wasylciw’s ancestors. The omophorion, a liturgical garment worn by Eastern Catholic bishops, and the scroll are attributes of St. Basil the Great; they allude to Mr. Wasylciw’s surname, which derives from “Vasyl” or Basil. The crown on the scroll denotes Mr. Wasylciw’s studies in political science, as well as his loyalty to the Canadian Crown.
Motto
Meaning “For God and Empire”, the motto emphasizes Mr. Wasylciw’s devout Christian faith and his attachment to the former British Empire.