Born in Prylbychi in Galician noble family, Sheptytsky was nominated for the post of Galician Metropolitan in December 1900. He was working as Galician Metropolitan until his death in 1944.

Sheptytsky was a leader of Ukrainian national idea, and while ministering, he significantly strengthened the Ukrainian national movement in Galicia as well as in other lands. Sheptytsky put a lot of energy and effort into educational and publishing activities, founded Lviv gymnasium, supported Ukrainian private schooling and generously sponsored Ukrainian cultural and educational societies. Ukrainian University and National Museum were also established in Lviv on his initiative.

During his ministry Sheptytsky considerably expanded the Greek Catholic Church in Ukraine and abroad, was a member of the Vienna Parliament and Galician Sejm, promoted and agreed on reform that would increase Ukrainian representation in the Sejm.

Despite the very difficult and changing political conditions, Sheptytsky until his last days remained a faithful son of Ukrainian nation and will forever be remembered as one of the most influential and prominent Ukrainian figures of the XX century.