Vasily Vasilykovsky was born in 1778 in the provincial town of Sevsk in the Belgorod province. That same year, a theological seminary opened in Sevsk, where he received his education. After completing his studies in 1804, Vasilykovsky got married and became a priest at the Ilyinsky Church in the city of Sumy. However, he soon lost his wife and moved with his young son Simeon to the Starokharkov Monastery.

In July 1810, Father Vasily was appointed priest of the 19th Jaeger Regiment. During the Patriotic War of 1812, this regiment participated in most major battles conducted by the 1st Western Army, including the battles near Vitebsk and Borodino.

Major General Likachev, commander of the 24th Infantry Division, noted in a letter to Archpriest I.S. Derzhavin: "Priest Vasilykovsky, in the battle on July 15, 1812, near Vitebsk, showed sincere diligence, being at the front with a cross, blessing the regiment. He supported the soldiers in the heat of battle, heard confessions of the wounded, until he received a wound to his cheek and a concussion to his chest from a bullet that struck the cross on his chest. I consider it my duty to report his merits and request a reward for his zeal for faith and service to the Monarch."

Vasilykovsky was awarded a purple kamilavka. After the battle near Maloyaroslavets, General Dokhturov petitioned Kutuzov for Father Vasily's award, noting that he inspired soldiers to defend the Fatherland with a cross in hand and was wounded in the head.

For his displayed courage, Vasilykovsky became the first priest in Russia to be awarded the Order of St. George the Victorious, 4th class, which was presented to him on March 17, 1813.

Regarding Father Vasily's further fate, it is known that he participated in the foreign campaign with his regiment and died from his wounds on November 24, 1813.