Many people who are unfamiliar with the Ukrainian Orthodox Saints will be delighted to find a collection of their quotes and teachings. These saints range from St. Job and St. Batiushka to the much more obscure St. Josaphat, the patron saint of musicians and songwriters. They are a fascinating set of people who are often quoted as a form of inspiration and guidance.
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St. Josaphat
Born in Ukraine in 1580, St. Josaphat was baptized as John Kuncevic. His parents were part of the Eastern Rite Church of Kyiv, which had separated from the Catholic Church in Rome. He was raised in a pious home and studied with zeal. He memorized the psalms and the Church rituals. As a young man, he began to develop relationships with high moral men.
Despite his arduous life, St. Josaphat refused to live an ordinary life. He constantly sought to inject the Catholic faith with energy. He refused to settle for the ordinary faith as many of the people in his time in the monastery did.
His life is a fascinating tale of faith and hope. His efforts for the union of Eastern Orthodox churches and the Roman Catholic Church led to his martyrdom. His willingness to sacrifice his life for the good of the Church led to the Union of Brest, and he was later killed by a mob. He is famous for saying a prayer while on his knees.
In his youth, Josaphat was elected to the position of bishop in Vitebsk. He was a popular leader, and the greater part of the Orthodox community there joined his church. However, the next year, a rival hierarchy was set up. The dissidents spread rumors that Josaphat had disappeared. He was also not supported by the Latin bishops of Poland.
St. Job
In the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, St. Job of Pochaev is one of the most beloved saints. In November 1995, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church announced that he was a saint, and the Patriarchate of Russia officially proclaimed him a saint in May 1996. His life is filled with Christian teaching, and he is often cited as a model of an ascetic monk. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church celebrates his feast day on June 11 n.s. / May 29 o.s., the anniversary of his fall asleep in the Lord.
Known in the West as St. Job, this Orthodox monk was born in the Carpathian Mountains of Ukraine. His family had been civil servants for Polish and Lithuanian Kings, but had become impoverished over time. After two decades as a monk, St. Job was granted priestly ordination, thanks to a friend and superior, Konstantin Ostrogsky. During the years that followed, he authored several theological books, and was later appointed the Hegumen of the Pochaev Lavra.
Volhynia was part of Galicia for most of its early history. Although most of the saints were not Volhynians, many of them were somehow related to the Volhynian lands. It is likely that more saints will be added in the future.
St. Batiushka
The Orthodox saint St. Batiushka, who was born in Ukraine, lived for over 50 years. His spiritual writings have influenced Orthodox spirituality for centuries. His writings have been cited in numerous works, including those by Fyodor Dostoevsky and other modern writers. He is considered one of the earliest examples of cenobitic monasticism in this region.
Despite the tension between the Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church, some Ukrainians continue to pray for peace and reconciliation. They bring baskets to the priests on Easter and sprinkle holy water on their offerings. Some residents of rural villages approached the holiday with defiance.
The situation in Ukraine has become increasingly tense in recent months. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church has been under increasing pressure and under threat of persecution. Its hierarchy has been summoned by the Ukrainian Security Service, and members have been prevented from leaving the country. The Ukrainian people and clergy need your prayers. They are fighting for their right to live according to their faith. They also want to keep their traditions and moral values.
As a loving man, Batiushka encouraged his people to practice freedom. He also warned against false teaching. He warned that when false teachings appear, demons will come out. During this time, secret atheists will take up arms against the Orthodox Russian Church, including the Catholics, Uniates, and self-ordained Ukrainian priests. These heretics will take churches from Orthodox and kill the faithful.
