Aleteia logoAleteia logoAleteia
Thursday 28 March |
Holy Thursday of the Supper of the Lord
Aleteia logo
Spirituality
separateurCreated with Sketch.

Why Ukraine and Russia need the intercession of St. Josaphat

JOSAPHAT-KUNTSEVYCH

Mykola Swarnyk / CC BY-NC 2.0

Philip Kosloski - published on 11/12/22 - updated on 11/12/23

St. Josaphat worked for unity in Ukraine, able to convince others through his arguments and example.

Please consider a gift for Aleteia!
Help us spread the joy of Christ's victory.
Aleteia depends on your support.

Join our Lenten Campaign 2024.

DONATE NOW

As the war between Ukraine and Russia drags on, St. Josaphat stands out as one of the more relevant saints to ask prayers for peace. His feast day is November 12.

Living in Ukraine in the 16th century, St. Josaphat strove for unity among Christians, who were divided into two opposing sides. One group wanted to remain separated from Rome, while the other wanted to unite with the Successor of St. Peter.

In order to influence both sides, he appealed to them through arguments, but also through the holiness of his life. Pope Pius XI pointed out this method of appeal in his encyclical, Ecclesiam Dei.

[H]aving greatly at heart the reunion of his compatriots with the Chair of Peter, he sought to discover arguments which would help to promote and to make secure this union … Having thus prepared himself well, he began firmly but with kindness to plead the cause of the restoration of unity … an apostolate which could not but bring about extraordinary results due to the example which he gave of a life of inviolate chastity, poverty, and frugality joined with such openhandedness toward the poor.

Ever since St. Josaphat’s death, he has been invoked by many as a special patron of unity.

While there are many influences behind the current conflict in Ukraine, we can all join together in prayer, under the patronage of St. Josaphat, imploring God to grant peace and unity in the region.

St. Josaphat, pray for Ukraine and Russia!

Tags:
RussiaSaintsUkraine
Support Aleteia!

Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Thanks to their partnership in our mission, we reach more than 20 million unique users per month!

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting and transformative Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.

Support Aleteia with a gift today!

jour1_V2.gif
Daily prayer
And today we celebrate...




Top 10
See More
Newsletter
Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. Subscribe here.