On January 23, the Eparchy of New Westminster gathered in prayer to honor the memory of the Blessed Pratulin Martyrs, heroic witnesses of faithfulness to Christ.
This prayerful observance held special meaning as it marked the 150th anniversary of the martyrdom of Blessed Vincent Lewoniuk and his twelve companions (1874-2024). By God’s grace, our Eparchy was blessed to receive the holy relics of the Pratulin Martyrs, made possible through the efforts of Dr. Anna Bodnar and the generosity of Bishop Kazimierz Gurda, Bishop of Siedice (Poland).
In accordance with the decree of Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, the holy relics were solemnly placed for public veneration in the following churches:
• Holy Eucharist Cathedral, New Westminster, BC
Rector: Very Rev. Mykhailo Ozorovych [Registry Number of Relics: 240]
• St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church, Prince George, BC
Pastor: Very Rev. Andrii Chornenkyi [Registry Number of Relics: 241]
• St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church, Nanaimo, BC
Pastor: Rev. Stepan Vytvytskyi [Registry Number of Relics: 242]
• Dormition of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church, Kelowna, BC
Pastor: Rev. Pavlo Myts [Registry Number of Relics: 243]
In each of these parishes, the relics were received with due reverence and placed in appropriate reliquaries in accordance with the liturgical norms and traditions of the Ukrainian Catholic Church.
According to pastoral directives, on the 23rd of each month a Moleben to the Blessed Pratulin Martyrs is celebrated in the parishes where the relics are present, with special prayers for steadfastness in faith, unity of the Church, and spiritual strength for our people. The faithful are encouraged to participate both in communal and private veneration of these holy witnesses, as well as to deepen their knowledge of their history and spiritual legacy.
The Pratulin Martyrs remain for us a shining example of courage, fidelity, and love for Christ and His Church. Their sacrifice reminds us that even amid persecution and trials - both in the past and in our own time - living faith and faithfulness bear fruit and strengthen the Church.
May the Blessed Martyrs of Pratulin intercede for our clergy and faithful, obtaining for us the grace to live our faith with joy, courage, and unshakable hope.
