Blessed Levkadia Harasymiv

Biography

Blessed Levkadia Harasymiv, also known as Levkadia Herasymiv, Leukadia, Laurentia, Lavrentia, Lorenza, or Leucadia, was a Greek Catholic nun who devoted her life to serving God. She was born on September 30, 1911, in Rudnyky, Lviv District, Ukraine, as Levkadia Harasymiv.

In 1931, Levkadia joined the Sisters of Saint Joseph, a religious order dedicated to the care of the sick, the poor, and the education of youth. Showing a deep commitment to her faith, she took her vows in 1933 and embarked on a life of service and devotion.

During the reign of the Soviet Union and its hostile policies towards religion, Levkadia's faith was severely tested. In 1951, she was arrested by the NKVD for her unwavering commitment to her Catholic beliefs. She was then sent to Borislav, located in the modern Czech Republic, where she endured persecution and hardships.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Levkadia remained steadfast in her faith and displayed immense courage. She was subsequently exiled to Tomsk, Siberia, where she continued to face adversity as a result of her religious beliefs and dedication to the Gospel. The harsh living conditions in the remote region contributed to her contracting tuberculosis, a disease which weakened her physically.

On June 30, 1952, Levkadia was relocated to Kharsk, Siberia, where she fought against tuberculosis and overwork while maintaining her spiritual strength. Sadly, she succumbed to her illness and the toll it took on her body on August 28, 1952, in Kharsk, Tomsk Region, Siberia, Russia.

Blessed Levkadia Harasymiv is revered as one of the Martyrs Killed Under Communist Regimes in Eastern Europe. Her sacrifice and devotion to God earned her recognition and veneration within the Catholic Church. Pope John Paul II, in recognition of her martyrdom, proclaimed her venerable on April 24, 2001. On June 27th of the same year, she was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Ukraine, honoring her as a blessed woman who exemplified unwavering faith and dedication to her religious calling.

Her feast days are celebrated on August 26th, June 27th as one of the Martyrs Killed Under Communist Regimes in Eastern Europe, April 2nd on some calendars, and August 28th on some calendars. Although the exact representation she is associated with is unknown, her incredible life serves as an inspiration to all those who strive to remain true to their faith despite adversity.