Blessed Nikita Budka

Biography

Blessed Nikita Budka, also known as Niceta Budka, Nykyta Budka, or Mykyta Budka, was a Greek-Catholic bishop and martyr. He was born on 7 June 1877 in Dobomirka, Zbarazh District, Poland (modern Ukraine).

Budka studied theology in Vienna and Innsbruck, Austria, and successfully graduated in 1905. On 25 October 1905, he was ordained as a priest. His dedication and knowledge led to his appointment as the first bishop for Ukrainian Catholics in Canada on 15 July 1912. Later that year, on 14 October, he became the auxiliary bishop of Lviv, Ukraine.

In 1928, Budka was appointed as the Vicar General of the Metropolitan Curia in Lviv, where he played a significant role in the administration of the Catholic Church in the region. However, his life took a tragic turn in 1945 when, due to his unwavering faith, he was arrested and sentenced to eight years in Soviet concentration camps on 11 April.

Despite the harsh conditions and persecution, Budka remained steadfast in his commitment to his beliefs. Tragically, he eventually lost his life for his faith and died on 1 October 1949 in a Soviet concentration camp located in Karaganda, Kazakhstan. He became a martyr, enduring suffering and sacrifice for his convictions.

Pope John Paul II recognized the heroic virtues of Blessed Nikita Budka and declared him venerable on 24 April 2001, through a decree of martyrdom. On 27 June 2001, Pope John Paul II beatified him in Ukraine, formally acknowledging his exemplary life and martyrdom.

Blessed Nikita Budka's feast days are celebrated on 28 September and 1 October on some calendars, commemorating the date of his martyrdom. His faithful and unwavering commitment to his beliefs serves as an inspiration to all those who face adversity in their faith journey.