Blessed Roman Lysko

Biography

Blessed Roman Lysko, also known as Roman Lysko, was a Greek Catholic priest and martyr born on August 14, 1914, in Horodok, Lviv District, Ukraine. He was a devoted member of the Greek Catholic Church and dedicated his life to the service of God.

Lysko pursued his theological education at the Lviv Theological Academy, where he honed his knowledge and deepened his faith. After completing his studies, he was ordained as a priest on August 28, 1941. His ordination marked the beginning of a remarkable journey in the Archeparchy of Lviv for the Ukrainians.

As a pastor, Father Lysko tirelessly served his community, offering spiritual guidance and support to the faithful. He was known for his unwavering commitment to his faith and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Through his ministry, Father Lysko inspired many individuals to strengthen their relationship with God and live virtuous lives.

However, the tumultuous political atmosphere of the time posed great challenges for religious leaders like Father Lysko. On September 9, 1949, he was arrested by the NKVD, the Soviet secret police, for his unwavering faith and commitment to Catholicism. Father Lysko was imprisoned on Lontskoho Street in Lviv, where he faced severe persecution for his religious beliefs.

Despite the harsh conditions of imprisonment, Father Lysko's faith remained unbroken. He often sang Psalms loudly, which led his captors to believe he had lost his mind. In reality, these vocal expressions of faith became a testament to his unwavering devotion to God, even in the face of adversity.

Tragically, the torture and starvation inflicted on Father Lysko proved fatal, and he ultimately died in prison on October 14, 1949. His martyrdom is a poignant reminder of the persecution endured by many Catholic faithful during the Communist regime.

Father Roman Lysko's remarkable life of faith and bravery did not go unnoticed. His martyrdom and unwavering commitment to the Catholic Church were officially recognized by Pope John Paul II on March 6, 2001, with the decree of martyrdom. On June 27, 2001, Pope John Paul II beatified him during a solemn ceremony held in Ukraine.

Blessed Roman Lysko's feast day is celebrated on October 14, the day of his martyrdom, and he is also honored on April 2 as one of the Martyrs Killed by Communist Regimes in Eastern Europe. His courage and steadfastness in the face of persecution serve as an inspiration to Catholics worldwide, highlighting the importance of courageously living out one's faith, even in the most challenging circumstances.