Blessed Vasyl Vsevolod Velychkovskyi

Biography

Blessed Vasyl Vsevolod Velychkovskyi, also known as Basil Velychkovsky, Vasyl Velyckovskyj, or Vasyl Velychkovsky, was born on 1 June 1903 in the city of Stanislaviv, Ukraine. He was the son of devout Greek Catholic catechists, Volodymyr and Anne Theodorowych Velychkovsky.

From a young age, Vasyl displayed a strong desire for serving God and His Church. He entered the seminary in Lviv, Ukraine, in 1920, and after years of dedicated study and formation, he was ordained to the priesthood on 9 October 1925. Passionate about spreading the Gospel, he became a teacher and missionary in the Volyn region of Ukraine, where he worked diligently to share his faith and minister to the people.

In 1942, Father Vasyl was appointed as the prior of the monastery in Ternopil, Ukraine. However, his courageous stand for the Catholic faith in the face of Communist persecution would soon lead to his arrest. In 1945, he was taken into custody for his unwavering commitment to his beliefs and sentenced to death.

Miraculously, his sentence was later commuted to ten years of forced labor in a camp in Kiev, Ukraine. Even under these harsh conditions, Father Vasyl's steadfast faith never wavered, and he continued to minister to his fellow prisoners, providing them with spiritual sustenance and solace.

After serving his sentence, he was finally released in 1955 and returned to Lviv. In recognition of his exceptional leadership and dedication, Father Vasyl was consecrated as a bishop of the "clandestine" Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, which operated under the persecution of the Communist regime. Later, in 1963, he was elevated to the rank of archbishop.

Sadly, the Communist authorities arrested Archbishop Vasyl once again in 1969, not only for his faith but also for listening to Vatican Radio. He was sentenced to three more years in the labor camps, where he endured various forms of torture. Despite the suffering, he remained a source of hope and inspiration for his fellow prisoners, ministering to their spiritual needs amidst the inhumane conditions.

Following his release due to failing health, Archbishop Vasyl journeyed to Rome, Italy, and eventually settled in Winnipeg, Canada. There, he became known as a confessor of the faith, offering guidance and support to many individuals who sought spiritual counsel.

On 30 June 1973, Blessed Vasyl Vsevolod Velychkovskyi peacefully passed away in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, due to natural causes. He was laid to rest in Winnipeg, and his sacred relics are now venerated in Saint Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church, where he continues to inspire believers.

Recognizing his heroism and courage, Pope John Paul II declared Archbishop Vasyl as a venerable martyr on 24 April 2001. Later on 27 June 2001, during his visit to Ukraine, the same Pope beatified Archbishop Vasyl Vsevolod Velychkovskyi, affirming his sanctity and acknowledging his sacrifice for the Catholic faith.

Through his unwavering dedication, profound faith, and enduring perseverance, Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky stands as a shining example of living the Gospel message and remaining faithful to one's beliefs, even in the face of persecution. His life serves as an inspiration for Catholics around the world, encouraging them to stand firm in their faith and trust in God's providence, regardless of the challenges they may face.