Blessed Volodymyr Ivanovych Pryima

Biography

Blessed Volodymyr Ivanovych Pryima was a Greek Catholic layman, married and a father. He was born on 17 July 1906 in Stradch, Yavoriv, L’vivs’ka oblast’, Ukraine. Blessed Pryima dedicated his life to serving the faith as a cantor and choir director at the Stradch church.

On 26 June 1941, while returning from performing a sick call, Blessed Pryima and another martyr, Blessed Mykola Konrad, encountered great adversity. They were captured and subjected to torture by agents of the NKVD, the Soviet secret police. Eventually, they were both mercilessly murdered in the forest outside Stradch, in the L’vivs’ka oblast’.

Blessed Volodymyr Ivanovych Pryima's zeal for his faith, his dedication as a music minister, and his ultimate sacrifice in the face of religious persecution are notable. His unwavering commitment to the church in difficult times serves as an inspiration to all.

In recognition of his martyrdom, Pope John Paul II declared him venerable on 24 April 2001, issuing a decree of martyrdom. Just three days later, on 27 June 2001, Pope John Paul II officially beatified Blessed Pryima during a ceremony held in Ukraine.

While specific details about his representation are not mentioned, it is believed that Blessed Pryima's representation is found in his selfless service to the church and his willingness to defend his faith, even in the face of extreme danger.

Today, Blessed Volodymyr Ivanovych Pryima is remembered and celebrated by the Catholic community on his feast day, which falls on 26 June each year. His story continues to serve as a reminder of the courage and faith that can be found in the midst of persecution and adversity.