It is very appropriate on November 12 to talk about the saint of the day. St. Josaphat Kuncevych, born in 1580, is a significant figure in Eastern Christianity, remembered for his dedication to unity between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. Raised in a Ukrainian Orthodox family in Volodymyr, he converted to the Eastern Catholic faith after the Union of Brest in 1596, which aimed to bring Eastern Christians in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth into communion with Rome while preserving their Eastern liturgy and traditions.
As the Uniate Bishop of Polotsk, Josaphat passionately worked to bridge divides between Catholics and Orthodox Christians. His efforts were often met with fierce resistance, as tensions between the communities were high. Nonetheless, Josaphat tirelessly promoted unity, stressing mutual respect and dialogue. Sadly, his commitment to peace and unity ultimately led to his martyrdom on November 12, 1623, when a mob killed him in Vitebsk (Belarus), due to his efforts to reunite the faithful under the Catholic Church. He was canonized in 1867 by Pope Pius IX. His feast is celebrated on November12.
The 2023 Lithuanian documentary LET ALL BE ONE by Edita Mildazite is an exciting recent project celebrating his life and legacy. Filmed in Lithuania, Poland, and Italy, it covers key places associated with St. Josaphat's journey and the locations of his relics. This film brings an updated visual narrative to his story, highlighting the depth of his mission and the sacrifice he made for his faith.
