International scientific conference “Josaphat Kuntsevych: History, Heritage, Memory” begins in Vilnius
On October 13, a two-day international scientific conference, “Josaphat Kuntsevych: History, Heritage, Memory,” began in Vilnius, Lithuania, on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the death of St. Josaphat the Martyr.
The event was organized by the Vilnius University of Science and the Ukrainian Catholic University under the patronage of Archbishop Gintaras Grusas of the Vilnius Metropolis and His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
In his welcome address, Archimandrite of the Basilian Order of St. Josaphat, Fr. Robert Lyseiko, noted that this conference in Vilnius, where the Order of St. Basil the Great was born through the example of St. Josaphat’s efforts, in the tragic time of war in Ukraine, makes many Christians ponder the importance of truth and unity in truth.
“The trials and tribulations faced by the Ukrainian people today are the reason for us to stand together, and be supportive of each other. We see how powerful it is to be united in God’s truth for the common good. Therefore, I believe that studying the heritage of St. Josaphat will deepen our understanding of our unity,” said Fr. Robert Lyseiko.
“I also believe that the insights and new ideas that will be shared at this conference will help us to understand St. Josaphat and his multicultural Vilnius better,” said ArchbishopMetropolitanofVilnius Gintaras Grušas in his welcoming letter. “I hope and pray that St. Josaphat, a witness of unity, will bless the work of this conference and intercede with God for Ukraine in its struggle for freedom.”
An international scientific conference is taking place in Vilnius on October 13–14 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Josaphat Kuntsevych. The conference includes presentations and discussions about his life, work, memory, and cult.
The UGCC Department for Information