Ukrainian Priest, Dr. Pavlo (Mykhailo Krechunas), of the Basilian Monastery, Awarded Lithuanian Medal
Lithuanian Ambassador M. Rukštelė presented Ukrainian Priest Dr. Pavlo with a medal commemorating the Year of St. Joseph in Lithuania, coinciding with the saint's 400th martyrdom anniversary. Dr. Pavlo's monograph on St. Joseph was translated into Lithuanian, emphasizing the saint's significance. The Ambassador highlighted Lithuania's unique commemoration of St. Joseph's martyrdom and stressed the relevance of unity in facing challenges, particularly amid the current situation in Ukraine.
On March 26, 2024, Lithuanian Ambassador M. Rukštelė met with Ukrainian Priest, Dr. Pavlo (Mykhailo Krechunas) OSBM, currently residing in Hungary, and presented him with the medal commemorating the Year of St. Joseph in Lithuania in 2023, coinciding with the 400th anniversary of the saint's martyrdom.
In honor of the Year of St. Joseph, a monograph authored by Father Pavlo (an abbreviated version) was translated into Lithuanian and published, allowing Lithuanian readers to become acquainted with St. Joseph. In 1643, Pope Urban VIII beatified St. Joseph, and in 1867, Pope Pius IX canonized him. He is the only Ukrainian of the Eastern (Greek) Catholic rite to be declared a saint by the Pope. During the meeting, the author of the monograph saw his work in Lithuanian for the first time, and several copies of the book were presented to him.
The Ambassador noted that the commemoration of the saint's martyrdom was observed at the state level in only one country worldwide, Lithuania, emphasizing that the idea of nurturing unity through St. Joseph is more relevant than ever today, as goodness in Ukraine struggles against evil.
