Gospel in Art: Saint Josaphat, Bishop, Martyr

Martyrdom of Saint Josaphat, by Józef Simmler, 1861 © National Museum, Warsaw, Poland

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 12 November 2025
John 17:20-26

At that time: Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven, and praying said, 'Holy Father, I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.'

Reflection on the painting

Perhaps Saint Josaphat is one of the lesser-known saints of the Church, yet his life tells a powerful story of faith, unity, and courage. Born around 1580 in what is now Ukraine, Josaphat Kuncevyc grew up in a world divided between East and West, where Orthodox and Catholic Christians often stood in tension. Drawn deeply to God from an early age, he entered the monastic life and was later ordained a bishop. What made him remarkable was his tireless effort to heal the wounds of division, to bring unity between the Orthodox and the newly formed Greek Catholic Church. He became known as the "apostle of union," working not through force or politics but through prayer, humility, and example.

There is a story that once, as a young monk, Josaphat would often kneel before an icon of Christ, whispering, "Lord, make me worthy to shed my blood for your Church." Years later, his prayer was answered. In 1623, while defending the unity of the Church, he was attacked and killed by a mob... dying with words of forgiveness on his lips. His martyrdom, far from deepening the divide, became a seed of reconciliation. Today, Saint Josaphat stands as a radiant reminder that unity in the Church is not achieved by power or argument, but by love. He is the Patron Saint of Ukraine (we keep the people of Ukraine in our prayers today) and was canonised by Pope Pius IX on 29 June 29 1867.

In Józef Simmler's Martyrdom of Saint Josaphat, the artist captures with striking realism the final, brutal moment of the saint's life. Josaphat lies fallen to the ground, his body slumped yet dignified, as a gunman delivers the fatal shot. A violent mob surround him, men in both Eastern and Western dress, symbolising the divisions between the Orthodox and Catholic worlds that Josaphat sought so fervently to heal. Their faces are filled with rage and confusion, while the bishop remains calm, his expression almost prayerful in surrender. Beside him rests his Bible, a quiet witness to the faith for which he is dying. Note also the light in the top left corner... in the shape of a dove and including the dove of the Holy Spirit.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-17-20-26-2025-4/
and
Video: The Art of Remembrance - From The Monuments Men to The Last Post: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/53644