Born in 1580 at Wladimir, in Volhynia, Josaphat Kuncewitcz embraced monastic life in the Order of St Basil. Commissioned, in spite of his early age, to govern the monastery of Bytene, he became archimandrite of Vilna and lastly Archbishop of Polotzk, of the Ruthenian rite. Attacked at Vitebsk by schismatics, he was cruelly put to death, in 1623, and obtained from God the conversion of his murderers.
Gaudeamus omnes in Domino, diem festum celebrantes sub honore beati Josaphat Martyris: de cujus passione gaudent Angeli, et collaudant Filium Dei. * Exsultate justi in Domino: rectos decet collaudatio.
Let us all rejoice in the Lord, celebrating a festival day in honour of the blessed martyr Josaphat: at whose martyrdom the Angels rejoice, and give praise to the Son of God.* Rejoice in the Lord, ye just: praise becometh the upright.
(Psalm 32:1 from the Introit of Mass)
Stir up in Thy Church, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that Spirit with which blessed Josaphat, thy martyr and bishop, was filled when he laid down his life for the sheep: that by this intercession we too may be stirred and strengthened by the same Spirit and not fear to give our lives for our brethren.
(Collect)
From the Catholic encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08503b.htm
On the Ruthenian rite: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13277a.htm
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