Josaphat

 Jumping Jehoshaphat!!

This exclamation reminds me of Loony Tunes or Beverly Hillbillies. A mild oath that was popular in the twentieth century - meaning nothing but expressing surprise or consternation. Somewhat stronger than Gee Willikers. Why do I bring this up? Whenever I hear the name of today's Saint, the phrase "Jumping Jehosaphat!" always come to mind - even though it has nothing to do with him.

St. Josaphat was born in 1580 in Ukraine and was baptized in the Ruthenian Uniate Church as Ivan (John) Kunchych. In 1604, he entered the monastery of the Trinity of the Order of St. Basil the Great in Vilnius. He was given the religious name Josaphat. In the monastery, he entered into a life of fasting, prayer and study. Fellow monks often found him kneeling in the chapel late at night praying, "Lord, make us one." It was also reported that he prayed the Jesus Prayer so constantly that he was heard praying it in his sleep. 

When Josaphat was ordained to the Deaconate, he had already begun to labor for the Church. His efforts resulted in an increase of novices for the order which fed a revival of Eastern Catholic monastic life. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1609. On November 12, 1617, he was consecrated as the coadjutor archeparch (equal to an Archbishop in the western church) of the Archeparchy of Polotsk. As Eparch, he inherited a divided church. The wounds of the Great Schism still bled between East and West. Some of his flock desired unity with Rome while other resisted fiercely. Josaphat refused to see enemies - only family torn apart by misunderstanding. He preached peace, upheld ancient Eastern traditions and worked for reunion under the Pope's authority. His efforts led to many conversions and a more devoted clergy, but enemies accused him of betraying his people. He was known for her fervent sermons and defending unity with Rome. He was nicknamed "thief of Souls." 

In 1623, a violent mob, inflamed by anti-Catholic sentiment, attacked the Eparch's residence. On November 12, he was beaten and dragged through the streets. His body was tied to stones and thrown in the river. His feast day is November 12. In 1867, Pope Pius IX canonized him as a martyr for Christian Unity. 

St. Josaphat, pray for us.