On May 29, 2025, a memorial service organized by the Greek Catholic Church and the Community of Slovak Political Prisoners (KPVS) was held in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Prešov to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the “Council of Prešov”. The event was intended to commemorate those who suffered for their faith during that period of religious persecution.
On the occasion of the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord, celebrated in Slovakia on Thursday, the participants paid tribute to those who suffered for their faith and testimony, including priests, religious and their families. Archbishop Jonáš Maxim of Prešov and Metropolitan, presented commemorative letters ‘in memoriam’ to the families of the nominees.
Among the honored Redemptorists were the Servant of God Father Ján Ivan Mastiliak, Father Jozef Čverčko and Father Andrej Prokopovič. The commemorative letters were received by Father Miroslav Bujdoš CSsR, superior of the Vice-Province of Michalovce. For Father Andrej Prokopovič, the commemorative letter was received by his granddaughter.
The event was also attended by Father Mikuláš Tressa CSsR, who accompanied his mother, the daughter of a Greek Catholic priest who suffered for his faith.
The “Council of Prešov” refers to a significant historical event for the Greek Catholic Church in Slovakia. This council was organized in 1950 by the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia and the secret police (ŠTB) with the aim of forcing the integration of the Greek Catholic Church into the Orthodox Church, which was under state control. This event is known to have been an attempt by the communist regime to suppress the Greek Catholic Church, which was seen as an ideological obstacle.
During the council, the participants were forced to sign a document that annulled their union with the Roman Catholic Church and declared their adherence to the Orthodox Church. This act was imposed by force, and many clergy and believers who resisted suffered persecution, imprisonment, and other forms of repression.
Source: Gréckokatolícki redemptoristi (Facebook)
Photo: Martin Petrík
