Blessed Basil Hopko
Today's saint of the day is Blessed Basil Hopko, also known as Vasil Hopko (1904 - 1976). Basil was born in the village Hrabske, in eastern Slovokia to Anna Petrenko and Basil Hopko, poor peasants. His father died when he was only a year old and when he was four, his mother emigrated to America to look for work. He remained in Europe and was an excellent student. He wanted to join his mother in the United States and pursue his vocation to the priesthood there, but his poor health did not permit him to travel. Basil was ordained in 1929 and served as a parish priest in Prague, with a special mission to the poor, the unemployed and students. In 1947, he was named auxiliary bishop of Prjashev. Three years later, he was arrested by Communist officials, kept on starvation rations, and tortured for several weeks. He was given a trial and sentenced to 15 years for “subversive activity.” His health failed as he was continually tortured. In 1964, he was transferred to a home for seniors....