By Rev. Ariel Vidanes, aa
You probably haven’t heard of Kamen Vitchev, Pavel Djijov and Josaphat Chichkov. These three Assumptionist priests were executed by firing squad on November 11, 1952 by Bulgaria’s communist regime. Their crime? Educating the youth, generating vocation for the Church and holding onto their faith! But this isn’t just history lesson—their story hits home today because undeniably we live in a world that’s still deeply divided: politically, socially, and spiritually. They stood their ground for convictions, even when it became dangerous. Sounds familiar?
While the Assumptionists celebrate their feast day today, why does their martyrdom resonate now? Because the core of their struggle—choosing integrity over compliance, and dialogue over division, is a choice we all face today. Maybe not at gunpoint, but in our workplaces, in our communities, and even online. It’s about having the courage to stand for what is right when it is easier to stay silent. Their lives challenge our modern tendency to go with the flow.
So, here is the challenging question for us today: In a society that often rewards silence or going with the flow, where is one specific area in your life where you can choose the harder path of courageous witness, just as the three Bulgarian martyrs did? And borrowing it from the GenZs: Their legacy isn’t just a throwback; it’s a whole to-do list, no cap!
Comments