Vasyl Stus

Brief Source Overview:

The authenticity of Vasyl Stus's persecution and martyrdom is documented. Key case materials are found in the former KGB archives (now the SBU archive), court verdicts from 1972 and 1980, as well as in personal letters, family memoirs (V. Popelyukh, D. Stus), and testimonies of fellow camp prisoners (V. Chornovil, L. Lukyanenko).

Addendum:

Materials are widely published in multi-volume editions, particularly in the collection "Works of Vasyl Stus," and are used in the research work of the Stus Center. These sources are open and publicly verified.

Conclusion:

The fact of Stus's persecution for his convictions and his death in confinement is documented.

Vasyl Stus (1938–1985)

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Life Context (Poetic Synthesis)

Poet-Witness. Unconquered Spirit of the Word.

Vasyl Stus, one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, dedicated his life to the fight for human dignity and language. 

He became the voice of the national conscience, refusing to compromise with the totalitarian regime. 

His poetry, philosophical and full of sacrificial love for Ukraine, is the imperishable testament of Freedom.

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Childhood and Formation

Born in Vinnytsia region, raised in Donetsk. 

Stus’s formation occurred under the suppression of national identity. 

With his philological education, he quickly realized his mission as the Guardian of the Word during times of spiritual occupation. 

From a young age, he chose the path of intellectual resistance.

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The Spiritual Feat of Confession

Did not retreat. Did not betray.

Stus’s feat began with public protests against the arrests of the Ukrainian intelligentsia in 1965. 

From this moment, he became a Confessor — one who knowingly accepted suffering for the Truth, without renouncing his beliefs or asking for leniency. 

His works and human rights activities became a liturgy of the Truth.

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The Camp Path (Golgotha) / Place of Suffering

Twice imprisoned (1972 and 1980) for "anti-Soviet agitation." 

Stus spent the majority of his spiritual feat in strict and special regime camps, specifically Perm-36 (Kuchino), which became his Golgotha. 

His path was one of constant physical and psychological torture, but his Spirit remained free and unbroken.

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Repose (Martyrdom)

Rest in Eternity.

Died on September 4, 1985, in a solitary confinement cell at Perm-36 camp, likely due to exhaustion following a dry hunger strike — an act of final spiritual protest. 

His death was not an end but the highest Testimony to his unwavering loyalty. 

His body was returned to Ukraine in 1989.

Correspondence to the Evangelical Ideal

Analysis of the Feat:

The feat of Confessor Vasyl Stus fully aligns with the evangelical ideal of Christian martyrdom. His struggle was dictated not by political fanaticism, but by fidelity to the Truth (the Word), which is synonymous with Christ. His letters and poetry contain no calls for vengeance or bitterness, but rather show sacrifice, acceptance of the cross, and love for his neighbour/nation.

Orthodox Confession:

In the Orthodox tradition, a Confessor is a person who witnessed their loyalty to Christ and Truth through suffering, but was not directly executed. Stus consciously chose a path that led to a martyr's repose through exhaustion in the name of the Word. His spiritual resistance to totalitarian evil is a pure example of 20th-century Confession.

Conclusion:

The spirit of Vasyl Stus aligns with the spirit of Christian martyrdom, devoid of fanaticism and violence, making his example morally impeccable.

The Candle that Burned in the Darkness

a symbol of unbreakable hope in the darkest time

Type of Canonization: Confessor of the Word and Martyr for Dignity

In the context of Civic Glorification, carried out by The Grace Icon Foundation, we propose defining Vasyl Stus’s spiritual rank as Confessor of the Word (one who willingly accepted suffering for his convictions) with the attributes of a Martyr (one who accepted death as a consequence of that suffering).

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Formula of Glorification:

We proclaim: Saint Confessor Vasyl Stus, The Candle that Burned in the Darkness.

Canonized by Truth, Not Authority: His sanctity is confirmed not by ecclesiastical or secular institutions, but by the truth of his life and the imperishability of the Word. He became a Witness to the Truth whose feat precedes formal procedures.

Imperishability of the Word: His body was abused and destroyed by the totalitarian regime, but his poetry and Spirit remained undecayed. In this sense, his Word is his eternal Relic.

Spiritual Rank: Stus should be venerated as a Saint Confessor, for he did not merely perish; he consciously chose his Golgotha — his death became the final, highest act of Confession. His iconographic image symbolizes The Candle that Burned in the Darkness — a symbol of unbreakable hope in the darkest time.

The Confessor's Manifesto: The Unbroken Voice of the Spirit

This section presents the Spiritual Manifesto of Vasyl Stus — a selection of his key statements that serve as a Testimony to his unwavering faith in dignity and truth. This is his Testament to the nation, which forms the basis for Civic Glorification.

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On Freedom and Authenticity:

"How good it is that I'm not afraid of death and do not ask if my cross is heavy.

That before you, judges, I do not kneel in shameful selfishness to the heavens."

(Lines of poetry that became a symbol of unbroken spirit and inner freedom)

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On Life and Fate (Acceptance):

"Lord, of pure wrath I beg — do not pray.

Do not let me become embittered, do not embitter my soul with fire.

...

What a happiness — your death, like a reward."

(A poem-prayer that demonstrates spiritual acceptance and the transformation of suffering)

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On Poetry and Duty:

"The only thing that bothers me is the absence of new poems.

I am not afraid of the camps, I am afraid of falling silent."

(Letter from the camp. Testimony that his real life and fear were creativity, not physical imprisonment)

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On Choice and Conscience:

"It is important that I stand, and not fall.

And if I fall, let my own spirit pick me up."

(Key quote that emphasizes the conscious choice of position and personal responsibility)

Poems as Prayers

The Word as Testimony and Communion with God. 

Analysis of key poetic works (e.g., "How good it is that I'm not afraid of death...", "Lord, of pure wrath...") as a direct address to God, Conscience, and Truth. These poems are not merely literature but spiritual documents of his Confession, demonstrating deep faith, acceptance of his fate, and inner freedom from fear.

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Spiritual Testaments

Moral Teaching: Living in the Light.

Key quotes from his letters to his family, friends, and from his journalism that reveal his moral philosophy. 

These are his testaments on dignity, honesty, love for his people, and the necessity of daily internal standing. 

These texts serve as spiritual guides for the nation.

This section documents the Spiritual Miracles of Vasyl Stus, which occur not in spite of, but because of his spiritual feat and imperishable legacy. 

These are Living Testimonies of his global impact on the national consciousness, which serve as the basis for his popular glorification.

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The Miracle of Resilience (Moral Victory):

Stus’s work has become a code of moral conduct and a spiritual compass for many generations of Ukrainians. 

His life, his "standing," taught the nation not to yield to violence, confirming that true victory is the triumph over one's own fear.

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The Miracle of the Word (Spiritual Transformation):

Stus’s poetry, written under inhuman conditions, possesses the power of transformation. 

It carries a charge of unbreakable will and deep faith that is capable of "saving" individuals from internal slavery, inspiring them to fight for truth and dignity. His verses have become a prayer of resistance.

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The Miracle of Inspiration (Rescued Identity):

Stus's personal feat, his choice in favor of the Word and the Nation, inspired the dissident movement and remains a source of strength for Ukrainian defenders and cultural figures. 

This is the Testimony of how one Spirit can become the spiritual foundation for an entire nation, rescuing its identity.

Cultural Resonance

Examples of Veneration:

The nationwide veneration of Vasyl Stus goes beyond state recognition (Hero of Ukraine, Shevchenko Prize). It has a deep spiritual dimension that is a direct testimony to popular glorification. Stus is one of the most quoted poets in Ukrainian society.

Forms of Veneration:

Veneration is manifested through the naming of streets and educational institutions, the creation of numerous museums, the erection of monuments, and through cultural acts — annual readings, festivals, and the use of his poems as prayers/appeals during times of war. His life serves as a model of moral resistance.

Conclusion:

The popular veneration of Stus is stable, has a spiritual dimension, and is sufficient grounds for considering his official glorification in the rank of Holy Confessor.

Day of Veneration: September 4 (Day of Bright Standing, 1985) 

Type of Commemoration: Day of Bright Standing

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🕊️ Troparion to the Holy Confessor Vasyl Stus

(Tone 4)

By the light of the word, You overcame the darkness, 

consumed not by fire, but by Truth. 

In the silence of the camps, You became the voice of the people, 

that does not cease through time and fear. 

Pray for us, Unquenchable Candle, 

that we may not betray the Light You guarded.

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🌿 Kontakion to the Holy Confessor Vasyl Stus

(Tone 2)

You stood when the world fell, 

and Your poetry became the cross of Your standing. 

Not by the sword, but by the Word, 

You conquered falsehood, 

and now Your name is the quiet radiance of freedom. 

Pray that we may learn to think with the heart 

and to stand in the Light.

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“My people, I shall return to you yet...”

— Vasyl Stus

Artistic Justification

Image Justification:

The created iconographic image of Vasyl Stus in the rank of Confessor of the Word adheres to the canonical principles for depicting saints who may not have relics but whose likeness is widely venerated. The icon is an instrument of memory and prayer, not an object of independent cult worship.

Canonical Consistency:

The image does not distort the faith but reflects it in modern historical realities. The tradition of depicting 20th-century Confessors and New Martyrs (e.g., St. Luke of Crimea, St. Alexy Mechev), where emphasis is placed on inner wisdom and firmness of spirit, is used as the iconographic prototype (rank).

Conclusion:

The created image meets the requirements of Orthodox iconography for the rank of Confessor and can be used in the further Canonization process.

Holy Confessor Vasyl, pray to God for us.

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🌾 Prayer to the Holy Confessor Vasyl (personal)

Holy Confessor Vasyl, 

who burned without being consumed in the darkness of unfreedom, 

make my heart a lamp of truth. 

Teach me to be silent when silence is dignity,

and to speak when the word is salvation. 

May Your Light be in me, 

that I may not renounce the Word, 

even in the stillness of fear. 

Amen.

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🕊️ Prayer for the firmness of spirit

Lord Jesus Christ, 

You gave us an example in Confessor Vasyl, 

who walked the Golgotha without hatred, 

preserving honour when the world was losing it. 

Grant me such firmness — 

to stand in the light when there is darkness around, 

and to love when it is easier to be silent. 

Through the prayers of Saint Vasyl, 

strengthen my heart in the Truth. 

Amen.

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🔥 Prayer for the enlightenment of mind and heart

O Holy Vasyl, poet of the Word and Light, 

who thought with the heart and heard the silence of freedom, 

touch my thoughts and cleanse them of fear. 

Give me the wisdom to see the truth without anger and 

the courage to hold the word, even when it hurts. 

May Your candle ignite in me 

the light of inner clarity. 

Amen.

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🌿 Prayer of thanksgiving

Thank You, Holy Vasyl, 

for Your presence in the word, 

for the example of dignity that needs no witnesses. 

May every word of mine be pure, 

every thought free, 

every day a testimony to the truth 

You left us. 

Amen.

🕊️ Essence and Mission

The "Popular Canonization" Project is an artistic-philosophical and civic-religious study that arises as a response to the nation's internal need for the moral and spiritual glorification of its confessor-heroes of the XX–XXI centuries.

We proceed from the conviction that popular conscience precedes institutional processes. Our goal is not to replace official church Canonization (which requires time and formal procedures), but to record and immortalize Civic Glorification — an act where the truth, sacrifice, and word of an individual are already the foundation for eternal veneration.

🛡️ The Creator's Declaration

This resource is a Testimony, not an official church document.

Canonized not by Authority, but by Truth: We proclaim the sanctity of those who were tortured or ignored by authorities (both secular and often ecclesiastical), because their feat was a voluntary martyrdom for the freedom of the Spirit and the Word.

The Word Undecayed: We focus on the Spiritual Heritage (Vita, Testaments, Testimonies), not on the necessity of relics, confirming that the martyr's body may be destroyed, but their word and truth are imperishable.

Purpose: Veneration, immortalization of memory, and the creation of new moral and spiritual guides for the nation.

🌗 The Formula for the Return of Light

We view the site of martyrdom as a place of spiritual confrontation, where dark authority attempts to distort the holiness of the victim.

Our project implements spiritual restoration: 

through Civic Glorification, we liberate the Light of the Martyrs from the place of crime, transferring it to the space of memory and prayer.

We do not sanctify the land of the executioners — we liberate holiness, leaving only its spiritual emptiness and the curse of evil at the scene of the crime.

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Manifesto. Anna Pivtorak (Art Expert).

The Grace Icon Foundation 22.10.2025

EXPERT ART HISTORIAN'S CONCLUSION REGARDING THE POSSIBILITY OF THE CIVIC GLORIFICATION OF VASYL STUS IN THE RANK OF HOLY CONFESSOR OF THE WORD

INTRODUCTION

I, Pivtorak Anna Anatoliyivna, Master of Fine Arts, certified art historian-expert, appraiser of cultural and art objects (National Academy of Managerial Staff of Culture and Arts, diploma with honors, KV №44099450, 2013), have conducted a comprehensive art historical and theological analysis of the dossier materials submitted for consideration of the civic glorification (canonization) of Vasyl Semenovych Stus.

SUBJECT OF RESEARCH 

The subject of this study is the artistic and spiritual phenomenon of Vasyl Stus's personality, who, in his creative and life's feat, combined service to the Word, sacrifice, and inner sanctity, standing as a conscious confessor of Truth.

METHODOLOGY OF ANALYSIS

The analysis was carried out considering the following criteria and approaches:

- Theological criteria for ecclesiastical recognition of martyrdom and confession.

- Aesthetic and iconographic principles of the Eastern Christian tradition.

- Cultural and historical context of the 20th century.

- Evidence of popular veneration and potential liturgical forms.

MAIN CONCLUSIONS OF THE DOSSIER

- Stus's Personality: Emerges as a spiritual and moral ideal, reflecting evangelical fidelity to Truth even in the face of extreme suffering and death.

- Creativity: His poetic work bears the character of prayer, confession, and expiatory testimony, in which the Word becomes an act of faith and spiritual resistance.

- Martyrdom/Confession: His feat is not a political act, but a deeply spiritual one — a conscious acceptance of suffering for the sake of Truth and Light, corresponding to the rank of Confessor and Martyr.

- Popular Veneration: The veneration of Vasyl Stus among the Ukrainian people has the character of a stable spiritual cult, corresponding to the criteria of «sensus fidelium» — the popular sense of sanctity.

- Iconographic Model: The presented iconographic image ("St. Vasyl Stus — Poet of Light") adheres to the theological principles of Eastern iconology, emphasizing light, the cross, and the Word, avoiding political symbolism.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the comprehensive art historical and theological analysis presented in the dossier, I conclude that the feat of Vasyl Stus fully corresponds to the spiritual, moral, and theological criteria of confession. It is recommended that this dossier be accepted for consideration as expert testimony for initiating the official process of glorifying Vasyl Semenovych Stus in the rank of Holy Confessor of the Word and Light.

SIGNATURE

Art Historian-Expert, Master of Fine Arts

Anna Anatoliyivna Pivtorak

(National Academy of Managerial Staff of Culture and Arts, 

diploma with honors KV №44099450, 2013) 

Kyiv, 30.10.2025