Father Andriy Bukhvak’s Family Suffers a Heavy Loss: His Son Artur, a Defender of Ukraine, Has Passed Away
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Artur Bukhvak—son of Fr. Andriy Bukhvak, a priest of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Artur had been defending our country’s independence since 2020.
After conducting another combat mission in the Zaporizhzhia region, Artur Bukhvak returned home for a short leave. He arrived at his family home in the evening, and the next day his heart stopped. The soldier’s tragic death is yet another painful reminder that the war continues to claim the lives of Ukrainian defenders not only on the front lines but also away from the battlefield, leaving deep wounds on their souls and bodies.
In his message, Fr. Andriy appealed to all the faithful to pray for the repose of his son’s soul: “In this situation, I ask only one thing of you—your prayers. Please do not write words of condolence or send reactions or ‘likes.’ I ask this of you as a father. Simply pray for the repose of my son Artur’s soul.”
Father Andriy said that details regarding the funeral service and the time of the farewell will be announced later, after the arrival of his younger son, who was granted leave from military service to attend his brother’s funeral.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk, Father and Head of the UGCC, expressed his heartfelt condolences to Fr. Andriy and his family over their terrible loss.
“I spoke with Fr. Andriy. At this moment, it is difficult to find words that could ease the pain of such a loss. We grieved together. I assured him that our entire Church stands with him today, with his wife and all his loved ones—in mourning and in prayer.
We believe that life is stronger than death, and in this faith we entrust the soldier Artur into the hands of the Risen Lord,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
We call upon the clergy, monastics, and faithful to unite in prayer for the repose of the soul of the newly departed soldier Artur, as well as for his family and loved ones.
Eternal memory to him!
The UGCC Department for Information
