After the outbreak of World War I in 07.1914, the authorities of the Austro‐Hungarian Monarchy in its province and crown land of the Germ. Königreich Galizien und Lodomerien (Eng. Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria) — i.e. in Galicia — and in the crown land of the Germ. Herzogtum Bukowina (Eng. Duchy of Bukovina) — i.e. in Bukovina — interned over 7,000 people, including c. 2,000 Lemkos, from about 151 villages — priests, teachers, officials, i.e. almost the entire Lemko intelligentsia and peasants. Due to the outbreak of armed conflict with the Russian Empire, citizens of the monarchy suspected of supporting the socio‐political current known as Russophilia, which proclaimed and professed community and ties with the Russian nation, competing with, among others, the Polish and, above all, Ukrainian national movements, were subjected to internment. The main determinant was attitudes toward Orthodoxy, particularly attempts to leave the Greek Catholic Church and convert to Orthodoxy.

Arrested by the Austrians on 10.09.1914, along with one of his sons, as a result of an investigation conducted from 31.08.1914, by the military prosecutor's office of the Austro‐Hungarian Empire.

Held in custody in Grybów.

On 14.09.1914, transferred to prison in Nowy Sącz.

Accused — along with three other Greek Catholic priests and three other individuals, including his son — of preparing for occupation by Russian troops, membership in a Russophile party, and pro‐Russian agitation. Also accused of refusing to swear an oath of allegiance to the Emperor of Austria‐Hungary and encouraging others to do the same, of encouraging the concealment of weapons from the imperial authorities, and of conducting activities consistent with „Russian interests”. De facto, charged with treason.

On 26.09.1914, stood before a military court in Nowy Sącz.

On .

28.09.1914, sentenced to death, along with his son Anthony.

Executed that same day at a local shooting range.