Father Joseph Kralka Becomes the New Protohegumen of the Basilian Fathers in Ukraine
On February 14, 2024, during the Ordinary Provincial Chapter of the Basilian Fathers of the Most Holy Savior Province in Ukraine, held at St. Joseph’s Monastery in Bryukhovychi, Fr. Joseph Kralka, the hegumen of the monastery in Drohobych, was elected as the new provincial proto-hegumen.
According to the regulations of the Basilian order, Fr. Joseph will lead the Province of the Most Holy Savior in Ukraine for a term of 4 years. His predecessor was Fr. Joan Shkolyk.
The Provincial Chapter also elects four Provincial Councillors, one of whom serves as the Provincial Vicar. Together with the Protohegumen, the Provincial Councillors form the Provincial Council, which is invested with extensive powers to govern the province, make decisions, and provide assistance, thereby ensuring a balanced distribution of authority within the Basilian monastic community.
The Provincial Councillors for the upcoming four-year term are Fr. Viktor Kvasniy, who was elected Provincial Vicar, along with Fr. Veniamin Chernega, Fr. Roman Melnyk, and Fr. Roman Shupianyi. With the consent of his council, the archimandrite approved the election results.
