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Efraim KreveyDiocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Saint John the Baptist in Curitiba (1978-2006), Basilian.
Country:
 Brazil |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Ordination and Pastoral Ministry
- Monastic Life and Leadership
- Episcopal Service
- Retirement and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Efraim Krywi was born in Saltinho, Brazil and completed his primary education there. In 1940, he entered the Minor Seminary of St. Joseph in Prudentópolis. He then joined the novitiate of the Basilian Order in January 1943. In 1945, he moved to Irati to study humanities and philosophy.
In late 1948, Krywi began studying theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, where he earned a bachelor's and licentiate degree. On January 1, 1950, he took his final vows in the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus in Rome.
Ordination and Pastoral Ministry
Krywi was ordained a subdeacon on March 2, 1951, and a deacon on March 25th. He became a priest on November 12, 1951. From 1952 to 1955, he served as an assistant priest at the Church of St. Josaphat in Prudentópolis and as vice-rector and professor at the Minor Seminary of St. Joseph. From 1955 to 1959, he became the rector and professor.
Monastic Life and Leadership
From 1959 to 1969, Krywi served as the superior of the monastery and parish of St. Josaphat in Prudentópolis. In 1961, he became the novice master of the Sisters of the Servants and Catechists of the Heart of Jesus. In 1965, he was elected consultor for the Brazilian Province of St. Joseph.
Krywi participated in the General Chapter of the Basilian Order in Rome in 1969. That year, he was appointed superior of the Basilian Educational Monastery in Curitiba and, in 1970, became the provincial superior of the Basilian Province of St. Joseph in Brazil.
Episcopal Service
On November 29, 1971, Krywi was appointed bishop-coadjutor to Bishop Joseph Martynets. In May 1978, Bishop Martynets retired, and Krywi became the bishop of the Diocese of St. John the Baptist in Curitiba.
During his episcopacy, Bishop Krywi established two diocesan seminaries, a diocesan home for the elderly, and 156 new Greek Catholic churches. He also supported the creation of Ukrainian clubs, dance groups, and community organizations in Brazil.
Retirement and Legacy
Bishop Krywi retired on January 13, 2006, and passed away on April 3, 2012, in Curitiba. He was buried in the crypt of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Bishop Krywi received numerous honors, including the Order of Merit from Ukraine and the title of Honorary Citizen of several cities in Brazil.
