Biography of
Protoarchimandrite - Superior General
Father Basil Koubetch, OSBM
Basil Koubetch was born in Umuarama in Paranà State, Brazil, on August 30, 1960, to parents Ivan Koubetch and Antonia Campana. From 1970 to 1977, he attended elementary school in Roncador and the Basilian Minor Seminary in Prudentopolis (Paranà).
On February 17, 1978, he entered the novitiate of the Basilian Order at Ivai. From 1978-1980, he was under the direction of Master of Novices Father Tarcisius Zaluski, OSBM. On February 7, 1980, he made his first simple profession of temporary vows, completing his novitiate formation.
From 1980-1984, Brother Basil completed his pre-university studies at the Basilian Institute in Curitiba. From 1984-1986, he studied philosophy at the Basilian House of Studies in Curitiba (Batel). From 1986-1989, he studied sacred theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University, in Rome. From 1990-1992, he continued his studies at the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome, specializing in Eastern Theology and Church History.
On January 1, 1988, Brother Basil made his Solemn Perpetual Profession of vows in the Basilian Order. He was ordained a deacon in Rome, on January 1, 1990, by Archbishop Myroslav Marusyn. On June 10, 1990, he was ordained a priest at the Vatican Basilica of St. Peter's by His Holiness Pope John-Paul II.
Father Koubetch had been entrusted with various teaching and administrative positions in the Basilian Order: from 1990-1991, he directed the Choir of Basilian students in Rome, and, during the summers, taught church chant to the Basilian students in Glen Cove, Long Island; from 1999-2004, he served as Provincial Secretary of the Basilian Province of St. Joseph in Brazil, as a member of the Basilian Constitutional Commission and as director of the eparchial liturgical commission.
After the Holy See established diplomatic relations with Ukraine, Father Basil was called to serve the first Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, Archbishop Antonio Franco, from 1992-1995. From 1995 to 1998, he served as Secretary of the General Council of the Basilian Order, in Rome.
Father Koubetch held various pastoral and spiritual charges throughout his 14 years of priesthood: In the summer of 1991, he provided pastoral assistance at the Basilian Parish in Detroit, Michigan; from 1995-1998 he served as chaplain to the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, in Rome; from 1999-2004, Father Basil served simultaneously spiritual director of both the Institute of Catechists and the eparchial seminary. During this time, he was profoundly involved in preaching spiritual conferences and missions. He also provided pastoral assistance at the pastoral station of São Braz.
On February 11, 2004, Father Basil was elected Protohegumen-Provincial Superior of the Basilian Province of St. Joseph, at the Provincial Chapter in Brazil. On July 5, 2004, he was elected Protoarchimandrite-Superior General of the entire Basilian Order, at the General Chapter in Rome.
On November 6, 2004, Father Protoarchimandrite outlined a "Plan of Service" in his first official letter to all members of the Order. This letter is divided by the following headings, representing areas upon which Father Basil intends to focus his ministry:
1. Unity and Cooperation of the Religious Community
2. On-going Formation of our members as: human persons;
- as Christians;
- as members of the Catholic Church;
- as members of the Basilian Order of St. Josaphat
3. Foundational socues of the Basilian way of life:
- God's Word;
- Church Teaching ;
- Church Law (Code of Canons of the Oriental Churches);
- the Basilian Rule-Constitutions.
4. Carrying-out the decision of the General Chapter(s)
5. Overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:21)
Biography
of Father Basil's brother, Bishop Volodymyr Koubetch