Prashko, Ivan

Prashko, Ivan [Прашко, Іван; Praško], b 1 May 1914 in Zbarazh, Galicia, d 28 Jabuary 2001 in Melbourne, Australia. Ukrainian Catholic bishop; full member of the Shevchenko Scientific Society from 1965. After being ordained in 1939 and completing theological studies in Rome and a dissertation on the Uniate church in the 17th century (1944), he did pastoral work in Italy. He was sent to Australia in 1950 and was active there in establishing churches and community organizations. He was consecrated a bishop in 1958 and served as exarch until 1982, when he was elevated to the office of bishop of Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania. Upon retirement in 1993 he was replaced by Bishop P. Stasiuk.

[This article originally appeared in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, vol. 4 (1993).]