NEW RELEASE Release at will FROM: MITERED ARCHPRIEST STEPHEN G. WASHKO EPARCHIAL ADMINISTRATOR OF VAN NUYS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2002 Reverend William Skurla Named Third Bishop of Van Nuys Eparchy

Bishop-Elect William Skurla

Pope John Paul II has named Reverend William Skurla as Bishop of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Van Nuys. He succeeds Most Reverend George M. Kuzma who retired in December of 2000.

Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, announced the appointment.

William Skurla was born in Duluth, Minnesota, June 1, 1956 where he attended Catholic and public elementary schools. He graduated from Chisholm Junior-Senior High in 1974, and did Post-Graduate work in Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts, graduating in 1975.

He attended Columbia University in New York City, graduating with a concentration in Philosophy in 1981. He studied at Mary Immaculate Seminary in Northampton, Pennsylvania, receiving a Masters of Divinity in 1986 and a Masters of Theology in 1987.

He entered the Franciscan community in Sybertsville, Pennsylvania, was Solemnly Professed in 1985 and ordained to the priesthood in 1987. Following his ordination he served in many positions of responsibility, namely Vicar of Holy Dormitions Monastery in Sybertsville, Secretary of Custody, and Spiritual Assistant. Other responsibilities included his work in photography, computers and editing the community newsletter and the Eastern CatholicVocation Directory.

In 1996, having received and accepted his dispensation from solemn vows as a member of the order of Friars Minor, he was incardinated into the Eparchy of Van Nuys, where he had been serving for 3 years at St. Melany parish in Tucson.

He has continued in St. Melany Church until the present. He has served the Eparchy as the associate Editor of the Eparchial Newsletter, an Eparchial Consultor, member of the Deacon's Review Board, and the Metropolitan Youth Commission.

He has been active as the Secretary of the Arizona Eastern Clergy Association, and member of Jeus Caritas priest association, as well as many other inter-church activities in Tucson.

Rt. Rev. Stephen G. Washko
St. Stephen Pro-Cathedral
8141 N. 16th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Phone: 602-861-9778
Fax: 602-861-9796