The Pontifical Oriental Institute has a new Rector. After nine years of service -usually the term lasts at most six years- Fr. Hèctor Vall Vilardell  is leaving us. Fr. Cyril Vasil' has been nominated as new Rector at our Institute, according to the official letter dated 25 May 2007.

Fr. Vasil' was born in Kosiče on 10 April 1965, in what was then Czechoslovakia. His mother Maria passed away this year after a long illness on the vigil of Palm Sunday, which for the Byzantine calendar marked the festivity of the Paschal liturgy. His father Michal, Greek Catholic priest has also another son, also married priest and father of six children.

Fr. Vasil' studied at the Theological Facility of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Bratislava (1982-1987). After a very short pastoral experience, he was sent to Rome for further studies. He boarded at the College of St. Josephat in September of 1987 and then with the help of a scholarship from the Congregation for Oriental Churches he enrolled at PIO (POI) where he received a licentiate in 1989.

On 15 October 1990 he began his novitiate with the Society of Jesus in Genova. Upon returning to Rome he pursued a doctorate in Canon Law at PIO in 1994 after which he immediately began his teaching career.

After having been nominated as Dean of the Faculty of Eastern Canon Law (DCO) in 2000, his mandate has been further renewed two times.

Since 2004 he has served as Vice Rector at the Institute. Moreover, Fr. Vasil' is on the board of consultation for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, and the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People. The Pontifical Council for the Laity nominated him as the Assistant General for the Scouts of Europe.

Fr. Vasil' is the youngest rector to be nominated to this office; minor of ten months to Fr. Ivan Žužek -deceased as of 2004-  former rector as well as friend and mentor of Fr. Vasil'.

We wish Fr. Cyril Vasil' a prosperous service for the Church and the Society of Jesus.

He will enter into office as of 14 September 2007.