RT. REV. MITRAT JOHN KRISTALOVICH

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RT. REV. MITRAT JOHN KRISTALOVICH Peacefully, on Tuesday, May 31, 2005, Father Kris passed away at Holy Family Nursing Home at the age of 93 years. Father Kris was born the seventh son of Stephen and Mary Kristalovich in Sandy Lake, MB on January 18, 1912. His early education was provided in Sandy Lake and later Elphinstone, with formal seminary education obtained at the Grand Seminary in Montreal and St. Augustine's Seminary in Toronto. Ordination to the Priesthood was conducted by the late Archbishop Basil Ladyka O.S.B.M. in Sandy Lake, with Father Kris celebrating his first mass in Yorkton, SK on June 10, 1940. The following week, Father Kris returned to Sandy Lake to celebrate his first High Mass, assuming an assistant pastoral and mission role at Sandy Lake, and subsequently at Ethelbert (1940 to 1942). From 1942 to 1944, Father Kris was the pastor of Winnipegosis and Missions (Fork River, Meadow Lands, Winnipegosis Farms and Wieden). Following a brief appointment as Assistant Pastor in Regina, Father assumed pastoral duties for Kenora and Missions (Fort Francis, Rainy River and Atikokan), and then briefly for Fosston, SK. In 1948, Father Kris began what was to become a 39 year pastoral affiliation with the Holy Family Parish in Winnipeg, MB, whose growth was epitomized by the beautiful church built under Father Kris's guidance. The planning, construction, and opening of the St. John's Haven Senior's Apartment complex and the Holy Family Catechetical facilities are also products of Father Kris's initiative and leadership. Leaving Holy Family Parish in 1987, Father's Retirement surged with pastoral duties for Kenora/Red Lake, Portage la Prairie, Sts. Peter Paul, Winnipeg, and finally for Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Cook's Creek and St. John The Apostle (St. Vital)...Father Kris continued to show the dedication and fervor in his vocation that established his reputation as a true leader of the spiritual community. Father Kris was predeceased by his parents Stephen and Mary Kristalovich; brothers, Bill (Jessie), Harry (Mary), Larry (Ann), Peter, Paul, Naster (Mary); sister Marie (Wes Rystephaniuk). He is survived by his sister Anne Hardy and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the Holy Family Nursing Home, especially the St. Francis Ward caregivers, and the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate. Prayers will be held on Friday, June 10 at 7:00 p.m. with Rosary at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1001 Grant Ave. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday, June 11 at 10:30 a.m. with Rosary at 10:00 a.m. also at the church with interment following in Holy Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Father Kris's memory to Holy Family Church, Elevator Fund, 1001 Grant Ave. or to the Holy Family Nursing Home, 165 Aberdeen Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2W 1T9. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 04, 2005