sts. PETER AND PAUL UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

September 20, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

Through the years

Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1025 N. Belle Vista Ave., marked its 90th anniversary Sept. 13 with vespers and dinner at the Orthodox Center with entertainment by Ukrainian youth dancers. On Sept. 14, a liturgy with Bishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of America followed by a luncheon and program took place. The website is www.stspeterpauluoc.org.

1922: A small group of Ukrainian families gathered in the home of the late Nicholas Merdich to discuss organizing a Ukrainian Orthodox parish. The Rev. Leo Wesolowsky celebrated the first Divine Liturgy for the group in the home of the late Michael Woloschak on Randolph Street. Andrew Gela and Frank Senediak sang the responses. The new parish, led by Alex Bobersky, Nicholas Fedyna, Woloschak and Senediak, bought property for $7,500 at the corner of Russell and North Belle Vista streets. The house on the property became the first parish home. The group gathered enough money to build a small wooden structure named Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The Rev. Basil Koshel was the first pastor. The new congregation that started with 25 families grew to a membership of 100 families. In 1926, the parish bought 6 acres of land between Bon Air and Osborne streets for its cemetery, and today the cemetery is 15 acres. The church and cemetery were incorporated May 10, 1927, in the name of nine trustees.

1930s and ’40s: A social hall was built at a cost of $5,000. It was used for religious instruction and Ukrainian language classes, choir rehearsals, plays and concerts. Construction of the current church building began Oct. 3, 1939, by the DeBartolo Co. Archbishop John dedicated the church July 14, 1940.

1950s: Under the direction of the Rev. Michael Mostensky, the Sunday school began and attendance increased. More space was required and in 1956, seven classrooms and kitchenette were constructed in the basement of the church. The church iconostas was dedicated May 15, 1958, with the cost underwritten by St. Mary’s Sisterhood. The group also bought three new bells with electric motors. On Aug. 23, 1953, the newly decorated interior of the church was blessed by Archbishop Mstyslav with work done by Walter E. Boettcher Studio of New York.

1960s: The Ukrainian Orthodox Center was dedicated July 24, 1960. It cost $250,000; the mortgage was burned Aug. 23, 1964. The Youngstown Chapter of the Ukrainian Orthodox League started a fund to build a chapel at the cemetery. The chapel was dedicated Oct. 1, 1967.

1970s and ’80s: The church renovated its Cherry Hill property by adding a garage, driveway and landscaping. The pavilion was remodeled in 1980. The Right Rev. William Olynyk died March 18, 1982, after serving the parish 30 years.

1980s to the present: Youth were involved in mission programs to Ukraine, where various orphanages were helped. The parish upgraded its facilities and promoted rental of the Orthodox Center for weddings, graduations and other events. In 1992, the church hosted the 45th national conference of National Ukrainian Orthodox League of the U.S. with members from around the country at religious and ethnic activities. In 2009, the church hosted the league’s convention. The Rev. John Harvey, pastor, came to the parish in 2009.

Source: Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church