Ukrainian Church celebrates centenary with marker, bell | News, Sports, Jobs

YOUNGSTOWN — SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, North Belle Vista Avenue, marked a special milestone this 100th anniversary month.

As part of the century landmark, the church unveiled a new addition with a large marker and bell tower located near the front entrance. Pastor Mykola Zomchak said the celebration not only marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the parish in Youngstown, but also all the accomplishments the church has marked over the years.

“It is with great joy that we celebrate 100 years of our beloved parish,” he said.

Special proclamations from city, county and state officials marking the 100th milestone were presented. The church was decorated inside and out for the celebration.

The three-day celebration included special services and also a dinner attended by 320 people.

Zomchak said that although the church comes from the people of Ukraine, it is Orthodox Christian.

Alice Dobransky, 92, of Youngstown, is among the oldest members of the congregation.

“I remember when this church was built. I love being here,” Dobransky said as he watched people take turns pulling the rope for the new bell.

Dolly Mehalco, 86, of Austintown, said she remains active at the church, serving on various boards and committees and is also a member of the choir.

“I think I’ve been involved in just about everything,” she said.

Stephanie Woloschak Rimedio of Youngstown said she remembers being told that her great-grandparents, Mike and Catherine Woloschak, held the first church service in their home on Randolph Street.

Mary Ann Senediak, who handled publicity for the anniversary celebration, said Sept. 14 was the day of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, blessing of the new bell tower and banquet.

HISTORY OF THE CHURCH

Senediak said that in the winter of 1922, a meeting was held with a small group of Ukrainian families for the purpose of organizing a Ukrainian Orthodox parish. She said the property was purchased at the corner of Russell and Belle Vista avenues for $7,500 for the church and rectory.

The newly established church was established with 25 families and soon had a membership of 100. The apostles, Saints Peter and Paul, were chosen as patron saints, Senediak said.

In 1926, land was purchased at Donald Avenue and Osborne for the church cemetery, totaling 15 acres.

The current church building was dedicated in July 1940. The construction was done by the DeBartolo Company.

Senediak said that as the parish’s membership grew, many buildings were erected and are still in use today: the Ukrainian Orthodox Center Pavilion, the Cemetery Chapel, the Bell and many properties on the west side of Youngstown.

In 1960, it was dedicated to the Ukrainian Orthodox Center. The two-and-a-half story outbuilding was built for $250,000.

Senediak said the parish is very active in Bible study, church choir, fellowship, Sunday school, Ukrainian Orthodox League, youth ministry and many spiritual and social groups.

Special bingo games were organized, with the profits going to Ukraine.

Officials said over the past 100 years, the parish has continued to thrive, constantly maintaining, improving and beautifying its infrastructure and grounds.