Divine Services
Saturday, February 7 - 2:30 PM - Marriage Blessing: Garrett / Lauren Fink
Saturday, February 7 - 4:30 PM - Vespers / Confessions: 4 PM - 4:20 PM
Sunday, February 8 - 9:30 AM - General Confession (*)
Sunday, February 8 - 10 AM - Liturgy: “Pre-Lent - Sunday of the Prodigal Son”
Thursday, February 12 - 6 PM - Holy Chrismation (Orthodox Conversion service): Reiley Cronin
Saturday, February 14 - 9:30 AM - Liturgy for the Departed / Confessions: 9 AM - 9:15 AM
Saturday, February 14 - 11:30 AM - Marriage: Marina Fink / Ernie Kisner
Saturday, February 14 - 4:30 PM - Vespers / Confessions: 4 PM - 4:15 PM
Sunday, February 15 - 10 AM - Liturgy: “Sunday of the Last Judgment / Meatfare Sunday”
(*) This February 8th General Confession service is only for those parish members who have participated in Private Confession since the beginning of the 2025 Nativity Fast; others wishing to receive the Eucharist should come to Private Confession before approaching the chalice. Eucharistic participants unable to attend this service should see Fr. Bill for a Private Confession instead, unless you have already come to Private Confession during the preceding 30 days.
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Sunday Liturgy Laity Functions
FEBRUARY 8 THIRD HOUR: M. Soroka
FEBRUARY 8 EPISTLE: N. Domitrovic
FEBRUARY 8 COLLECTION: O. Mycyk / B. Nelko
FEBRUARY 15 THIRD HOUR: D. Ilchuk
FEBRUARY 15 EPISTLE: N. Yakich
FEBRUARY 15 COLLECTION: S. Yakich / N. Domitrovic
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* The next CHURCH SCHOOL/ TEEN GROUP CLASSES / (and) SUNDAY DIALOGUE sessions are scheduled for Sunday, February 22 - 9 AM.
* No COFFEE HOUR this Sunday … the next one will take place following the February 22 Liturgy. This will be a shared coffee hour, so we kindly ask you to bring a snack to share that day if possible. Scrip cards will also be available during this February 22 coffee hour.
* [Sunday Night Deadline!] The next PARISH SIMPLY SOCIAL night-out is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10 - 6 PM. It will be held at the Ba’Runi Grill-Restaurant located at 3797 Duss Avenue in Baden. We need RSVP’S no later than Sunday (2/8) evening to allow the restaurant to comfortably accommodate the group of our size. To RSVP, please contact Rob Grano or by contacting Fr. Bill.
* 2025 PARISH CONTRIBUTIONS REPORTS have been mailed to individual households. Anyone who does not receive this postal mailing by the end of this week should notify Administrative Secretary Patty McKeown. You can also notify Fr. Bill or Nicole Domitrovic if necessary. REMINDER! February is STEWARDSHIP MONTH annually at Holy Ghost. The 2026 PARISH STEWARDSHIP FORM is included in that USPS mailing - - we’re counting on you to be part of our 2026 stewardship effort to keep our parish fiscally healthy - - so please return this completed, confidential form promptly to church. You can leave it in the special envelope on the vestibule candle desk, mail it to the parish office labeled “Stewardship Program,” or email it to Fr. Bill as an attachment. (An electronic copy is also attached to this e-bulletin.)
* PLEASE OPEN YOUR HEART AND HELP CHRIST’S HOLY CHURCH in 2026!*
* [Last reminder!] CLICK HERE for information about the annual DIOCESAN SKATING PARTY taking place at PPG-Place in Pittsburgh on February 15 (3 PM - 4:45 PM). NOTE that this Saturday - February 7 - is the deadline to RSVP by using the information on the flier.
* CLICK HERE for this week’s ORTHODOX EDUCATION ARTICLE - an article by Metropolitan SABA of the Antiochian Orthodox Diocese with the title: The Fathers of the Church. Take the time to read it … it is an excellent follow-up to Fr. Bill’s recent Sunday Dialogue about this same topic.
* The 2026 ANNUAL PARISH MEETING is scheduled to take place downstairs in the church hall immediately following the Liturgy on February 15. (“Make-up” date is February 22 should a postponement become necessary.) Snacks will be provided for attendees prior to the start of the meeting. All adults currently in good sacramental standing in this parish are invited to come to this meeting as we review 2025 and chart a course forward for 2026 and beyond.
* ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY is tentatively scheduled downstairs in the church hall on Wednesday, February 18 (6:30 PM). Please inform Fr. Bill by Monday evening - February 16 if you plan to attend so we can establish a “quorum.”
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KONTAKION: SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON PRE-LENTEN SUNDAY (Tone 3)
I have recklessly forgotten Thy glory, O Father;
and among sinners I have scattered the riches which Thou hadst given me.
Therefore, I cry to Thee like the Prodigal:
“I have sinned before Thee, O compassionate Father; //
receive me a penitent, and make me as one of Thy hired servants!
Laity Liturgy Functions
DATE THIRD HOUR EPISTLE__ COLLECTION______
FEBRUARY 1 D. Neill R. Markvan T. Yakich / I. Yakich
FEBRUARY 8 M. Soroka N. Domitrovic O. Mycyk / B. Nelko
FEBRUARY 15 D. Ilchuk N. Yakich S. Yakich / N. Domitrovic
FEBRUARY 22 C. Schulte (T.B.A.) P. Evans / T. Fleck
^ Please notify Fr. Bill in advance if you are unable to perform your liturgical function so that a substitute can be found in an orderly manner. Please mark your calendar since we do not send individual reminders.
^ Please contact Fr. Bill if you have any questions about these ministries. New participants are encouraged as well!
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Pastoral Reminders from Fr. Bill
~ GENERAL CONFESSION service will be held on February 1 (9:30 AM). Any communicant unable to attend this service should come to Private Confession before approaching the chalice - unless you have come to Private Confession during the past 30 days. This will be the final General Confession until after Holy Pascha since all communicants should participate in Private Confession during the upcoming Great Lent that begins with Forgiveness Vespers on February 22.
~ EUCHARIST PARTICIPATION GENERAL GUIDELINE for the parish: individuals who do not receive Holy Eucharist for more than two consecutive Sunday Liturgies should return for a Private Confession before approaching to receive Holy Communion. Please contact Fr. Bill about this since there is always the possibility of an extenuating circumstance.
~ February 2 - 7, the week following the “Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee,” is a FAST-FREE WEEK as we remind ourselves of the true meaning of ascetical fasting. All other Wednesdays and Fridays are fasting days in February.
~ THE GREAT FAST (HOLY LENT) begins with Vespers on February 22 (4:30 PM). Each Orthodox Christian should try to maintain a rigorous ascetical fast during this most solemn of the annual fasting periods in the Orthodox Church. Of course, this should be accompanied by personal repentance (including participation in the Mystery of Confession and reception of the Holy Eucharist) almsgiving, increased church worship, and increased personal prayer/Scripture readings.
~ Except for individuals required to eat or drink small amounts for medical conditions (i.e., with medications, etc.) out of necessity, Communion recipients are expected to conduct a Eucharistic fast prior to Holy Communion. This means refraining from eating or drinking from midnight until receiving Holy Eucharist. Individuals who find it necessary to eat or drink “larger” amounts on Liturgy days should refrain from receiving Communion that day. The Eucharistic fast for evening Vesperal Liturgies begins following a (light) lunch, continuing until the time of the Liturgy. Children who have not come to First Holy Confession are, of course, exempt from this guideline. Individuals with medical conditions that require a modification of the Eucharist fast should discuss it privately with Fr. Bill.
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^ Please forward your preferred email address to Fr. Bill if you are not receiving the parish E-BULLETINS and other parish informational updates but would like to receive them. Please note that email addresses are not shared. A limited number of copies of each week’s bulletin are put in the vestibule wall pamphlet rack.
PARISH ON-LINE GIVING
No envelope, no checks, no cash? No problem! ON-LINE giving is always available! Go to our website under “Online Giving” (https://www.holyghostoca.org/onlinegiving) and make your donation today. You even have the option to donate to the General Fund or Memorial Fund, and we will add Special Projects as opportunities arise. There is even an option to make a recurring donation so you can set it and forget it! Please note there is a small credit card processing fee to donate online. Please contact Nicole Domitrovic or Fr. Bill if you have any questions about this on-line method of stewardship
^ Please contact Fr. Bill any time throughout the year when you know of a parish member HOSPITALIZED for more than a single night so he can visit that person’s hospital room and administer the Holy Sacraments (either Holy Unction or Communion) “…for the healing of soul and body.”
^ (Mark your planner!) ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY is tentatively scheduled to take place downstairs in the church hall on Wednesday, February 18 (6:30 PM). Please inform Fr. Bill if you plan to attend no later than Monday evening, February 16, to make sure there will be sufficient attendance to proceed with the discussion. Come and learn! Guests are warmly welcomed, too!
^ CANDLES will be blessed in conjunction with the Holyday of “The Meeting of the Lord in the Temple” on February 2 (9:30 AM). These candles and vigil lights will be made available to purchase and use at home in icon prayer corners. Please see a parish officer in the church vestibule for assistance.
^ All adults of the parish currently in good sacramental standing in the parish are invited to attend the ANNUAL PARISH MEETING downstairs in the church hall immediately following the February 15th 10 AM Liturgy. Snack will be provided.
^ The 2026 PARISH STEWARDSHIP LETTER/ PLEDGE FORM will be sent by the parish to homes of parish members. Please seriously consider what “fair share” you can generously give in 2026 to the Lord and His parish. Please return this confidential form by dropping it off in the special envelope provided in the church candle desk area or mailing it to the parish marked “Stewardship Appeal.” THANKS - - REMEMBER - - your individual support IS critical for the future well-being of this community!
^ The 2025 INDIVIDUAL PARISH CONTRIBUTION REPORTS were mailed at the end of the last week in January. Anyone who does not receive this mailing by the end of the first week of February - or if you have questions about the amount on your report - should contact administrative secretary Patty McKeown, council president Nicole Domitrovic, or Fr. Bill.
^ SAVE THE DATE! The first SIMPLY SOCIAL NIGHT-OUT for the parish in 2026 is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10 - 6 PM. This will take place at Ba-Runi’s Grill-Restaurant located in Baden at 3797 Duss Avenue. Watch for more info in upcoming weekly e-bulletins!
^ Fr. Bill is almost finished with the known HOUSE BLESSINGS for 2026. Please contact him if you would like to be added to his visitation list. He hopes to have this completed prior to the start of Holy Lent.
Today, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Holy Ghost Orthodox Church in Ambridge, we should pause in our festivities and reflect thoughtfully on its beginnings.
Shortly after the turn of the century, many Europeans sought to escape the religious and cultural persecutions of the Austro-Hungarian rulers by sailing to America.
Approximately 14 families, including those of John Bowan Sr., Wasil Blishak, Constantine Dzubinsky, Samuel Evans Sr., Daniel Holovach, A. Kohan, Nicholas Kraynak, Theodore Kushnir, Wasil Kuhta, Wasil Towcimak, Michael Turko, and John Zawoysky, settled in the North Side and South Side of Pittsburgh, where they attended St. Alexander Nevsky and St. Michael's Orthodox Churches.
However, these pioneers soon moved on to Ambridge where employment opportunities were greater. The American Bridge Company, which erected its first plant in Ambridge in 1902, offered such security.
Although settled in Ambridge, they continued to attend church in Pittsburgh. Each Sunday morning they walked the railroad tracks, more accessible than the unpaved roads, to Leetsdale, where they boarded a train to Pittsburgh. This continued until the group established a makeshift altar in May's Hall, Third and Merchant Streets, Ambridge. There, under the guidance of the Rev. J. Sechinsky, they continued their religious devotions. A little later, services were conducted in the residence of Samuel Evans, Sr., and still later in a little shelter on a vacant lot near Third and Merchant Streets. The reverends J. Sechinsky, P. Kohanik and Nicholas Koshevich were among the early pastors.
In October of 1907, guided by Fr. Nicholas Koshevich, this determined group purchased two lots at Second and Maplewood Avenue for $1,650. With their hands, they laid the foundation of their long-awaited church. It took them two months and cost approximately $6,000 -- lots, construction and materials included. The American Bridge Co donated steel for the foundation. This contribution so overwhelmed the group that they gathered on the grounds of the American Bridge plant with their icons and glorified the donors with prayers and singing.
On November 27, 1907, the first Divine Liturgy was served in the newly built church basement. Named trustees of the fledgling church were Wasil Blishak, John Bowan Sr. Samuel Evans Sr. and Daniel Holovach. Others who contributed their services were families of Timko Romanov, Paul Romanov, Dimitri Skomsky, Theodore Lapihuska, Timko Guch, Harry Kohanik, Stephen Felk, John Evans Sr., A. Zbigley, Nicholas Kuhta, Theodore Fecik, Wasil Liseyko, Joseph Hafiez, Anton Shpak, Nicholas Kulavchik, N. Polovischak, E. Polovischak, Timko Blishko, Harry Shepella, Michael Roman, John Towcimak, Wasil Zawoysky Sr., Wasil Guch, Michael Psinka and Wasil Hritzik.
On August 21, 1911, the parish was incorporated as the Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Ghost. The congregation adopted as its patron, the Descent of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) upon the Apostles.
The first recorded christening was that of Nicholas Kuhta on October 27, 1907. The first marriage solemnized in the church was that of Theodore Hopta and Anna Hnath on February 8, 1908.
The parish grew steadily, and soon plans were being formulated for completion of the church. In 1912 a building committee was established. The church was completed in December 1914 at a cost of $14,000. The Rev. Andrew Ivanishin officiated at the first Divine Liturgy in the new edifice. The cornerstone, donated by Samuel Evans Sr., and the newly built church were consecrated by the Most Rev. Archbishop Alexander, assisted by Fr. Ivanishin and visiting clergy. The dream had become a reality. Just one year later, a parish home next to the new church was purchased for $5,100.
Now thoughts turned to the church interior. In 1927, led by the Rev. Damian Krehel, the church commissioned Michael Kupetz, a parishioner, to paint the murals for $2,200.
Two years later the present three bells were purchased. Metropolitan Platon blessed them.
The Great Depression ruled out further improvements until November 27, 1941, when, under the leadership of the Rev. Emilian Skuby, a new iconostas and newly renovated church interior were blessed by the Rt. Rev. Benjamin, Bishop of Pittsburgh and West Virginia. The new iconostas was designed and erected by the famous architect-artist Gennady Gordeyev.
That same year saw the outbreak of World War II, and 1950 brought with it the Korean conflict. Twelve young men of the parish were killed in those wars: Michael Chaykowsky, Edward Chumak, Peter Dudenich, Paul Durniak, John Kucer, Michael Kucer, Frank Pastrick, Steve Pastrick, Nicholas Sapovchak, Michael Sudik, George Torhan and Dimitri Wrobleski.
On November 21, 1954, a crystal chandelier was installed and dedicated to the memory of twelve young men from the parish that gave their lives to the service of their country in World War II and the Korean conflict.
In July 1974 a new parish home was purchased on Pilgrim Drive, Leet Township. The old parish home next to the church was converted into an educational center. There the church school organization, which was initiated by the Senior R Club (FROC) during the presidency of Mildred Erdelyn Mitcheil in 1947, continues to meet.
In February 1975 a fire started in the front of the church, severely damaging one corner of the interior. Fr. Vladimir Soroka and Church Council President Irene Bell led the ensuing restoration.
In 1975 The Holy Ghost Orthodox Youth Center began as a gift. The merged Russian Community Society and Russian Society of St. Michael donated the empty building at 405 Maplewood Avenue that formerly housed the Russian Community Society. A building committee was appointed, led by co-chairmen Frank Markvan and Ted Hritsko. The former building was mostly razed and a new structure erected under the guidance of architect George Ruscitto and builder Jerry Steinmetz Construction Corporation. In 1977, two years after the ownership was transferred to the congregation, the transformed building was opened as a center for both parochial events and public events. Today the Center is a hub our Annual Slavic Festival and other church related activities.
In the early 1990's, the parishioners of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Aliquippa were welcomed as members of the Holy Ghost congregation when their parish was closed.
In November 1996 the congregation undertook one of the most ambitious renovation projects since the founding of the church in 1907. Cupolas of reinforced gold fiberglass replaced the four deteriorating copper cupolas. This project was the centerpiece of a series of renovation projects that included the complete repainting of the interior of the church, enhanced internal and external lighting, and re-pointing the brick exterior of the church. All of these major projects were completed prior to the congregation's celebration of its 90th anniversary in 1997.
The congregation has just completed a 10-year capital improvements plan in time for the parish's 100th anniversary. These projects included all new iconography in the altar, including a new Platitera icon in the apse over the sanctuary, the total refurbishment of the chandelier, renovated restrooms in the church basement, new wall-to-wall carpeting, and new iconography on the proscenium arch above the iconostas.
From the original 14 families the parish has grown to over 200 adults and 30 children.
From those hard working immigrant families who formed the nucleus, to the present pastor, V. Rev. William Evansky, church council, church organizations and congregation, we are deeply indebted. To those now deceased -- May God grant them eternal rest. To those still in our midst--thank you for a job well done! God bless you and guide you in your continued efforts.