Holy Ghost Orthodox Church
Orthodox Church in America (OCA)
210 Maplewood Avenue, Ambridge, PA 15003

Your Parish Family Connected - February 6, 2025

 

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

* Saturday, February 8 - 4:30 PM - Vespers // Confession: 4 PM - 4:20 PM

* Sunday, February 9 - 10 AM - Liturgy: “Publican and Pharisee Sunday” (“Tridion” Pre-Lent Sundays begin)

Prayers for the Departed: +Jeanette Markvan (5th Anniversary) / +Patricia (Ilchuk) (1st Anniversary)

* Saturday, February 15 - 4:30 PM - Vespers // Confession: 4 PM - 4:20 PM

* Sunday, February 16 - 10 AM - Liturgy: “Prodigal Son Sunday”


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SUNDAY LITURGY LAITY FUNCTIONS

* FEBRUARY 9 - THIRD HOUR: N. Domitrovic

* FEBRUARY 9 - EPISTLE: T. Evansky

* FEBRUARY 9 - COLLECTION: R. Grano / A. Lauer

* FEBRUARY 16 - THIRD HOUR: A. Lauer

* FEBRUARY 16 - EPISTLE: R. Markvan

* FEBRUARY 16 - COLLECTION: R. Markvan / P. McKeown


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* CLICK HERE for details about a DIOCESAN RETREAT being held at the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Allison Park) on Saturday, March 1. Speaking on “The Book of Job: Suffering and Victory of Christ over Satan,” Fr. Victor Gorodenchuk will be the presenter of what we anticipate being a wonderfully informative event to prepare us for Great Lent. Plan on registering - and invite others to join you!

 

* CLICK HERE for info about an ORTHODOX YOUNG ADULTS RETREAT (ages 18-35) being co-sponsored by our Archdiocese at Camp Nazareth in Mercer, PA., on March 14-16.

 

* No COFFEE HOUR following this Sunday’s Liturgy. P.S. - We STILL need a sponsor for the March 2 coffee hour! Please sign the list downstairs on the bulletin board if you are willing to do this sponsorship or let Mat. Debbie (or me) know. Thanks!


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It’s time for a final SIMPLY SOCIAL parish informal night-out before the Great Lent begins with Forgiveness Vespers on March 2! The Parish Life Committee and I invite you join us on Wednesday, February 12 - 6 PM - at the DEE-JAYS RIBS AND BARBEQUE located in Wexford at 2602 Brandt School Road. (This was formerly the site of “Bella Frutetto” restaurant - - it’s in the shopping plaza where “Eat-n-Park” is located.) We have a room in the back set aside for our group of up to “25.” (It’s a GREAT Wednesday for a “rib place” - - it’s a fast-free day!) While reservations aren’t required for this informal meal, it would be a BIG help if you would let Rob Grano (or me) know no later than 6 PM Tuesday (Feb. 11) how many people are coming. Non-parish members are encouraged - it’s a great way to introduce new people to our parish!


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* All parish members in good sacramental standing are encouraged to attend the ANNUAL PARISH MEETING following the February 16 Liturgy. (February 23 will be the “make-up date” should we need to postpone. We need a minimum of “20” members in “good standing” for an official quorum.) The report packet will be emailed to everyone on our parish group email list during the upcoming week.

 

* CHURCH SCHOOL-TEEN GROUP CLASSES will meet this Sunday - 9 AM. This Sunday will also be a SUNDAY DIALOGUE DISCUSSION SESSION for all adults in the parish (and visitors) with me in the nave of the church. Let’s learn our ancient Orthodox Faith together! Our first topic will be: “What is PRAYER? Why do we PRAY? Why do we need PRAYER?” (This is an important topic as we prepare to enter the Great Fast in preparation for the Holy Pascha.)

 

* The newly elected LADIES ALTAR SOCIETY EXECUTIVE BOARD will be administered the Oath of Office immediately following this Sunday’s Liturgy - - Sharon Yakich (President) / Susan Bufalini (Treasurer) / Sandy Nelko (Secretary). “+May God grant them many years!”

 

* This coming week, the week following the “Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee,” is a FAST-FREE WEEK. We are reminded that our ascetical fasting, like that of the Pharisee’s, is worthless in God’s eyes unless it is accompanied by heartfelt repentance and a desire for humility as demonstrated by the Publican.

 

* ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY is tentatively set for Thursday, February 20 - 6:30PM downstairs in the church hall. Please inform me no later than Tuesday evening (2/18) if you plan to attend so we can establish a “quorum” to hold the group. This will be the final session until the completion of Great Lent as we increase our church attendance at the beautiful Lenten services to be offered for our spiritual growth as Orthodox Christians.

 

* The PITTSBURGH FELLOWSHIP OF ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS IN AMERICA (FOCA) DISTRICT will be holding a special meeting/convention on Sunday, February 23 (3 PM) at the St. John the Baptist Church in Canonsburg. Any Ambridge Chapter #5 member coming to this meeting should notify chapter president Bill Nelko soon.

 

* Any parish member who has not received via the USPS their 2024 PARISH CONTRIBUTIONS REPORT should notify Administrative Secretary Patty McKeown. You can also notify me if so desired. REMINDER! The 2025 PARISH STEWARDSHIP FORM is included in that mailing - - - we’re counting on you to be part of our 2025 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 me as an attachment. (An electronic copy is also attached to this e-bulletin.) PLEASE OPEN YOU HEART AND HELP CHRIST’S HOLY CHURCH!


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Lessons for US from “The Publican and the Pharisee” Liturgical Hymns

 

Brothers, let us not pray like the Pharisee!

He who exalts himself will be humbled.

Let us prepare to abase ourselves by fasting;

let us cry aloud with the voice of the Publican://

“O God, forgive us sinners!”

 

The Pharisee went up to the temple with a proud and empty heart;

the Publican bowed himself in repentance.

They both stood before You, O Master:

the one, through boasting, lost his reward,

but the other, with tears and sighs, won Your blessing:

Strengthen me, O Christ our God, as I weep in Your presence,//

since You are the Lover of man!


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Fr. Bill


Monthly Newsletter - February 2025

 

Laity Liturgy Functions

 

DATE                             THIRD HOUR                       EPISTLE___                  COLLECTION_______

FEBRUARY   2             N. Yakich                                Mat. D. Evansky             I. Yakich/ N. Wiglesworth

FEBRUARY   9             N. Domitrovic                       T. Evansky                      R. Grano/ A. Lauer

FEBRUARY 16             A. Lauer                                  R. Markvan                      R. Markvan/ P. McKeown

FEBRUARY 23             M.D. Stahoviak                    M.D. Stahoviak               O. Mycyk/B. Nelko

 

^  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

 

~ The week following the “Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee” (February 9-15) is a fast-free week. We are reminded as we prepare for the Holy Lent on Sunday evening, March 2, that true ascetical fasting, a fast acceptable to God, is a fast of the heart requiring repentance – NOT a legalistic fasting concerned merely about rules concerning food and drink.

 

~ Except as noted above, all Wednesdays and Fridays during this month are days on which we abstain from eating meat.

 

~ The reception of the Holy Mysteries of Private Confession and Holy Eucharist (Communion) at least annually is required to be considered an active member of the Orthodox Church in this parish. Please contact Fr. Bill privately if you have any questions about your important sacramental standing.

 

~ Eucharist participation general guideline for the parish: individuals who do not receive Holy Eucharist for three or more consecutive Sunday Liturgies should return for a Private Confession before approaching the Holy Chalice. Please contact Fr. Bill about this since there is always the possibility of an extenuating circumstance.

 

~ The next General Confession is scheduled for February 2. This service is only for those parish members who came to Private Confession since the beginning of Advent 2024 - others desiring to receive the Eucharist should come for a Private Confession first.

 

~  REMINDER! Except for individuals required to eat or drink small amounts with medications, 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 (or Lenten Presanctified 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  your situation 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 electronic bulletin are put in the vestibule wall pamphlet rack for those individuals wanting a paper copy with the same being true for the monthly newsletter. This e-bulletin is prepared in lieu of a Sunday paper bulletin.

 

^          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.”

 

^          February 2 is the deadline for ANNUAL MEETING REPORTS to be forwarded electronically to Fr. Bill so the Annual Meeting report packets can be prepared in advance of the February 16 Annual Meeting. All adults of the parish currently in good sacramental standing are invited to attend and vote at the Annual Parish meeting that immediately follows the February 16th  Divine Liturgy. Snacks will be provided.

 

^          Administrative Secretary Patty McKeown will mail CONFIDENTIAL INDIVIDUAL 2024 PARISH CONTRIBUTION REPORTS to each household by February 1. Please contact Patty if you do not receive that report by February 1 or if you have questions about its accuracy. You may also contact Fr. Bill if necessary.

 

^          Also included with your contribution report will be the important 2025 PARISH STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM information and STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE FORM to be completed and returned. It is VERY important that each parish member pray about their level of 2025 parish support before submitting their pledge form - - we must have a healthy financial situation for the parish to continue its mission to bring the awesome news of salvation in Christ that only Holy Orthodoxy brings to the modern world fully in its apostolic form. Christian stewardship is every member’s responsibility! THANKS!

 

^          The FAIR OAKS FOOD PANTRY is running low on food. The pantry box is in the parking lot of the Fair Oaks Fire Department, 190 Ambridge Avenue.  You may place your donations directly in the food pantry box.  If the box is full, bags can be placed near the entrance door to the social hall and a fire department member will take them inside the building. You may also bring your donations to church, and we will transport them to Fair Oaks.  If you want to donate but cannot shop, please leave monetary donations in our vestibule in an envelope marked “Food Pantry,” and someone will shop for you.  Checks should be made payable to “Holy Ghost Church,” with the memo line marked “Food Pantry.”  Please let Fr. Bill know if you, or someone you know, needs confidential assistance. This person does not necessarily need to be a member of the parish. Thanks for helping in the Name of Christ!

 

^          CANDLES will be blessed in honor of the Holyday of “The Meeting of the Lord in the Temple” on Sunday, February 2. These candles will be made available for the faithful to purchase and take home and burn in their icon prayer corner.

 

^          The PITTSBURGH FOCA DISTRICT is scheduled to have a district meeting at the St. John the Baptist Church in Canonsburg on Sunday, February 23 (3 PM). Any Ambridge Chapter #5 member intending to be there should notify chapter president Bill Nelko in advance.

 

^          ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY is tentatively scheduled to take place downstairs in the church hall on Thursday, February 20 (6:30PM), assuming there is enough anticipated attendees. Please inform Fr. Bill no later than Tuesday evening, February 18, if you plan to attend. Non-parish guests are most welcome

 

^          With the blessing of His Eminence, Archbishop MELCHISEDEK, the Archdiocese is pleased to announce an ARCHDIOCESAN RETREAT for clergy and laity to be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Our guest speaker will be Fr. Victor Gorodenchuk, Dean of St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Philadelphia, who will be speaking on the topic: “The Book of Job: Suffering and Victory of Christ over Satan.” Preliminary plans call for the event taking place at the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Allison Park to begin at 10 AM with prayer, two sessions and lunch, and conclusion by 3 PM. More information, including an event flier, will be forthcoming soon.

 

^          Reminder! Please remember to inform Fr. Bill anytime throughout the year if your PERSONAL INFORMATION CHANGES - - mailing address / phone number / email / etc. It is important that our membership list remains accurate. (This has especially been the case recently with phone numbers since most people are eliminating land lines in favor of cell phone numbers only.) We will update our 2025 list shortly so please do this soon if applicable.

 

^         It’s time for a final SIMPLY SOCIAL parish informal night-out - - before the Great Lent begins with Forgiveness Vespers on March 2 (4:30 PM)! The Parish Life Committee and I invite you join us on Wednesday, February 12 - 6 PM - at the DEE-JAYS RIBS AND BARBEQUE located in Wexford at 2602 Brandt School Road. (This was formerly the site of “Bella Frutetto” restaurant - - it’s in the shopping plaza where “Eat-n-Park” is located.) We have a room in the back set aside for our group of up to “25.” (It’s a GREAT Wednesday for a “rib place” - - it’s a fast-free day!) While reservations aren’t required for this informal meal, it would be a BIG help if you would let Rob Grano (or me) know no later than 6 PM Tuesday (Feb. 11) how many people are coming.  Non-parish members are encouraged - it’s a great way to introduce new people to our parish!

 

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Unashamed to Share the Gospel

           

            The apostle Paul understood the awesome responsibility of being entrusted with the Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ. He considered this calling a stewardship for which he would one day give an account to the Lord, and he was willing to do anything—even suffer—for Christ’s sake. As believers, we have this same privilege to share the Holy Gospel with people God places in our life.

 

            Paul felt compelled to tell others about Christ. In fact, he said, “Woe is me if I do not” (1 Corinthians 9:16). No matter how anyone treated him, he wasn’t ashamed of the message of Christ. The prophet Jeremiah had a similar experience (Jeremiah 20:7-9). He became a laughingstock and was persecuted for delivering God’s message of the coming judgment. Yet he discovered that not speaking created a far worse feeling in his heart—like fire shut up in his bones.

 

            We are surrounded by people who are desperately hungry for something, and they don’t even know what. We have the answer - Jesus Christ and His Holy Orthodox Faith - and the responsibility to share it. Never be ashamed of the best news ever offered to mankind. It’s the only thing that can change someone’s eternal destiny! Fulfill your duty as an “Orthodox evangelist!”

 


Parish History

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.


Archdiocese of Pittsburgh and Western PA