Divine Services
* Friday, August 14 - 6:30 PM - Vespers (Litiya): “Dormition of the Theotokos” / Confessions: 6 PM - 6:20 PM
* Saturday, August 15 - 9:30 AM - Liturgy (Blessing of flowers & spices): “Dormition of the Theotokos” /
Confessions: 9 AM - 9:15 AM
* Saturday, August 15 - 4:30 PM - Vespers / Confessions: 4 PM - 4:20 PM
* Sunday, August 16 - 9:30 AM - Liturgy: “Afterfeast of the Dormition of the Theotokos”
* Sunday, August 23 - 9:30 AM - Liturgy: “Leavetaking of the Dormition of the Theotokos”
^ The DORMITION FAST, one of the Church’s four seasons of fasting, continues until the Dormition Holyday Liturgy this Saturday (9:30AM). Plan to adjust your diet accordingly. While not “required,” you are encouraged to come for a Private Confession as part of this fasting season for a personal spiritual renewal.
^ The BLESSING OF FLOWERS & SPICES will take place during the August 15th Dormition Holyday Liturgy. You are encouraged to bring a flower arrangement to the Liturgy and place it on the special blessing table on the front left of the nave as you enter the church. Those present at the Liturgy will also receive a container of blessed cooking spices to take home and use.
^ We will not celebrate VESPERS here in the parish on Saturday, August 22, due to the wedding sacrament of Shane LaBarge and Annie Friday being performed by Fr. Bill at the Allison Park cathedral. Saturday Vespers resumes on August 29 (4:30 PM).
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Sunday Liturgy Laity Functions
AUGUST 16: THIRD HOUR: Mat. D. Evansky
AUGUST 16: EPISTLE: (Deacon)
AUGUST 16: COLLECTION: O. Mycyk / B. Nelko
AUGUST 23: THIRD HOUR: T. Evansky
AUGUST 23: EPISTLE: M.D. Stahoviak
AUGUST 23: COLLECTION: M. Soroka / S. Yakich
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* There is a SHARED COFFEE HOUR following this Sunday’s Liturgy - - please bring a snack to share at this August 16th event if possible. The SCRIP CARD PROGRAM should also be available downstairs to purchase/order additional cards that morning.
* Fr. Bill continues his SUMMER PASTORAL VISITS to the members of the parish unable to receive the Holy Sacraments at Liturgy due to impediment. He will continue to contact such known people, but please also feel free to contact him if you (or someone in the parish you are aware of) need such a sacramental visit.
* We have begun our second annual BABY BOTTLE OUTREACH CAMPAIGN. Please look for in-depth information in the August parish newsletter. Information is also available downstairs on a special table on the left side of the hall. We hope for another great response this year to this outreach project.
* BIBLE STUDY is scheduled for this coming Wednesday, August 19 (6:30 PM) downstairs in the church hall. You are asked to let Fr. Bill know no later than this coming Tuesday evening, August 18, if you plan on participating.
* Announcing the upcoming WEDDING SACRAMENT of Shane LaBarge and Annie Friday. Fr. Bill will officiate at the wedding service taking place at the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Allison Park) on Saturday, August 22 (2:30 PM). We hope our choir members will be able to come and sing the responses. (We will not celebrate Vespers here in the parish on August 22nd.)
* The PARISH COUNCIL will meet in regular session downstairs in the church hall on Monday, August 24 (6:30 PM). Any council member unable to attend is asked to notify Fr. Bill and Nicole Domitrovic in advance of the meeting date. Please forward meeting materials no later than next Thursday - August 20th.
* The PITTSBURGH FELLOWSHIP OF ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS IN AMERICA (FOCA) DISTRICT has scheduled the 2026 district meeting for Sunday, October 18 (2:30 PM) at the St. John the Baptist Church (Canonsburg). Any Ambridge FOCA member planning to attend should inform chapter president Bill Nelko. Also, the Pittsburgh FOCA District will be hosting the milestone 100th FOCA NATIONAL CONVENTION at both the Canonsburg parish and the nearby Hilton Garden Inn (Southpointe) in 2027 (July 23-25). Pittsburgh was the “birthplace” of the FOCA (formerly the “FROC” - Federated Russian Orthodox Clubs). The first planning meeting for the 2027 convention is scheduled as a Zoom meeting this coming Monday (August 17) - 6:30 PM. Help is needed (from both FOCA members AND non-FOCA) for various committees. We would love to see our Ambridge parish involved actively. Please contact Matushka Debbie for Zoom meeting participation information - or - if you cannot do the Zoom meeting would might still want to help later.
* Mark your calendar now! The 2026 PARISH HAYRIDE is scheduled for Sunday, October 25 (2 PM - 4 PM at Yeck’s Farm. ALL are welcome!
* STEWARDSHIP CONTRIBUTION UPDATES were mailed recently to all the parish households who signed a 2026 stewardship pledge form. Please contact administrative secretary Patty McKeown, Nicole Domitrovic, or Fr. Bill if you did not receive your 2026 update recently or if you noticed a discrepancy.
“The angels, as they looked upon the Dormition of the Virgin, were struck with wonders, seeing how the Virgin went up from earth to heaven! The limits of nature are overcome in you, O pure Virgin: for birth giving remain virginal and life is united to death! A virgin after childbearing and alive after death! You ever save your inheritance O Theotokos.” (Dormition Hymn to the Theotokos)
Laity Liturgy Functions
DATE THIRD HOUR EPISTLE__ COLLECTION________
AUGUST 2 D. Neill (Deacon) I. Yakich / T. Yakich
AUGUST 9 D. Ilchuk (Deacon) R. Markvan / P. McKeown
AUGUST 16 Mat. D. Evansky (Deacon) O. Mycyk / B. Nelko
AUGUST 23 T. Evansky M.D. Stahoviak M. Soroka / S. Yakich
AUGUST 30 T. Zehnder (Deacon) N. Domitrovic / P. Evans
^ 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 and the bulletin listing updated. 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
~ As is the norm in Orthodox ascetical fasting for much of the calendar year, each Wednesday and Friday during this month are days we fast from consuming meats.
~ The DORMITION FAST begins on August 1, continuing until the celebration of the Dormition Holyday on August 15. Please honor this Fast to the best of your ability. Although not “required,” you are encouraged to also participate in Private Confession during this special fasting season.
~ In commemoration of the solemn Holyday of “The Beheading of St. John the Baptist,” Saturday, August 29, is a day of STRICT FASTING (i.e., no meats or dairy products).
~ We will BLESS FRUIT in conjunction with the Holyday of “The Transfiguration of Christ.” You are encouraged to bring a bowl of fresh fruit to the Holyday Vesperal Liturgy to be celebrated on the Holyday Eve, Wednesday, August 5 (6:30 PM). A special blessing table will be placed on the front left side of the church.
~ We will bless FLOWERS AND HERBS in conjunction with the Holyday of “The Dormition of the Theotokos.” You are encouraged to bring a fresh flower arrangement to the Holyday Liturgy on Saturday, August 15 (9:30 AM). Herbs will also be provided by the parish to those in attendance to take home and use in cooking. A special blessing table will be placed on the front left side of the church.
~ As part of the Dormition Fast, we will offer the Sacrament of HOLY UNCTION (i.e., holy oil anointing) to all Orthodox Christians on Tuesday, August 11 (6:30 PM). Feel free to invite your Orthodox Christians friends from our neighboring Orthodox parishes to join you and be anointed at the conclusion of the service.
~ EUCHARIST RECEPTION 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 the Holy Chalice. Please contact Fr. Bill about this since there is always the possibility of an extenuating circumstance.
~ The GENERAL CONFESSION service scheduled on August 2 (9 AM) is only for those parish members who have participated in Private Confession since the beginning of Great Lent 2026, others desiring to receive Holy Communion should come to Private Confession first. Communicants unable to attend the General Confession should see Fr. Bill for a Private Confession before approaching the chalice, unless they have already participated in a recent Private Confession.
~ Except for individuals required to eat or drink small amounts for medical conditions (i.e., with medications, etc.), 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.
^ 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
^ Fr. Bill has begun his SUMMER PASTORAL VISITS to our parish members unable to receive the Holy Sacraments in church due to impediments. He continues to contact known parish members on his list, but you are also encouraged to contact him to schedule an appointment if you (or someone else in the parish) need this visit. Also, please remember to contact Fr. Bill any time you, or a loved one who is a member of the parish, is HOSPITALIZED for an extended number of days (i.e., more than one night) so that a pastoral visit can be done to administer Holy Unction and/or Holy Eucharist at this important time of need to receive the Lord’s Grace.
^ Plan ahead - - - Wednesday, August 19 (6:30 PM) is the tentative day for the next ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY downstairs in the church hall. ALL are invited - - including non-parish guests! (Final scheduling will be determined later based on attendees availability.)
^ Please watch the upcoming August e-bulletins for announcement of the next SIMPLY SOCIAL parish night out. This will, naturally, occur following the conclusion of the Dormition Fast on August 15.
^ Your 2026 PARISH STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE IS HARD AT WORK for several capital improvements projects: (1) exterior masonry repair to eliminate the interior leak over the choir loft steps window is completed ($8,500), (2) church sidewalk replacement should be complete by the end of the first week in August ($21,780), (3) church front steps carpet replacement (est. $2,000) will be done as soon as sidewalk work is done, not delayed as originally planned due to safety and aesthetics concerns. THANKS for helping the parish “look good” by being a generous parish financial steward! < Special project donations are also MOST appreciated! >
^ Mother Christophora and the sisters of the HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY in Ellwood City warmly invite you to participate in the monastery’s annual PATRONAL FEAST PILGRIMAGE. Presiding Hierarch this year will be His Eminence, Archbishop DANIEL, OCA Bishop of the Midwest. The Festal Vigil Service will take place on Tuesday, August 5 (6 PM). The services on Wednesday, August 6, include Akathist (9 AM) / Procession and Hierarchical Liturgy (with Blessing of Fruit) (9:30 AM) followed by Catered Luncheon / Memorial Service in the Cemetery (2 PM) / Holy Unction with Paraklesis (2:30 PM.) The monastery is located in Ellwood City at 321 Monastery Lane.
^ We begin an important PARISH OUTREACH PROJECT during the Dormition Fast, continuing for several weeks. For over four decades, the Network of Life has been seeking to empower those in the Pittsburgh region most vulnerable to abortion to choose life. Please place cash, coins, or checks made payable to "Network of Life" in the baby bottles that we are providing at church and return the bottles (whether empty or full) to the church, giving them to any parish officer in the vestibule. You may also give online at ebottle.org - click the "GIVE" button and search for Holy Ghost Orthodox Church. Their website is networkoflife.org, where you can find more information as well as client testimonials. Be sure to sign up to receive weekly Road Crew e-mails so that you can most effectively pray for their ministry. Thank you for helping them to make Pittsburgh a sanctuary city for life! Please contact Rob Grano if you have any questions about this outreach project.
^ CALLING ALL ORTHODOX COLLEGE STUDENTS! Did you know that studying at a college or university can help you grow in your faith? If you’re a graduating high school student, or are returning to college or university, come to “Making Orthodox Campus Connections” at St. John the Baptist Church in Canonsburg (600 Boone Ave, Canonsburg PA) between 6 and 8 pm on August 9, 2026, to learn more and meet other Orthodox college students from the area. New or returning undergraduates—and their parents—are warmly invited to come to this evening of conversation and fellowship. There will be food, games, gifts, and presentations by students and graduates who’ve grown in their faith, and opportunity to learn about the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (www.ocf.net) and what resources it provides. We’ll meet in the church hall from 6 to 8 on Sunday evening, August 9, and there will be plenty of refreshments! If you plan to come, please RSVP at St. John’s website (www.frunner.org) or at https://www.frunner.org/2026/06/10/making-orthodox-campus-connections-august-9-2026/. If you have questions, please contact Deacon John Thompson at johntlibrarian@gmail.com.
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HOLY TRANSFIGURATION TROPARION (Tone 7):
Thou wast transfigured on the mountain, O Christ God, revealing Thy glory to Thy Disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlasting Light also shine upon us sinners, through the prayers of the Theotokos!// O Giver of Light, glory to Thee!
DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS TROPARION (Tone 1):
In giving birth, thou didst preserve thy virginity. In falling asleep thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos. Thou wast translated to life, O Mother of Life,//and by thy prayers thou dost deliver our souls from death.
COME to the divine services scheduled for these two AWESOME August Holydays on the Orthodox liturgical calendar!
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.