SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
* Saturday, July 12 - 4:30 PM - Vespers // Confessions: 4 PM - 4:20 PM
* Sunday, July 13 - 9:30 AM - Liturgy: “Holy Fathers of the 1st Six Ecumenical Councils” [Celebrant: Fr. David Vernak]
* Saturday, July 19 - 4:30 PM - Vespers (with Litiya): “Holy Glorious Prophet Elijah”
* Sunday, July 20 - 9:30 AM - Liturgy (with blessing of olive oil): “Holy Glorious Prophet Elijah” //
Prayers for the Departed (1st Anniversary) +Kera White
* Sunday, July 20 - Following Liturgy - Annual Blessing of Vehicles (Weather permitting)
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SUNDAY LITURGY LAITY FUNCTIONS
* JULY 13 - THIRD HOUR: T. Evansky
* JULY 13 - EPISTLE: (T.B.A.)
* JULY 13 - COLLECTION: N. Domitrovic / P. Evans
* JULY 20 - THIRD HOUR: T. Zehnder
* JULY 20 - EPISTLE: N. Domitrovic
* JULY 20 - COLLECTION: T. Fleck / R. Grano
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* Please take a few moments to review the attachments to this e-bulletin: 1) SUNDAY LITURGY SCRIPTURE READINGS; 2) BABY BOTTLES OUTREACH PROJECT (More info about this also below); 3) CAMP NAZARETH DIOCESAN FAMILY RETREAT (You can also speak with me for more info about this new event - with limited availability - for our families.); 4) ST. CONSTANTINE SCHOOL RAFFLE (See more info below.)
* The new PARISH OUTREACH PROJECT scheduled through the Holyday of the Dormition on August 15 continues. For the past 40 years, 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.
* The HOLYDAY OF “THE PROPHET ELIJAH” will be celebrated on a Sunday this year - July 20. In association with the miracle done by this important Old Testament prophet, we will bless olive oil during the July 20th Holyday Liturgy for the faithful to take home and use in their kitchens. Likewise, the annual blessing of vehicles in conjunction with the Holyday will take place in front of the church on Maplewood Avenue immediately following that day’s Liturgy - - - weather permitting.
* I will be away attending the triennial 21ST ALL-AMERICAN COUNCIL of the Orthodox Church in America from (early morning) July 13 through (late evening) July 18 in Phoenix, Arizona. Danielle Ilchuk will also be attending the A.A.C. as the parish’s laity delegate. As is true throughout the year, please call my cell number during the A.A.C. in the event of an emergency requiring immediate clergy attention - I will contact an area Orthodox clergyman to respond in my absence. Please leave a voice mail if necessary since I may be attending a divine service or in a A.A.C. plenary session and therefore unable to take your call immediately. I am pleased that Fr. David Vernak has kindly consented to be this Sunday’s Liturgy celebrant in my absence - - please give him a warm welcome “home” as a priestly vocation from our Ambridge parish!
* The next SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR is scheduled to follow the July 27th Liturgy. This will be a shared coffee hour so please bring a snack to this event if possible.
* ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY is tentatively scheduled downstairs in the church hall on Thursday, July 31 - 6:30 PM. Please let me know no later than Tuesday evening, July 29, if you plan to attend so we can establish a discussion “quorum.”
* Administrative Secretary Patty McKeown will soon be mailing individual 2025 PLEDGE UPDATE REPORTS to each parish household that is participating in our pledge program. Please contact Patty if you have any questions about your confidential report. You can also see Council President Nicole Domitrovic or me with questions about your personal pledge update. (THANKS for being a generous steward of your parish!)
* I recently emailed a PARISH SURVEY to each parish member/friend-of-the parish on my parish group email list. Please take time to open the link I included once again and do the survey to assist our parish long-range planning committee. Thank you.
* In conjunction with the FOCUS national Orthodox organization, the Orthodox parishes of Aliquippa/Ambridge are doing a very short OUTREACH PROGRAM we hope you will consider - AMBRIDGE TOWERS LAUNDRY AND SUPPLY DRIVE. Our approximately 100 neighbors at the Towers could use a helping hand with laundry supplies. They’re looking for powdered or liquid detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and cleaning supplies to be delivered on July 26 to the residents by FOCUS. Can you help? Please drop off your donation downstairs in our kitchen area no later than JULY 20TH so a parish volunteer can take them for distribution. THANKS!
* The ST. CONSTANTINE SCHOOL, a new private, classical and pan-Orthodox Christian school located near Bellevue in Ross Township, just north of Pittsburgh, is holding a STEELERS GAME TICKET RAFFLE as a fund raiser. This private school started with just 75 students this past academic year and is expecting a major increase to over 140 students this fall! Any support that can be offered to support this school will help! Please see the attached flier for links to the raffle info. (All donations go directly to the school’s operational fund.) Thanks.
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From His Beatitude, Metropolitan TIKHON concerning the Texas Floods
On Sunday, July 6, 2025, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon issued the following statement concerning the devastating flooding in central Texas:
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the terrible flooding in central Texas along the Guadalupe River, along with the great loss of life. At this time, with many still missing, I urge the clergy and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America to pray for the efforts of first responders and all involved in search efforts. I also pray that the Lord would extend his great comfort to all those who have suffered loss of loved ones or friends due to this disaster, or who were harmed by these floods in any way. In accordance with the apostolic command to ‘Weep with those who weep’ (Rom. 12:15), I, together with all the clergy and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America, join with those affected by this flooding, and indeed with all the people of the United States, in mourning this tragedy. Finally, as rain storms continue to threaten the affected areas of the Guadalupe Basin, let us beseech the Lord that ‘he will remember the covenant he made with Noah and not destroy us with grievous wetness and the stormy breath of winds’ (Book of Needs), but instead reveal his great mercy by sending fair weather together with gentle showers in their season.
To all those assisting the victims of this flood, may God grant his protection and blessing, and many years.
To all those who have suffered because of this disaster, may God show his comfort and mercy.
To all those who lost loved one and friends in this tragedy, may God reveal his compassion and love.”
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Fr. Bill
Laity Liturgy Functions
DATE THIRD HOUR EPISTLE__ COLLECTION___________
JULY 6 S. Valdez (T.B.A.) N. Wiglesworth / P. Wiglesworth
JULY 13 T. Evansky R. Markvan N. Domitrovic / P. Evans
JULY 20 T. Zehnder N. Domitrovic T. Fleck / R. Grano
JULY 27 N. Yakich N. Yakich A. Lauer / P. McKeown
^ 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
~ As is the norm in Orthodox ascetic fasting for much of the calendar year, each Wednesday and Friday during this month are days we fast from consuming meats.
~ 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 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 July 6 (9 AM) is only for those parish members who have participated in Private Confession since the beginning of Great Lent 2025, 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.
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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.
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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.” Also, Fr. Bill has begun his SUMMER PASTORAL VISITATIONS to the members of our parish unable to unite themselves to their Lord in the Eucharist at Liturgy due to limitations. He continues to contact individuals on his pastoral list, but you are free to also contact HIM at any time as well if you, or another parish member you know of, needs this sacramental visit. +“Receive the Body of Christ, taste the Fountain of Immortality! Alleluia!”+
^ (Mark your planner!) ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY is tentatively scheduled to take place downstairs in the church hall on Thursday, July 31 – 6:30 PM. Please inform Fr. Bill if you plan to attend no later than Tuesday evening, July 29, to make sure there will be sufficient attendance to proceed with the discussion. Come and learn! Guests are warmly welcomed, too!
^ Fr. Bill will be AWAY FROM THE PARISH to attend the 21st All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America in Phoenix, Arizona, during July. He will be away July 13 - July 18 (inclusive). As is the case throughout the year, please call his cell phone number in the event of an emergency requiring immediate pastoral care - he will contact an area Orthodox clergyman to response in his stead. Please leave a voice message should he not be able to immediately take your call. Please also note he will have limited access to his email while in A.A.C. services and sessions. Fr. David Vernak will be the substitute officiant at our parish Liturgy on July 13. Danielle Ilchuk will be the parish’s laity delegate at the All-American Council.
^ Weather permitting, our annual BLESSING OF VEHICLES in conjunction with the July 20th Holyday of the Prophet Elijah will take place in front of the church immediately following the July 20th Liturgy. Also, the faithful will have the opportunity to take home BLESSED OLIVE OIL for usage in cooking that will be blessed during the July 20th Liturgy in honor of the Holyday.
^ Any parish teen or adult wishing to become a new CHANTER in church is asked to contact Fr. Bill to schedule “tutoring” sessions during these summer months. These ARE important liturgical ministries in service to our Lord and His people!
“We Orthodox FAST FROM FOOD AND DRINK before receiving HOLY COMMUNION (EUCHARIST) so that it can be savored, tasted, and never confused with the “lesser earthly foods” of this fallen physical world.”
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.