![[Holy Ghost Orthodox Church]](church.jpg)
We are a parish in the Archdiocese
of Western Pennsylvania of the Orthodox Church in America.
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 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 paved 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.
In October of 1907, guided by Fr. Nicholas Koshevich, this determined group purchased
two lots at Second and Maplewood Avenue for $1650. 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. Steel for the foundation was donated
by the American Bridge Co. 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. 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 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 dream had become a reality. Just one year later, a parish
home next to the new church was purchased for $5,100.
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 was blessed by the Rt. Rev. Benjamin, Bishop of Pittsburgh and West Virginia.
On November 21, 1954, a crystal chandelier was installed and dedicated to the memory of
twelve young men from the parish who 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 continues to meet.
In February 1975 a fire started in the front of the church, severely damaging one
corner of the interior. The ensuing restoration was led by Fr. Vladimir Soroka and Church
Council President, Irene Bell.
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. All four cupolas were replaced by ones
that are reinforced gold fiberglass. This project was the centerpiece of a series of
renovation projects which included the complete repainting of the interior of the church,
enhanced external and internal 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.
From the original 14 families the parish has grown to the present 243 adults and 40
children.
From those hard working immigrant families who formed the nucleus, to the present
pastor, Fr. 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.
Holy Ghost Congregation - 2007
(click on picture to see full size)
Pastors
| The Reverend Nicholas Koshevich |
1907-1909 |
| The Reverend Anthony Doroshuk |
1909-1910 |
| The Reverend Polikarp Cheriavsky |
1910-1911 |
| The Reverend Alexis Borochovich |
1911-1913 |
| The Reverend Basil Blonsky |
1914 |
| The Reverend Andrew Sura |
1915-1919 |
| The Right Reverend John Semanitzky |
1921-1923 |
| The Reverend Basil Bikoff |
1923-1925 |
| The Very Reverend John Kozitsky |
1925-1926 |
| The Right Reverend Damian Krehel |
1926-1933 |
| The Very Reverend Peter Karel |
|
| The Very Reverend Emilian Skuby |
1938-1946 |
| The Very Reverend Michael Kovach |
1946-1956 |
| The Reverend Theodore Waniga |
Assistant Pastor; 1955 |
| The Very Reverend John Rachko |
1956-1962 |
| The Reverend Stephen Adamcio |
1962-1966 |
| The Very Reverend Vadim Pogrebniak |
1966-1972 |
| The Reverend Paul Pyrch |
1972-1973 |
| The Very Reverend Vladimir Soroka |
1974-1987 |
| The Reverend Paul Graycar |
1988-1991 |
| The Very Reverend William J. Evansky |
1991-Present |
Church Council Presidents
| Samuel Evans, Sr. |
1907-1910 |
| Theodore Lapihuska |
1911-1913 |
| Stephen Felk |
1914 |
| John Evans, Sr. |
1915-1919 |
| Stephan Puskar |
1920-1921 |
| John Towcimak |
1922-1923 |
| John Evans, Sr. |
1924-1925 |
| John Bowan, Jr. |
1926-1927 |
| Peter Belchyk |
1928 |
| John Evans, Sr. |
1929 |
| Nicholas Towcimak |
1930 |
| John Baysura |
1931 |
| John Bowan, Jr. |
1932 |
| John Baysura |
1933 |
| John Bowan, Jr. |
1934-1935 |
| Nicholas Towcimak |
1936-1937 |
| John Bowan, Jr. |
1938-1941 |
| Paul Chumak |
1942 |
| John Holovac |
1943 |
| John Waschak |
1944-1945 |
| Andrew Felk |
1946-1951 |
| Paul Evans |
1952-1953 |
| Michael Dirdo |
1954 |
| William Jula |
1955 |
| Steve Pcsolyar |
1956-1957 |
| Nicholas Towcimak |
1958 |
| Paul Pawlack |
1959-1961 |
| Andrew Felk |
1962-1969 |
| John Belchyk |
1970-1972 |
| Don Petkash |
1973-1974 |
| Charles Shevchik |
1974 |
| Irene Bell |
1975-1980 |
| John Nelko |
1981-1987 |
| Paul Pawlack |
1988 |
| Andrew Sopko |
1988 |
| Dan Kosanovich |
1989 |
| Barbara Lemon |
1990 |
| Fred Zelesnik |
1991-1993 |
| Bill Nelko |
1994-Present |
Outside links to our history:
![[Three-Bar Cross]](../images/cross.gif)