Priest Joseph McCartney and the faithful of Saints Peter and Paul Church, Lorain, OH, welcomed His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon and His Grace, Bishop Paul for the celebration of their community’s 105th Anniversary on the weekend of April 21-22, 2018.
The hierarchs concelebrated the Anniversary Divine Liturgy on Sunday, April 22. In addition to Father Joseph, other concelebrating clergy included Archpriest Basil Stoyka, who for many years prior to his retirement served the parish; Priest Andrew Bartek, Rector of Holy Assumption Church, Marblehead, OH; Archdeacon Joseph Matusiak; and Protodeacon Edward Kolenda.
Of special note was the presence of the Choir of Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, South Canaan, PA, which sang the liturgical responses. During the weekend, the annual fundraiser for the seminary was held. Father Joseph presented a check for nearly $9,000.00 on behalf of the parish to Archpriest Steven Voytovich, Dean of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary.
Since 1913, the parish community of Saints Peter and Paul has always opened its doors to all people who are seeking meaning to their lives, struggling together in this earthly pilgrimage of life. Historically, the parish is considered the “Mother Church of Orthodoxy in Lorain, Ohio,” having been established before the other Orthodox parishes in the city were planted.
The church edifice is one of the best examples of Russian architecture. Construction began in 1925. The Church was completed and consecrated in 1927. The church attracts artists, photographers, and tourists, who describe it as a “unique structure.”
What makes this parish community unique and distinguishable today is the diversified cultures of its faithful—a beautiful “tapestry” united in the Holy Orthodox Faith.
A detailed account and gallery of the weekend is available on the website of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary.
Photo credit—Subdeacon Roman Ostash
