Diocese: Albanian Archdiocese
Deanery: Massachusetts Deanery
Address
535 Salisbury St
Worcester, Massachusetts 01609-1307
Website: stmarysalbanianchurch.org
Office: 508-756-1241
Parish Contacts
Leicester, MA 01514
Lay Leadership
Directions
From the North
Take I-495 south to I-290 West into Worcester to Exit 18—Westboro/Leicester. Turn right from the exit ramp onto Lincoln St. Bear right onto Concord St, which becomes Salisbury St. Continue on Salisbury St for about 2 miles past the intersection at Park Ave, bearing left at the Forest St fork, staying right at the Flagg St fork. St Mary’s Church is just past Assumption College on the left hand side.
From the South, East, or West
Take the Massachusetts turnpike to Exit 10—Worcester/Auburn exit and follow I-290 east to exit 17, Westboro/Leicester. Turn left from the exit ramp onto Belmont St, bear right at the bottom of the hill before traffic lights (look for sign Rt 70/Lincoln St). Bear left immediately onto Concord St, which becomes Salisbury St. Continue on Salisbury St for about 2 miles past the intersection at Park Ave, bearing left at the Forest St fork, staying right at the Flagg St fork. St Mary’s Church is just past Assumption College on the left hand side.
From the Southeast
There are 3 options: Take I-495 to I-290 to exit 18, then follow directions “From the North” above, OR Take I-495 to Providence. I-95 north to 146 to 122A to 290 east to exit 17, Westboro/Leicester, then follow directions “From the South, East, and West” above.
Schedule of Services
English is used for approximately 65% and Albanian for the remainder of the Divine Liturgy. Sermons are given in both English and Albanian.
9:00 AM Matins; 10:00 AM Divine Liturgy.
Sunday Morning
Introduction to Orthodoxy classes, Bible Study, and Salutations to the Blessed Theotokos for health and well-being are held on Wednesday nights.
Wednesday Evening
9:00 AM Divine Liturgy.
Mornings of Great Feasts
For a complete list of upcoming services, please visit the Schedule of Worship page on the parish website.
Parish Background
On August 13, 1911, the Albanians of Worcester oganized a Chapter of St George Cathedral of Boston. Four years later, in 1915, this branch was organized into the Church of St Mary’s Assumption. From 1911-1917, services were held in various halls. In 1918, a German Presbyterian Church on 63 Wellington St was purchased and at that time, only the first floor was completed. The second floor was completed by our parishioners. The Church was designed and styled to be a replica of St George in Korce, Albania. The Icons were painted by the Rev Naum Cere who had studied iconography in Odessa. In the late forties, the main entrance of St Mary’s was extended and in 1956, the Church underwent major restoration.
On June 15, 1979, 10.6 acres of land at 535 Salisbury St were purchased from the Pearson family. In 1980, over 3 adjoining acres were donated to St Mary’s. Our new Byzantine-style Church was designed by the architectural firm of Isaac & Isaac of Manchester, NH, an Albanian architect, Andrew Isaac. The first Liturgy was held on October 3, 1982.
The following are major events in the history of Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church:
1917
The parish choir was organized.
1951
Daughters of St Mary’s was organized.
1955
The Mothers Club was founded to promote the Sunday School. This club was later renamed “The Women’s Guild”.
1968
St Mary’s Youth Group was organized.
1972
Sons of St Mary’s was organized.
1983
Consecration of our Church on November 13.
1990
A 72 unit home for the elderly called Illyrians Gardens under construction.
1991
Illyrians Gardens opens.
1995
Celebrated our 80th Anniversary as a parish.
