History of Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church
1925 – 2025
A young seminarian, Deacon John Romack, was sent to Warren, Ohio, in the latter part of 1924, by the Most Reverend Basil Takach, Byzantine Bishop of Pittsburgh. Deacon Romack’s task was to evaluate the possibility of establishing a Byzantine Catholic Church in the Warren area.
A Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Christmas Day – January 7, 1925, in the hall of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, on Seneca Street in Warren. The celebrant of the Divine Liturgy was Father Ernest Shuba, pastor of St. George Byzantine Catholic Church in Youngstown, Ohio. The families who attended the Divine Liturgy were asked to remain for a meeting to determine the interest level of forming a Byzantine Catholic Parish. The group consisted of approximately thirty families.
On January 18, 1925, sixteen families, under the leadership of Rev. John Hromack, met in St. Mary’s Hall for the purpose of organizing a parish. Their consistent efforts were successful, and the new church was incorporated as a Greek Catholic Church under the protectorate of the Greek Catholic Bishop of Pittsburgh, in union with the Holy See. The parishioners dedicated their church to the prime apostles, SS. Peter and Paul. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church graciously offered temporary use of their hall for Divine Services until the newly formed parish was able to procure a suitable facility. The need for a suitable place of worship was discussed and the search began. A storeroom on Pine Street was rented and properly furnished for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy for the parishioners. This “temporary” place of worship lasted approximately six months. Such was the humble beginning of Ss. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in 1925.
In February of 1926, a meeting was held to consider the purchase of a building or other new location for the newly formed parish. Committees were formed to investigate suitable locations for a permanent edifice to serve as a church. In October of 1926 it was decided to purchase the former old Central School on School and Prospect Streets at a cost of $15,000. All documents were signed on November 30, 1926, along with a payment plan of $500.00 down and $100 a month.
The beginning years were very difficult. The founding of the parish took place on the brink of, and during the years of the great depression. The building was in need of repairs and remodeling, etc. SS. Peter and Paul Church, for the most part, was a sort of “mission church” and did not have a resident pastor, but was ministered by pastors from Youngstown, Struthers, Campbell, and Newton Falls. The first resident pastor, Rev. Peter Molchany, cared for the spiritual and temporal needs of his parishioners. Through his guidance, the purchase of the old Central School was made and renovated to become SS. Peter and Paul Church. He served the parish from 1925 to 1929. The years from 1929 to 1935, our parish was served by priests who were pastors of other parishes and who also assisted the parish of SS. Peter and Paul. Rev. Peter Dolinay served as administrator from December 1929 – February, 1930; Rev. Alex Bokajsa served from February, 1930 – September, 1931; Very Rev. Msgr. George Michaylo administered for a short time in 1931 and was relieved by Rev. Desidery Dubay who served from 1931 – 1932;
In December of 1931, SS. Peter and Paul Parish extended a helping hand in the organization of a new Latin Rite parish, SS. Cyril and Methodius. The newly formed church was permitted to use our church facilities for approximately two and a half years until their own church facilities were available.
In October 1932, Rev. Daniel Medvecky was the administrator until September 1934; Rev. Victor Kovalicky served from September 1934 – October 1935.
In October 1935, Rev. John Stim was assigned to be the second Pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Parish. This was the post-depression period in the history of our country, and the daily lives of the people were still very difficult. The economic repercussions of the depression were felt by the Church as well. The Church debt was large; the parishioners were few; but through the guidance, prayer, and management of Father Stim, the challenge of liquidating the debt was met. During his ten years of service to SS. Peter and Paul, the church debt was liquidated, a rectory was established, and land to be used as a cemetery was purchased. The parishioners were kept united in their faith by the undying zeal of Father Stim during those difficult years.
August 26, 1945, marked the arrival of a new pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Church, the Rev. Sylvester Hladky. Father Hladky served our parish for just shy of 60 years. He was young, full of energy, new ideas, and zeal. “New beginnings” were nothing new to Father Hladky. He was born in New York, raised in an orphanage, served in the U.S. Navy, entered the seminary, and was ordained to the priesthood in Canada. He also began missions and served on many Indian Reservations in Canada. Father Hladky returned to the United States in 1939. Father Hladky was a very astute individual with a pleasing personality…it was said that he could “sell fish to a fisherman”. His astuteness and personality played a huge role at SS. Peter and Paul in its future years.
The need for a larger church was evident and plans were being discussed for the construction of a new SS. Peter and Paul Church. In November of 1947, a building fund was inaugurated to provide the parish with adequate means to purchase land upon which the new church would be erected. The land selected was prime land. It fronted East Market Street at the corner of Belvedere Avenue, N.E. The tract of land was sufficient to accommodate the church, a rectory and parking facilities. An added two-acre tract of land was purchasedacross the street from the rectory, to be used as the proposed site for constructing a school in the future.
Through the continued loyal financial support of the parishioners, as well as contributions and pledges from several friends and benefactors, plans were made to proceed with the construction of the new church. One of the principal benefactors was John N. Heltzel, who offered as his contribution, all the steel needed for the erection of the new church. Mr. Patrick D’Orazio was immediately retained as the architect to finalize plans for the new church. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 1, 1950. SS. Peter and Paul Church and rectory were constructed at a cost of approximately $200,000. A mortgage of $60,000 was negotiated by the parish with the Greek Catholic Union (G.C.U.) of the USA.
The parish consisted primarily of many young families. With young families and many children, the need for a school was becoming very evident. In 1953, a home located at the corner of Willard and E. Market Street was purchased for use as a convent for Sisters.
On December 8, 1954, a call was received from Mother Aemelia Shonka, OSB, Prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Lisle, Illinois. In answer to Father Hladky’s repeated appeals, a decision had been made by the Lisle Community, to provide the necessary Sisters for SS. Peter and Paul Parish to inaugurate a new school. In the latter part of August 1955, the first Sisters of the Benedictine Order arrived with their Prioress, Mother Aemelia. They were Sister Julianna Konopka, Sister Miriam Konkus and Sister Judith Konkus.
School began in September 1955. It consisted of kindergarten, first grade and second grade. The total enrollment was 72 students. In view of the spaciousness of accommodations in the newly acquired convent, classes were maintained in the convent building. In the spring of 1956, a building fund drive for the school was begun, and ground was broken in the fall of 1956. Classes were resumed in the Sister’s convent building in September 1956 and another grade was added. Total registration for grades K-3 was 150 students. The school construction proceeded at a rapid pace throughout that year, so that the building was sufficiently completed to enable classes to be conducted in the new school building in September 1957. Enrollment increased, and each year an additional grade was added, and the school flourished. The cost of the elementary school was approximately $300,000. Again, a mortgage of $125, 000 was contracted with the G.C.U., whose generosity provided the parish with a mortgage at the lowest interest rate obtained anywhere.
SS. Peter and Paul School was modern in every respect, and it made all of us proud. The building consisted of ten classrooms, an office, and a large auditorium/gym. Complete kitchen facilities also provided more flexible use of the auditorium. At the peak of its existence, the school had doubles of each grade, with an average class size of 40 students. For almost 50 years, SS. Peter and Paul School has served the parishioners and the local community with top notch education. In addition to the elementary school, K-8, SS. Peter and Paul Church also provided Religious Education for students attending public schools.
With the continued increase of enrollment, it soon became apparent that the school would have to be enlarged. An extension of sixteen additional classrooms was added. In June of 1962 the first 8th grade class graduated from SS. Peter and Paul School. From then on, grades were added until the high school was accomplished by 1966. June of 1966 marked the first graduation from SS. Peter and Paul High School. The high school continued for several years, but eventually closed due to a decline in enrollment due to the construction of a new, larger J. F. Kennedy Central Catholic High School in Warren.
During these years of growth, the work of Father Hladky did not go unnoticed, and in 1965 he received Papal Honors and was given the title of Monsignor.
In 1968, Msgr. Hladky also assisted the Benedictine Sisters in obtaining from Rome, their independence from the Community of Benedictine Sisters in Lisle, Illinois. The Byzantine Sisters in Warren made an official foundation of a new Community of Benedictine Sisters of the Byzantine Rite. The Benedictine Sisters in the Lisle Community had been planning the foundation of the Byzantine Benedictine Sisters since 1954. SS. Peter and Paul Church agreed to house the Sisters and help them to obtain their own foundation while teaching at SS. Peter and Paul School. With the founding of the new community, many parishioners contributed financially, and by working tirelessly through the Auxiliary of St. Benedict, helped the Sisters to build and furnish their own Motherhouse. The Parish itself made a loan of $50,000 to the Sisters. The Sisters, through frugal living and hard work, repaid the entire loan by 1979. The Sisters moved into their new Motherhouse on December 13, 1969. Queen of Heaven Convent was the first Motherhouse of Benedictine Sisters of the Byzantine Rite in the World. The Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh, Stephen J. Kochisko blessed and dedicated Queen of Heaven Convent (Monastery) on May 3, 1970. The Benedictine Sisters began service to our parish in 1955 and continue their service to the present day.
In 1990, SS. Peter and Paul Church constructed a home next to the Church, for independent living for senior citizens. The Infant of Prague Manor, is a three-story apartment building with 43 single and two-bedroom apartments. Occupancy is available for parishioners and other senior citizens who are able to live independently. The Manor provides a safe, clean environment, with a Byzantine Chapel. The Manor is currently at full capacity and has a waiting list for future occupants.
In April of 2004, Father Robert J. Karl succeeded Msgr. Hladky as the pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church. With the loss of the job market in the Warren area, the school had been suffering a steady decline in enrollment for quite a few years. Due to unsustainable enrollment, SS. Peter and Paul School closed its doors in June of 2005. Funds obtained from the sale of the school enabled the parish to pay for the extensive repairs and renovations needed at the church and rectory.
The renovations included: a metamorphous of a bus garage into a social hall, complete with kitchen and bathroom facilities, as well as, a ramp joining the social hall to the church entrance; in conformity with Vatican II documents, and following the directives in the Code of Canons for Eastern Churches to return to their authentic spiritual, liturgical and theological roots, renovations to the church were undertaken, transforming it into the present beautiful Byzantine place of worship. But most importantly, a spiritual transformation began to develop among the faithful into a solid faith community. Religious education for youth was revamped; adult faith formation was re-started; parishioner involvement increased. Father Bob brought about a revitalization and unity within the parishioners themselves, which created a real family atmosphere. This helped to solidify their growth in their faith life and in the application of their faith in their daily lives.
The year 2010 brought another change to SS. Peter and Paul Parish Family with the arrival of Rev. Andrew Deskevich as our new pastor. Due to health reasons, Father Bob requested a transfer from this very active parish, because he felt he could no longer give 100% to the parishioners. Father Andrew completed many projects begun by Father Bob. He completed the rectory renovation, as well as the parking lot and drainage renovation. He transformed the “cry room” into a bathroom, which showed real compassion and understanding for the safety and needs of an aging congregation. Father Andrew was also instrumental in the use of social media in adult and youth education in the parish. He worked well with the parishioners and continued to build parish family unity. Father Andrew contributed his unique gifts and talents and encouraged the faithful to live out the Gospel message and to further develop their relationship with God. Additional liturgical services were celebrated to enhance the spiritual life of the faithful. Attendance at these services was excellent. Eastern Christian Formation (ECF) continued to be offered for youth and adults. Father joined a group of dedicated parishioners in preparing and serving food at the St. Vincent de Paul Meals Program at least once or twice a month. The annual Parish Feast Day celebration, the summer Parish Family Picnic, with all the fun things for both young and old, the St. Nicholas Day Dinner, and the monthly socials enriched the relationships of this Community of Faith.
Being a talented and gifted individual and one very willing to share his gifts, Father Andrew was soon recognized by the Archeparchy and was given additional responsibilities within the Metropolia (Diocese). This eventually led to his transfer to the Pittsburgh area to be closer to his assignments at the Chancery Office and his work with the Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh, William C. Skurla, D.D.
On October 22, 2015, we were blessed with the arrival of Rev. Simeon Sibenik. All the physical renovations and repairs were done when Father Simeon arrived, so he just had to maintain the physical plant and continue to lead the parishioners closer to their Lord. Father continued to grace us with his gifts, especially his beautiful and very prayerful Liturgical Services.
Father Simeon brought a gentleness and calmness in his approach to our Parish Family Gatherings. At times, he could show a sternness, if the situation required it, but his decisions were always fair. Father was always supportive of parishioner’s projects and activities and always tried to help and work with them, especially their baking projects. Father really was the best nut roll “egg-washer” around.
December 10, 2017 was a day of mixed emotions. It was the official closing of St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church, Newton Falls, OH. It was a very sad day for the parishioners of St. Michael’s Church, but Father Simeon was very compassionate in bringing St. Michael Church and SS. Peter and Paul Church together. The pain involved in the closing of a parish runs very deep in the hearts of parishioners, and it will take time for the hurt to hurt a little less. Father Simeon brought the large icon of St. Michael from St. Michael Church in Newton Falls and had it mounted in SS. Peter and Paul Church, to make the transition a little easier. He has done well in assisting all of us to become a parish family.
Through Father Simeon’s leadership, we continued to grow and advance in our walk with the Lord as one Parish Family. Father Simeon served us well for almost six and a half years, but due to medical issues, he was granted an early retirement by Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla. Father still volunteers time at the rectory, with baking projects, and cantoring assistance periodically. We are happy that he lives close by, and that he can still be part of our parish community.
Father William Rupp became the administrator of our Parish in August of 2022. Each of our pastors has brought his own gifts to share with us and to lead us to a deeper relationship with our Lord. Each pastor had a different approach and a different style of leadership. We have had to share Father Will with his involvement at SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, so we are still in process of adjusting to a different mode of leadership. Father Will has introduced the use of other Liturgical Services for the enrichment of the spirituality of the parishioners. He has a very prayerful Divine Liturgy and is very conscientious in ministering to those who are ill or homebound.
Father Will is very monastic in his approach to parish life and to life in general. It is sometimes difficult for an older congregation to adapt the ascetical practices of the Desert Fathers and of early monastics to their daily life today. Adaptation is part of life. Each pastor, over the past 100 years, has brought his own gifts and talents to share, and the gifts that Father Will brings will continue to assist us in our journey to our Lord.
August 27, 2023 provided a memorable experience in the life of our parish. Parishioner and seminarian John J. Welch, was ordained to the deaconate by Archbishop William C. Skurla. It was a day filled with excitement! Many of our parishioners were able to attend John’s ordination to the deaconate, and SS. Peter and Paul Church was filled to capacity. John was ordained to the priesthood April 7, 2024.
Father John Welch is the third priestly vocation from our parish. The first priestly vocation was Father Joseph Fedyszak, who served his Byzantine Church well for many years. The second priestly vocation was Father John Lody, who was ordained in the Roman Church for the Diocese of Youngstown. Other religious vocations from SS. Peter and Paul are: Father Deacon Michael Opalka, who visits us regularly and shares his wisdom in very good homilies. Sister Ann Fedyszak, OSBM (deceased) and Sister Margaret Fedyszak, OSBM. Entered the Sisters of St. Basil, Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, PA. Let us remember all of them in prayer!
Change is part of life! With five newly ordained priests in 2024, and the retirement of several others, Archbishop William was able to make a few changes in clergy assignments. Father William Rupp was assigned to serve two parishes in Pennsylvania, as well as, providing services for college youth in the area. Our prayers go with him.
On August 1, 2024, SS. Peter and Paul Parish Family welcomed Father Miron Kerul’-Kmec, Jr., his wife, Pani Sarah and their three children, Miron, III, Emilia, and Anastasia, with a “meet and greet” reception. They have already brought a joy to our parish, that only little children can bring! We look forward to working with Father Miron in preparing to celebrate our 100th Anniversary… but more importantly, we look forward to his assistance in leading us closer to our Lord!