St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral |
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Our History
We are proud of our original founders--pioneers of our parish who came from central Galicia, today's
western Ukraine and south-eastern Poland, who without knowledge of the English language or material
accomplishments, but with much devotion and self-discipline founded our parish. St. Demetrius Church was organized at a meeting of St. Michael's Brotherhood in 1909 and for almost
two years its members worshipped in other churches. The construction of the church edifice started
in 1910 and was completed in 1911, but the parish did not have its own priest. The Pastors of St.
Mary's Dormition Church of Perth Amboy served and ministered to the needs of our parishioners until
1930. Father Joseph Chaplynsky and Father Michael Lysiak were the original priests. to be continued...
From March 1930 until late 1931, the resident priests Father Anthony Ulanytsky and Father Stephen
Sklepkowich served in our church. In July 1931, the late Father Joseph A. Zuk became a resident
priest who faithfully served until September 1932, when he was consecrated to the episcopacy. The
late Archbishop Mark J. Hundiak (Father John Hundiak), succeeded him as pastor. In October 1932,
Archbishop Mark took over the pastoral duties of St. Demetrius Church. Father Peter Melech became
assistant Pastor in August 1959 and served our parish until his untimely death in August of 1979.
Our parish progressed under the leadership of our former pastors, the late Archbishop
Mark and the late Father Peter Melech. We were able to build a prestigious rectory. The mortgage
on the church and rectory were paid by 1938. More real estate was purchased on which a Pavilion was
built in 1940. In 1944, during World War II, the church building was remodeled and painted. Many
of our parishioners who were serving in the Armed Forces were instrumental in initiating and
accomplishing the remodeling by their kind and generous donations.
More real estate was purchased in 1951 -- the two story building on the corner of Leick
and Roosevelt Avenues. In 1955, our St. Demetrius Community Center was built and a three-story
dwelling adjoining the rectory was purchased. Remodeled, it served as a rectory of Assistant In
1961, our parish acquired a tract of land and a one-family house adjoining the Community Center.
In 1962, another remodeling of the church edifice with brick veneer and new domes was completed.
At the same time the interior of the Church was improved by the installation of an Iconostas, the
renovation of existing and the addition of new murals.
On November 1, 1964, at the Golden Anniversary Observance, His Beatitude Metropolitan
John of the blessed Memory, with the assistance of neighboring clergy, blessed our renovated church.
The following year the air conditioning system was installed in the Church and Community Center.
Also, the kitchen and patio were enlarged and renovated.
Two of our great spiritual leaders, the late Bishop Joseph A. Zuk and the late Archbishop
Mark J. Hundiak, have served not only the spiritual needs of our parish, but also the entire
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A.
We all know that it is impossible to dwell on all events and acknowledge all the people
involved, therefore, we have limited ourselves to the highlights of the glorious past of our Church.
Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica
| The service is a governed by the Minea. At Matins, the Polyeley is sung and is the Great Doxology. The Katavasia of the Canon is, “ I will open my mouth…” “Victorious Demetrius, you were given to the world as a great defender whenever it is in great danger. Since you shattered Lyaeus’ arrogance and encouraged Nestor in the arena, Holy Matry Demetrius, ask Christ our God to grant us His great mercy. “ [Troparion, Tone 3] |  |
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WebSite created: 28 December 2000
WebPage updated: 30 January 2001
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