YOUNGSTOWN — SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, North Belle Vista Avenue, marked a special milestone this month of 100 years.

As part of the century milestone, the church unveiled a new addition with a large marker and bell tower located near the front entrance. Pastor Mykola Zomchak said the celebration not only marks 100 years of the parish being established in Youngstown, but of all the many accomplishments the church has marked over the years.

“It is with great joy that we celebrate the 100th anniversary of our beloved parish,” he said.

Special proclamations were presented from city, county and state officials marking the 100th milestone. The church was decorated inside and outside for the celebration.

The three-day celebration included special services and also a dinner attended by 320 people.

Zomchak said even though the church comes from the people of Ukraine, it’s Orthodox Christian.

Alice Dobransky, 92, of Youngstown, is among the oldest members of the congregation.

“I remember when this church was built. I love being here,” Dobransky said as she watched people take turns pulling the rope for the new bell.

Dolly Mehalco, 86, of Austintown, said she stays active at the church by serving on different boards and committees and also is a member of the choir.

“I think I have been involved with just about everything,” she said.

Stephanie Woloschak Rimedio of Youngstown said she remembers being told her great-grandparents, Mike and Catherine Woloschak, held the first church service in their home on Randolph Street.

Mary Ann Senediak, who handled publicity for the anniversary celebration, said Sept. 14 was the day for the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, blessing of the new bell tower and banquet.

CHURCH HISTORY

Senediak said in the winter of 1922, a meeting was held with a small group of Ukrainian families for the purpose of organizing a Ukrainian Orthodox Parish. She said property was purchased at the corner of Russell and Belle Vista avenues for $7,500 for the church and rectory.

The newly founded Church was established with 25 families and soon had a membership of 100. The apostles, saints Peter and Paul, were selected as patron saints, Senediak said.

In 1926, land was purchased on Donald Avenue and Osborne for the church cemetery, which totals 15 acres.

The current church building was dedicated in July 1940. Construction was done by the DeBartolo Company.

Senediak said as the parish membership increased, many buildings were erected and still function today: The Pavilion Ukrainian Orthodox Center, Cemetery Chapel, the Bell Tower and much property on the West Side of Youngstown.

In 1960, the Ukrainian Orthodox Center was dedicated. The two-and-half story tall annexed structure was built for $250,000.

Senediak said the parish is very active from Bible study, church choir, sisterhood, Sunday school, Ukrainian Orthodox League, youth ministry and many spiritual and social groups.

Special bingo games were held, with profits going to Ukraine.

Officials said for the past 100 years, the parish has continued to thrive, consistently maintaining, enhancing and beautifying its infrastructure and grounds.