The year 2024 marks a momentous occasion for Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Youngstown, Ohio, as it celebrated its 100th anniversary. Over the course of a century, this parish has been a beacon of faith, love, and spiritual strength for generations of Orthodox Christians. This centennial celebration over the weekend of September 12-15, 2024, led by His Eminence Metropolitan Antony and His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, was not only a milestone for the local faithful but also a deeply spiritual moment for the broader Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

The festivities began with a prayerful Vespers service at the parish’s temple on September 12, 2024, where intercessory prayers were offered for the people and nation of Ukraine, particularly during this time of Russian aggression. The Vespers brought a profound sense of solidarity and unity, not only with those present but with the entire Ukrainian diaspora, which has long stood as a symbol of hope and resilience. Archbishop Daniel addressed the congregation, reflecting on the upcoming feast of the new ecclesiastical year, reminding all of the traditional resolutions made for a new era, a new beginning, and a new year of grace. He eloquently spoke about the significance of the centennial - a time to honor the past, celebrate the present, and anticipate the future of this beloved parish community.

One of the most moving moments of the celebration came following the Vespers service when the faithful, led by Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel, traveled to the parochial cemetery. There, Archbishop Daniel served a memorial service for all the clergy and parishioners who have reposed in the Lord over the past century.

This moment captured the essence of the Orthodox faith, which holds that the Church is not limited to those on earth, but encompasses the entire communion of saints - those who have gone before us and are now in the presence of the Lord. As the Archbishop prayed for the departed, he reminded the faithful of the importance of remembering and honoring those who laid the foundation for the parish community. The pioneers of the parish, who toiled and sacrificed to establish a house of worship, are not forgotten. Their legacy lives on in the hearts of those who continue to gather in the temple they helped to build.

Prayer for the departed is a fundamental aspect of Orthodox Christian life. It is a reminder that death does not sever our ties with our loved ones, but rather, through Christ, we remain united. As Archbishop Daniel emphasized, praying for the deceased pioneers of the parish is an act of love and gratitude - a recognition that the roots of the parish’s faith and traditions run deep, watered by the prayers and sacrifices of those who have passed on.

On Saturday morning – September 14, 2024, the youth of the parish, along with the parish board of administration president Charles (Chuck) Woloschak and Rev. Fr. Mykola Zomchak, the pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Parish warmly welcomed the hierarchs into the temple. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated with great sense of spiritual solemnity, concelebrated by both hierarchs and eleven priests, as well as a deacon, altar servers, and seminarians from Saint Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary.

His Eminence Metropolitan Antony offered an inspiring homily, reflecting on the ministry of the parish over the past century. He drew parallels between the Gospel narrative, where Christ enters the temple and proclaims a message of repentance and love, and the enduring mission of Saints Peter and Paul Parish to be a place of spiritual renewal. Metropolitan Antony reminded the congregation that just as Christ called His people to repentance and love 2,000 years ago, so too does He call the parish community today to continue its ministry with faith and compassion.

The faithful, moved by the Spirit, approached the Holy Eucharist, receiving the Body and Blood of Christ with reverence and devotion. It was a powerful reminder of the centrality of the Divine Liturgy in the life of the Church, and the spiritual nourishment that sustains the faithful, generation after generation.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Daniel blessed a new icon specially written for the parish’s centennial celebration. The icon depicted Saints Peter and Paul holding in their hands the rendition of the parish’s temple, symbolizing the unity of the parish community. This beautiful work of sacred art, written by digital iconographer Elizabeth Symonenko, now stands as a spiritual symbol of the parish’s 100-year journey in faith.

Following the service, the entire congregation processed outside to the newly constructed bell tower. The bell tower, built through the generous donations of parishioners, holds deep significance for the community. Each brick used in its construction was donated in memory of a loved one who had been part of the parish family. Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel blessed and dedicated the bell tower, and for the first time, the new bell rang out across the neighborhood, symbolizing the enduring presence of the parish in Youngstown. In a touching moment, the bell was rung by the oldest parishioner – Nicholas Yurchyk (born in 1926), connecting the past with the present and future of Saints Peter and Paul Parish.

The celebrations continued in the parish hall, where 340 parishioners and guests gathered for a festive luncheon. The spirit of joy and thanksgiving was palpable, as the faithful shared memories, laughter, and fellowship. During the luncheon, both hierarchs presented leading parish organizations with Blessed Hramotas - Certificates of Blessing and Appreciation, acknowledging their dedicated service and contributions to the life of the parish. These gestures of recognition underscored the importance of lay participation in the ministry of the Church, affirming that every member of the parish family plays a vital role in its continued success.

Local and state representatives also attended the luncheon, offering citations of gratitude on behalf of the Youngstown community: United States Senator Sherrod Brown (represented); State Representative Lauren McNally, Ohio House of Representatives for District 59; Mahoning County Commissioners David Ditzler, Carol Rimedio-Righetti, and Anthony Traficanti; 4th Ward Councilman for the City of Youngstown Mike Ray. Their presence was a testament to the impact that Saints Peter and Paul Parish has had, not only within the Church but also in the broader community. For 100 years, the parish has been a source of spiritual nourishment, cultural preservation, and charitable outreach, touching the lives of countless individuals.

A New Beginning: Looking Ahead with Faith and Hope

As the centennial celebrations drew to a close, there was a profound sense of both gratitude and anticipation. The faithful of Saints Peter and Paul Parish honored their past, celebrated their present, and looked forward to the future with hope. The leadership of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, Archbishop Daniel, and Fr. Mykola Zomchak has been instrumental in guiding the parish through this pivotal moment in its history. Their dedication to the spiritual well-being of the faithful, coupled with their vision for the future, ensures that the parish will continue to thrive in its second century of ministry.

This centennial celebration was not merely a commemoration of the past but a call to action for the future. It was a reminder that the Church is ever-living, ever-growing, and ever in need of the prayers and participation of its faithful. As Saints Peter and Paul Parish embarks on its next 100 years, it does so with the firm foundation of faith, love, and unity, confident that with God’s grace, it will continue to be a shining light in Youngstown and beyond.

May God bless the clergy, the faithful, and all those who have labored in love for the glory of His Church, and may the memory of those who have gone before us be eternal!