Holy Assumption Orthodox Church
Ss. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church
629 Sunshine Avenue • Central City, Pa. 15926,
Tipple Road • Goodtown (Pine Hill), Pa. 15530
Weekly Bulletin
About Us
We are a fellowship of believers, made in God's image and called as disciples of Christ to share the Good News with everyone through learning, listening, praying and working together actively to reach out to our communities.
We are a place to believe, belong, and become!
Parish Background
Many Slavic immigrants had made their way to America and found work in the coalmines of Pennsylvania. Situated in the Laurel Highlands, and within the bituminous coal fields of Western Pennsylvania, Central City served as a junction for the railroad lines to Johnstown. The Reitz Coal Company, which operated many mines in the area and employed many of the faithful of St. Mary’s, built company homes, and donated land for an Orthodox Church and cemetery in Shade Township.
There was a strong presence of Central & Eastern Europeans in the northern part of the county, and churches in Pine Hill (Berlin), Boswell, and Jerome were established. Father John Komar from Pine Hill began serving Divine Liturgies at nearby Cairnbrook Hall. A brotherhood was formed and on July 5, 1918, the articles of incorporation for St. Mary’s (in the name of the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Central City, PA Trustees) were recorded in the Somerset County Courthouse.
In 1919, Rev. John Kudrikoff was appointed as the pastor of the church and under his supervision, St. Mary’s Church was constructed for an approximate total of $5,000 and subsequently consecrated.
With mine closures south of Central City, many of the faithful (in Pine Hill, particularly) relocated for work in the auto industry, or moved to the Central City area to work in the mines. The church experienced rapid growth throughout the 1920’s as the mines continued operating. The Great Depression brought with it difficult times, but thankfully many men still had employment. The church maintained its vital presence in the community.
In the first years since its founding, the church went through many changes, including 15 priestly assignments in the first 19 years. At that time, it was common for priests to rotate about the country. Many stayed only for a year or two before moving elsewhere. In 1936, the Rev. George S. Barany took over pastoral duties for St. Mary’s. Under his supervision, he brought consistency to the people, guiding the parish for nearly 16 full years. During this pastorate, World War II affected the community, and many men of the parish served in combat.
From its humble beginnings, St. Mary’s was consistently under fire from other denominations as not housing a “legitimate” faith. Many outsiders did not understand Orthodoxy, and how it differed from the Western churches. Add the “Russian” element of the church, and our people were treated Communist sympathizers.
From the mid-50’s to 1970, Father George Yankevich led the church. A kitchen fire occurred in the late 1950's, damaging the church interior. Father George went house to house, collecting donations for the restoration of the iconostas (which was badly damaged).
In 1971, the Very Reverend John W. Govrusik became pastor. Taking a church census, and assessing the needs of the church. Under his direction, church membership increased. Also, services were gradually switched from Old Slavonic to English, the downstairs church hall and kitchen remodeled, the rectory remodeled, and the church treasury was solidified. He also negotiated the purchase of the present day parking lot.
With the retirement of Fr. John in 2012, a new rector, the Very Rev. Fr. Elijah J. Bremer, was appointed to serve the faithful of Central City. Facing the challenges common to Orthodoxy in the 21 st century, Fr. Elijah has embarked on a “hands-on” style of pastoral administration, supervising the maintenance of the Somerset County parishes, increasing catechetical work, re-organizing the choir, and assessing the potential for community outreach.
There is no doubt that, with hard work, and in the spirit of the divinely enlightened psalmist David, “through God we shall do mightily” in Somerset County for many years to come.
calendar
13 October, Sunday
20 October, 2024
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Archdiocesan Assembly
will be held on 2 November at the Cathedral Parish of St. Alexander Nevsky in Allison Park. Each parish should send at least one voting delegate. Additional observers are welcome. Please speak with Fr. Elijah if you can attend and represent our parish. Lunch is provided.
From Our Archdiocese
Orthodox Christians aged 18-35 are invited to a weekend of reflection, fellowship, and spiritual renewal at the annual Young Adult Fall Retreat, happening the weekend of October 25-27, 2024 at Camp Nazareth. This year's theme, "Caring for God's Creation: The Self," will be explored by keynote speaker Alex Balouris, who will guide participants in understanding how we can honor God by caring for our mental, physical, and spiritual health. For more details and registration, visit https://tinyurl.com/yafall2024
Community Trick or Treat
is scheduled for Saturday, 26 October from 6 to 8 pm. All donations toward treat bags can be placed in the church hall between now and 20 October. We will pack treat bags on Sunday, 20 October immediately following Liturgy. Volunteers for packing bags & distributing treats are needed, and, as always, much appreciated. As of right now, there are not enough supplies to engage in this outreach project. In the next 2 weeks, we will determine if we should cancel. Input or support is appreciated.
Vespers on Saturday evening, 26 October
so that no one can accuse us of preferring treat distribution over the order of services of the church, we will celebrate a simple Saturday evening Vesper service at 5 pm. Everyone is welcome, regardless of their participation in the treat distribution.
Shade/Central City Food Pantry
will hold a purse & prize bingo and basket raffle on Sunday, 20 October at Queen of Angels Social Hall. A flyer with additional information is posted in the church. Seating is limited to 200, and tickets are $30 per person. Speak with Sharon Swirchak, or call 814.754.5584.
Pro-Life Event
Bishop Carroll Catholic High School will host the 2024 Pro-Life Prayer Breakfast on October 19 at 9:00 am. The event is sponsored by the Cambria-Somerset Citizens Concerned for Life. All sympathetic parties are invited to attend. The keynote speaker is Kristan Hawkins, president of Student for Life America. Suggested donation is $15. Contact Ann Pole at 814.472.8584, or Steve Dillon at 814.241.2772.
Upcoming Veterans Event
if you are a veteran of any branch of the armed forces, you are invited to Admiral Peary AVTS on Thursday, 7 November at 8 am, or 12 pm for a free meal (breakfast in the morning, lunch in the afternoon). The address is 948 Benjamin Franklin Highway, Ebensburg, Pa. 15931. Cosmetology students will also offer a free haircut or non- chemical treatment. You may call 814.472.6490, extension 335 to reserve a spot.
Advance Notice
Daylight Saving Time: ends on 3 November 2024. Remember to “fall back” one hour before bed on 11/2.
Updating the Church bulletin board
fair notice is given that all material (old thank-you notes, flyers, etc…) will be removed from the bulletin board to make way for new postings. Community, charity, and non-profit events are always welcome to advertise there. Thank you!
Church Parking Lot Sign
a sign specifying that the church parking lot is for church members and service parking was installed yesterday. This is to help reduce our liability related to people using our space for unintended purposes.
Sermons & Homilies
Parish Photo Gallery
Burial and Cemetery Policies/Genealogy Requests
Cemetery and burial policies (drafted in 2018) are included in this section as a PDF file.
With regard to genealogy requests: current church members are entitled to their sacramental records. Previous or lapsed members who require verification of sacraments are entitled to those documents, and a donation toward cemetery care is much appreciated. As we are a functional church and not a genealogy service, we cannot devote time to historical requests for information. If there is a valid reason for such a request, it must be accompanied by precise information (names and dates). Keep in mind that the oldest records require translating services. A fee will be assessed to each such request and information (when available) will be provided once the appropriate donation is received
Join us
- St Mary's Holy Assumption Church, 629 Sunshine Avenue, Central City, PA 15926, USA
- Ss. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, Tipple Road • Goodtown (Pine Hill), Pa 15530, USA
Directions
General Location
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church (or more commonly known as St. Mary’s) is located in the Borough of Central City, PA in northeastern Somerset County. It serves parishioners living in Somerset, Cambria, and Bedford Counties and is central to the larger cities of Somerset (to the south and west), Johnstown (to the north), and Bedford (to the east). St. Mary’s also serves as the “mother parish” to SS Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church in Boswell, PA and SS Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church in Pine Hill, PA. The community of Central City sits atop the beautiful Laurel Highlands of the Allegheny Mountain Range of the Appalachian Mountains. Many tourist attractions are within a short drive from the church including the Flight 93 Memorial and Quecreek Mine Rescue Sites as well as Seven Springs and Hidden Valley Ski Resorts. Despite a declining population now standing at 1,233 (2002), there are still two Orthodox churches in town.
Via US Route 30 from the west
Take US Route 30 east to Route 160 (Reels Corners). Turn left at flashing yellow light and follow Route 160 north to Central City (4.6 miles). When entering the borough limits, stay on Route 160 instead of continuing on Lambert St. Drive through town and pass Mulcahy’s Funeral Home, the post office, fire hall and the bank. Instead of turning left to continue on S.R. 160 (Main Street), keep straight on Sunshine Avenue for one block. Church is on right just past Jack’s Supermarket.
Via US Route 30 from the east
Take US Route 30 west to Route 160 (Reels Corners). Turn right at flashing yellow light and follow Route 160 north to Central City (4.6 miles). When entering the borough limits, stay on Route 160 instead of continuing on Lambert St. Drive through town and pass Mulcahy’s Funeral Home, the post office,fire hall and the bank. Instead of turning left to continue on S.R. 160 (Main Street), keep straight on Sunshine Avenue for one block. Church is on right just past Jack’s Supermarket.
Via US Route 219 from the south
Take US Route 219 north to US Route 30, proceed eastbound for 12 miles to Reels Corners (Route 160). Turn left at flashing yellow light and follow Route 160 north to Central City (4.6 miles). When entering the borough limits, stay on Route 160 instead of continuing on Lambert St. Drive through town and pass Mulcahy’s Funeral Home, the post office, fire hall and the bank. Instead of turning left to continue on S.R. 160 (Main Street), keep straight on Sunshine Avenue for one block. Church is on right just past Jack’s Supermarket.
Via US Route 219 from the north
Take US Route 219 south to Route 56. Follow Route 56 eastbound for 3.9 miles and take Route 160 (Central City) Exit. Take Route 160 south to Central City (10 miles). Turn left at first stop sign (Sunshine Avenue). Church is on right just past Jack’s Supermarket.
Via I-76 (PA Turnpike) from the west
Take I-76 to Milepost Exit / Old Exit 10 (Somerset). Upon exiting the toll plaza, go straight at the first light onto Pleasant Avenue. At second light, turn left onto S.R. 281 (Stoyshown Road). Follow S.R. 281 north for 9 miles to US Route 30. Take US Route 30 east for 7.4 miles to Reels Corners (Route 160). Turn left at flashing yellow light and follow Route 160 north to Central City (4.6 miles). When entering the borough limits, stay on Route 160 instead of continuing on Lambert St. Drive through town and pass Mulcahy’s Funeral Home, the post office, fire hall and the bank. Instead of turning left to continue on S.R. 160 (Main Street), keep straight on Sunshine Avenue for one block. Church is on right just past Jack’s Supermarket.
Via I-76 (PA Turnpike) from the west
Take 76 to Milepost Exit 146 / Old Exit 11 (Bedford). Upon exiting the toll plaza, turn left at first light onto US Business 220. Take US Business 220 0.5 miles north. Turn left at next light and travel 0.4 miles to I-99. Take I-99 south for 2.2 miles to US Route 30 Bypass (Milepost Exit 1). Take Bypass West for 1 mile and US Route 30 18 more miles to Reels Corners (Route 160). Turn right at flashing yellow light and follow Route 160 north to Central City (4.6 miles). When entering the borough limits, stay on Route 160 instead of continuing on Lambert St. Drive through town and pass Mulcahy’s Funeral Home, the post office, fire hall and the bank. Instead of turning left to continue on S.R. 160 (Main Street), keep straight on Sunshine Avenue for one block. Church is on right just past Jack’s Supermarket.
Via I-99/U.S. 220 from the north
Take I-99 south to US Route 22 (Milepost Exit 28). Take US Route 22 west for 21 miles to US Route 219. Proceed on US Route 219 south for 16 miles to Route 56. Follow Route 56 eastbound for 3.9 miles and take Route 160 (Central City) Exit. Take Route 160 south to Central City (10 miles). Turn left at first stop sign. Church is on right just past Jack’s Supermarket.
Via I-99/U.S. 220 from the south
Take I-99 north to US Route 30 Bypass (Milepost Exit 1). Take Bypass west for 1 mile and US Route 30 18 more miles to Reels Corners. Turn right at flashing yellow light and follow Route 160 north to Central City (4.6 miles). When entering the borough limits, stay on Route 160 instead of continuing on Lambert St. Drive through town and pass Mulcahy’s Funeral Home, the post office, fire hall and the bank. Instead of turning left to continue on S.R. 160 (Main Street), keep straight on Sunshine Avenue for one block. Church is on right just past Jack’s Supermarket.
To Pine Hill-
General Location
SS Peter and Paul Church in Pine Hill, PA is a satellite parish attached to Holy Assumption Church in Central City, PA. It is the southernmost Orthodox church in the Altoona-Johnstown Deanery.
From US Route 219 from the south
Take US Route 219 north and turn right at SR 2027 (Pine Hill Road). Follow for 1.4 miles and turn left at Goodtown Road (T-423). Go 0.2 miles and take right at Tipple Road. Church is on left.
From US Route 219 from the north
Take US Route 219 south beyond Berlin and turn left at SR 2027 (Pine Hill Road). Follow for 1.4 miles and turn left at Goodtown Road (T-423). Go 0.2 miles and take right at Tipple Road. Church is on left.
From US Route 30 from the west
Take US Route 30 east and merge onto US Route 219 South. Proceed south on Route 219 for 21 miles just beyond Berlin and turn right at SR 2027 (Pine Hill Road). Follow for 1.4 miles and turn left at Goodtown Road (T-423). Go 0.2 miles and take right at Tipple Road. Church is on left.
From US Route 30 from the east
Take US Route 30 west to Route 160. Turn left at flashing yellow light and proceed on Route 160 south to Berlin for 12 miles. Continue on Route 160 for 0.7 miles by turning right at flashing red signal. Bear right to turn onto Main Street instead of turning left to stay on Route 160. Go through town for 0.4 miles and turn left at flashing red signal with intersection of US Route 219. Take US Route 219 south beyond Berlin and turn left at SR 2027 (Pine Hill Road). Follow for 1.4 miles and turn left at Goodtown Road (T-423). Go 0.2 miles and take right at Tipple Road. Church is on left.
From I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike)
Take I-76 to Milepost 110/ Old Exit 10 (Somerset). Upon exiting the toll plaza, turn right onto SR 601 (Center Avenue) at first light. Go south for 0.8 miles and turn left at traffic light onto SR 31 (E. Main Street). Go 0.6 miles and turn right at traffic light onto Plank Road (SR 3041). Go 2.3 more miles and Plank Road turns into US Route 219. Take US Route 219 south for 8.2 miles, go beyond Berlin and turn left at SR 2027 (Pine Hill Road). Follow for 1.4 miles and turn left at Goodtown Road (T-423). Go 0.2 miles and take right at Tipple Road. Church is on left.
I-99/US 220 from the north
Take I-99 south to US Route 22 (Milepost exit 28). Take US Route 22 west to US Route 219 for 21 miles. Proceed on US Route 219 for 49 miles. Just beyond Berlin turn left at SR 2027 (Pine Hill Road). Follow for 1.4 miles and turn left at Goodtown Road (T-423). Go 0.2 miles and take right at Tipple Road. Church is on left.
I-99/US 220 from the south
Take I-99 North to US Route 30 (Milepost Exit 1). Take US 30 Bypass West 1.0 mile and US Route 30 18 more miles to Reels Corners (Route 160). Turn left at flashing yellow light and proceed on Route 160 south to Berlin for 12 miles. Continue on Route 160 for 0.7 miles by turning right at flashing red signal. Bear right to turn onto Main Street instead of turning left to stay on Route 160. Go through town for 0.4 miles and turn left at flashing red signal with intersection of Route US 219. Take US Route 219 south beyond Berlin and turn left at SR 2027 (Pine Hill Road). Follow for 1.4 miles and turn left at Goodtown Road (T-423). Go 0.2 miles and take right at Tipple Road. Church is on left.