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
Holy Assumption & Ss. Peter & Paul Church are Old Calendar Churches under the jurisdiction of the Orthodox Church in America. We are located in Central City, and Pine Hill / Goodtown (Berlin) Pennsylvania.
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!
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
1 December, Sunday
08:40 AM
Hours of Prayer
Location: Central City
09:00 AM
Divine Liturgy
Location: Central City
Annual Meeting to Follow Liturgy
4 December, Wednesday
09:00 AM
Divine Liturgy
Location: Central City
Entrance of the Theotokos
8 December, Sunday
09:00 AM
Hours and Typika
Location: Central City
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1
Today
we observe the 40th Day Panakhyda for Mrs. Betty Sesack following Divine Liturgy. Memory Eternal! Additionally, Robert Hiller will be formally admitted into the Catechumenate following the Gospel Reading. Pray for him, as he continues his journey into Orthodoxy. Coffee social and a brief church meeting will follow liturgy.
2
Thank You
to Fr. Michael and Matushka Sue, Alexis and Jack, as well as Matushka Laryssa, Sue, Joann, and Morgan, for participating in the filming of “Christmas in the Alleghenies: Seasons of Grace.” Also, thank you to Sharon, and the crew from Penn Highlands who did the filming and sound recording. The finished production will air on Christmas day. Once we know the time, we will let you know!
3
Simple Guidelines For The Nativity
the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, fish, wine, and oil) is observed. There is dispensation given for wine and oil on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Similarly, fish, wine, and oil are permitted on Saturdays and Sundays. Those who are ill, or those with serious medical considerations, may exercise discretion, but all are encouraged to keep the spirit of the fast with intensified prayer, and charitable works!
4
Birthright of Somerset Giving Tree
it is time for the annual giving tree benefiting our local Birthright Organization. All donations stay in Somerset County and help young, pregnant women, babies, and very young children. Please take an ornament, and return the item in the next two weeks. Thank you for supporting this pro-life organization!
5
Annual Christmas "Adopt A Family"
Fr. Elijah is still working out the details, but we will again adopt a family for Christmas, providing food for dinner, comfort food, and a small gift card for Wal-Mart & Aldi. If you can help, please place your contribution in an envelope marked “Adopt a Family” and place it in the collection box or donation plate. Thank you, and God Bless you this Nativity Season!
6
Upcoming St. Nicholas Day Celebration (Slava & Social)
on Sunday, 22 December, we will have our annual St. Nicholas Day Liturgy. Following Liturgy, we will have our annual St. Nicholas fasting social. Accordionist Ed Zablotney will provide traditional Christmas Polka music. All family, friends, and well wishers are invited. Covered dishes (fasting appropriate) are needed. If children attend, St. Nicholas will make a visit. Please let Father know if you will attend, and if any children will accompany you. Thank you!
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
To Central City-
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.
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.