Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Church
Pastor:
Rev. James A. Spontak
Address:
Stewart Street
P.O. Box 610
Beaverdale, PA 15921-0619
Phone:

814-736-9780 (Portage)

Fax:
814-736-8701 (Portage)
E-mail:
n/a
Web site:
DIVINE LITURGY SCHEDULE
Saturdays:
5:00 pm on alternating weeks (alternates with Dunlo parish)
Sundays:
Vigil of Holy Days:
Holy Days:
Confessions:
Saturdays at 4:30 prior to Divine Liturgy
GREAT FAST (LENT) SERVICES
Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
(see Portage schedule)
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Eastern Christian Formation (ECF):
Held with SS Peter and Paul parish, Portage (see Portage information)
Adult Education:
Held with SS Peter and Paul parish, Portage (see Portage information)
MINISTRIES
Youth:
Held with SS Peter and Paul parish, Portage (see Portage information)
SOCIAL/ANNUAL EVENTS
Covered dish socials :
Held after Divine Liturgy periodically throughout the year with SS. Peter and Paul parish, Dunlo


The Byzantine Catholic people had truly difficult beginnings when they emigrated to America. They came to establish a new life of hope, a new life of living and a new life of freedom of faith. Because they settled in the coal regions of Pennsylvania, they naturally found their work in the mines. A new language, education and life style were some of their hardest difficulties. In spite of these trying conditions, they had faith and hope, working and praying in the traditions brought with them from their native Eastern Europe.

Beaverdale, Pennsylvania, a small town in the mountain region, had become a new home for many people. The surroundings were ideal because they were so much like the mountains they had left behind. Still, there was an incomplete joy within the people. There was no house of praise for God. Plans were made and in December 1906 the cornerstone was laid. When the new church was built, it was dedicated to the Patronage of the Mother of God.

A scarcity of priests only added to the difficulties they had to face. Long walks to liturgical services and sacraments in St. Michael Byzantine Church in South Fork, PA became a part of their Sundays. These people wanted a priest of their own to serve them and administer to their needs.

St. Mary's remained a mission church to St. Michael at South Fork until 1919 when it became a mission church to SS. Peter and Paul Church of Portage, PA. It finally became a separate parish in 1921 under the pastoral care of Rev. Elmer Berecky. In 1924 Bishop Basil Takach appointed Fr. Igor M. Mackov as pastor and under his direction, a parish house and cemetery were purchased.

Between the years of 1947-1957, a new heating system, pews, interior renovation and 20 foot extension were all added to the church. Subsequently, the church was completely renovated. A new main altar, side altars and murals were installed. The outside of the church was covered with aluminum siding and the ordinary panes of glass were replaced with stained glass windows, depicting the various Byzantine saints.

Over the years, St. Mary's was fortunate to be served by many dedicated priests and continues to flourish to the present day.

The Official Website of the
Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
66 Riverview Avenue • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15214
Telephone: 412-231-4000 | Fax: 412-231-1697

The Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Website is an Official Publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh. © 2003, Office of Communications. Neither any part of this site nor its content may be reproduced, transmitted, copied, or used in any way without the expressed permission of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Office of Communications. This site may be linked freely.