St. John Chrysostom

Address:
506 Saline Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15207

Contact Information:
Telephone: 412-421-0243
FAX: 412-422-3624
Email: N/A
Website Address: N/A

Pastor: Father John J. Cuccaro

Liturgy Schedule:
N/A
They came from the Carpathian Mountains and found a new home in a valley Ruska Dolina, which is known as—the Rusin Valley. Men of faith and courage left their homes and found work in the Pittsburgh steel mills; wives and children followed. They found the trek to St. John Church in the South Side difficult, so they undertook the task of founding a new parish in the vicinity of their homes. This was the birth of St. John Chrysostom Church.

The first church was a hall on Saline Street. The first pastor, Rev. Alexij Petrasovich assumed duties in August 1910. In the same year, they purchased five lots on Saline Street and began construction of a frame structure. The generosity of the people together with assistance from the Greek Catholic Union provided liturgical appointments for this new church.

In 1916 the first portion of the icon screen was built and icons were painted. The second portion was completed in 1919. In 1917 the parish built and furnished the rectory. The church and parish house were dedicated October 28, 1917 and the icon screen was dedicated October 12, 1919. Two years later it became necessary to purchase two additional lots, because it was evident a larger church building was needed to satisfy the needs of the rapidly growing congregation.

In 1931 the decision was made to move the existing church building and to build the new and present church on the corner of Saline and Anthony Streets. The cornerstone was blessed on December 11, 1932, and the church was dedicated on May 26, 1935. The old church served as a social hall until the 1960’s.

The Archieparchial Radio Apostolate had its origin at St. John Chrysostom Church. The radio broadcasts of Sunday Liturgies began on October 8, 1956, with the Rev. John Bilock as the celebrant. Initially aired by radio station WLOA in Braddock, the broadcasts have continued from other area churches on WEDO in McKeesport.

In 1994 planning began for yet another renovation project. Work began with painting, new lighting, a new sound system and new icons throughout the church. New Guild Studios in Braddock served as artists and supervisors of the project. The blessing ceremony was held on February 9, 1997.

St. John Chrysostom Church has been the scene of many priestly, diaconal, and lectorate ordinations over the years. As it faces the heavily traveled Parkway East, it stands as a visible sign of the faith and generosity of its people for the many who pass by and look upon its domes and crosses.

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Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
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