Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Church
Pastor:
Very Rev. Richard I. Lambert
Address:
356 South Belle Vista Avenue
Youngstown, OH 44509
Phone:

330-799-8163
Fax:
330-793-5360
E-mail:
Web site:
n/a
DIVINE LITURGY SCHEDULE
Saturdays:
5:00 pm
Sundays:
9:00 am
Vigil of Holy Days:
7:00 pm
Holy Days:
9:00 am
Confessions:
Saturdays - 4:30 pm
GREAT FAST (LENT) SERVICES
Wednesdays
11:00 pm - Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
Fridays:
4:00 pm - Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Adult Education:
last Monday of each month at 7:00 pm
SOCIAL/ANNUAL EVENTS
Indoor Picnic :
August


St. Mary Youngstown
In the late 19th century, our Ruthenian forbears came to the Steelton area of Youngstown. In search of a better life, they sought employment in this industrial area. As these devout Greek Catholics grew in numbers, the task of organizing a church became a high priority. Leaders for this effort emerged from the Steelton area, as well as the neighboring communities of Haselton, Campbell, Struthers and Sharon. In December 1899, property on Florence Avenue was purchased. By July 4, 1900, the small wood-frame, basement-less church was dedicated. Fr. Anthony Mhley conducted the first church services.

During this time, a small rectory was built on the property. Land on South Schenley Avenue was purchased on September 13, 1902 for a cemetery. On January 19, 1907, a third purchase included a small building adjoining the church property. This eventually became the cantor's residence.

In 1952, property was purchased by the parish, with the other four area Byzantine Catholic Churches, to build a parochial school. Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, which later became known as Byzantine Catholic Central School, was dedicated on May 13, 1956. The building already on the grounds became the convent.

In 1956, a strong desire grew among parishioners to relocate and to build a new and larger church. The monumental task of planning, seeking bank loans, and overseeing construction fell upon the shoulders of the new young pastor, Fr. John Pohorilak. In July 1960 a large, magnificent church structure on South Belle Vista Avenue was dedicated. Its completion was a splendid tribute to the hard work and commitment of this priest. Five years later, a beautiful new front was added to the church to eliminate the steps, making the church handicapped-accessible.

The next major project was the erection of a huge four-bay garage for buses used to transport children to the parochial school. The project was completed in 1963 under the guidance of the new pastor, Fr. John Ycoback, who was ordained only three years earlier. This energetic young priest demonstrated remarkable leadership. His ability to involve large numbers of men of the parish in employing their talents, skills and time for their church saved thousands of dollars. By 1965, a beautiful and spacious rectory was built.

To raise funds to operate the parochial school, Fr. Ycoback proposed the building of a new social center. By 1983 The Assumption Social Center was completed, a grand edifice considered to be the crown jewel among buildings in the Mahoning Valley.

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

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