Divine Services
* Saturday, October 10 - 3:30 PM - Memorial Prayer Service: +Lola - +Jesse Presutti
* Saturday, October 10 - 4:30 PM - Vespers / Confessions: 4 PM - 4:20 PM
* Sunday, October 11 - 10 AM - Divine Liturgy
* Saturday, October 17 - 4:30 PM - Vespers / Confessions: 4 PM - 4:20 PM
* Sunday, October 18 - 10 AM - Divine Liturgy / Prayers for the Departed: +Metropolitan THEODOSIUS
=========================
Sunday Liturgy Laity Functions
OCTOBER 11: THIRD HOUR: D. Neill
OCTOBER 11: EPISTLE: A. Lauer
OCTOBER 11: COLLECTION: B. Nelko / M. Soroka
OCTOBER 18: THIRD HOUR: C. Schulte
OCTOBER 18: EPISTLE: M.D. Stahoviak
OCTOBER 18: COLLECTION: S. Yakich / N. Domitrovic
=========================
* OCTOBER SUNDAY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES are scheduled for 9 AM this Sunday (October 11) and October 25 in the Ed. Center. Also scheduled for this Sunday is the first SUNDAY DIALOGUE session for the adults of the parish (and visitors) with Fr. Bill in the nave of the church. Topic: “Icons - WHY are they important to our Orthodox Faith?” (This is especially an appropriate subject as we prepare to joyfully have (29) new icons installed during the next several months on our iconostasis replacing the worn icons installed in 1941! Stay tuned for more info!)
* SHARED COFFEE HOUR follows the Liturgy this Sunday - you are invited to join us downstairs in the church hall. Please bring a snack to share if possible. Also, be sure to purchase/order additional SCRIP CARDS which will be available downstairs.
* BIBLE STUDY is tentatively scheduled downstairs in the church hall for Wednesday, October 14 (6:30 PM). Please inform Fr. Bill by Tuesday, October 13 - 7 PM - if you plan on attending.
* The PARISH COUNCIL will have a special meeting downstairs in the church hall on Monday, October 12 (6:30 PM). Any council member unable to attend this meeting is asked to notify Nicole Domitrovic or Fr. Bill in advance.
* The LADIES ALTAR SOCIETY is scheduled to hold a brief meeting downstairs in the church hall immediately following the October 18 Divine Liturgy. We hope that both current and prospective L.A.S. members will join us as we plan the fall 2026 and spring 2027 activities.
* Any Ambridge FOCA member planning to attend the October 18 (2:30 PM) PITTSBURGH DISTRICT MEETING at the St. John’s Church in Canonsburg is asked to notify chapter president Bill Nelko ASAP. We ask everyone to please also take the time to review the FOCA flier (CLICK HERE to view) - - the FOCA is asking for help from all our parish members with the Centennial FOCA National Convention being held at St. John the Baptist Church, Canonsburg, during July 23-26, 2027.
* The parish’s FALL HAYRIDE - PICNIC has been set for Yeck’s Farm on October 25 - 2 PM until 4 PM. ALL are invited! Please CLICK HERE for details to RSVP. Also, a sign-up list has been placed on the vestibule candle desk to RSVP while at church. NOTE!! - - -
🌟RSVP DEADLINE: OCTOBER 18.🌟
* 2026 PARISH STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTION UPDATES are now being mailed via the USPS to all households who registered for the 2026 stewardship program. Please notify administrative secretary Patty McKeown if you don’t receive that update during the next couple of weeks - or - if you have a question about the total listed. You may also contact Nicole Domitrovic or Fr. Bill if you have questions about this stewardship update. THANKS to all for your generous support to keep our parish fiscally sound for 2026 and beyond!
=========================
The Doors of Hell are locked on the INSIDE!
Our earthly life is either a foretaste of Heaven or a foretaste of Hell. Those who go to Hell do not want to go Heaven. “Going to Heaven” is not a change of location - but drawing ever closer to the God who is repulsive and abhorrent to those who don’t believe in Him or are hostile to what He teaches us. Some say that there are no “doors” in Heaven - there is nothing preventing the lost from entering, other than their refusal. To “come in” means to commune with God forever. The great 20th Century Christian writer C.S. Lewis wrote: Ultimately, there are only two kinds of people … those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘THY will be done.’ All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice there could be no Hell … the doors of Hell are locked on the INSIDE.” (“The Great Divorce” - 1945 book)
Such is the nature of a loving God. God really IS Love, rather than merely having love. St. John Chrysostom (4th Century) challenges us to experience the healing and life-giving fire of God’s love and presence. On Judgment Day, as we stand alone before God, the penetrating divine light of His presence will open the “book” of our heart. His light will reveal what this book contains. It will show whether our heart is drawn to God or repulsed by Him, either foretasting Heaven or foretasting Hell. St. Symeon the New Theologian says that it is not so much what we believe or what we do, but what we are that will determine our future state for eternity. We have either a “similitude” with God - or a “dissimilitude” with Him. So - - we must live each day prepared to have a “good defense before the Dread Judgment Seat of Christ” by endeavoring to live a sin-free life in the power of the Holy Spirit Whose presence was given each Orthodox believer at Holy Chrismation.
Laity Liturgy Functions
DATE THIRD HOUR EPISTLE__ COLLECTION_____
OCTOBER 4 M. Soroka (Deacon) I. Yakich / T. Yakich
OCTOBER 11 D. Neill A Lauer B. Nelko / M. Soroka
OCTOBER 18 C. Schulte M.D. Stahoviak S. Yakich / N. Domitrovic
OCTOBER 25 D. Ilchuk (Deacon) P. Evans / T. Fleck
^ Please notify Fr. Bill in advance if you are unable to perform your liturgical function so that a substitute can be found in an orderly manner and the bulletin listing updated. Please mark your calendar since we do not send individual reminders.
^ Please contact Fr. Bill if you have any questions about these ministries. New readers are encouraged!
=========================
Pastoral Reminders from Fr. Bill
~ EUCHARIST RECEPTION GENERAL GUIDELINE for the parish: individuals who do not receive Holy Eucharist at more than two consecutive Sunday Liturgies should return for a Private Confession before approaching the Holy Chalice. Please contact Fr. Bill about this since there is always the possibility of an extenuating circumstance.
~ The GENERAL CONFESSION service scheduled on October 4 (9:30 AM) is only for those parish members who have participated in Private Confession since the beginning of Great Lent 2026, others desiring to receive Holy Communion should come to Private Confession first. Communicants unable to attend the General Confession should see Fr. Bill for a Private Confession before approaching the chalice, unless they have already participated in a recent Private Confession.
~ Except for individuals required to eat or drink small amounts for medical conditions (i.e., with medications, etc.), Communion recipients are expected to conduct a EUCHARISTIC FAST prior to Holy Communion. This means refraining from eating or drinking from midnight until receiving Holy Eucharist. Individuals who find it necessary to eat or drink “larger” amounts on Liturgy days should refrain from receiving Communion that day. The Eucharistic fast for evening Vesperal Liturgies begins following a (light) lunch, continuing until the time of the Liturgy. Children who have not come to First Holy Confession are, of course, exempt from this guideline. Individuals with medical conditions that require a modification of the Eucharist fast should discuss it privately with Fr. Bill.
~ As is the norm in Orthodox ascetic fasting for much of the calendar year, each WEDNESDAY and FRIDAY during this month are days of fasting.
=========================
^ Please forward your preferred email address to Fr. Bill if you are not receiving the parish E-BULLETINS and other parish informational updates but would like to receive them. Please note that email addresses are not shared. A limited number of copies of each week’s bulletin are put in the vestibule wall pamphlet rack.
=========================
PARISH ON-LINE GIVING
No envelope, no checks, no cash? No problem! ON-LINE giving is always available! Go to our website under “Online Giving” (https://www.holyghostoca.org/onlinegiving) and make your donation today. You even have the option to donate to the General Fund or Memorial Fund, and we will add Special Projects as opportunities arise. There is even an option to make a recurring donation so you can set it and forget it! Please note there is a small credit card processing fee to donate online. Please contact Nicole Domitrovic or Fr. Bill if you have any questions about this on-line method of stewardship
=========================
^ Plan ahead - - - Wednesday, October 14 (6:30 PM) is the tentative day for the next ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY downstairs in the church hall. ALL are invited - - including non-parish guests! (Final scheduling will be determined later based on attendees availability.)
^ October 18 is the revised date on which the LADIES ALTAR SOCIETY is scheduled to have a meeting take place downstairs in the church hall immediately following the October 18 Divine Liturgy. Current - and prospective - members are urged to attend.
^ The FOCA PITTSBURGH DISTRICT CONVENTION is scheduled for Sunday, October 18 (2:30 PM) at the St. John the Baptist Church, Canonsburg, PA. FOCA members should contact chapter president Bill Nelko if you have questions about convention attendance.
^ As we begin the final quarter of 2026, all parish members are encouraged to continue REGULAR AND GENEROUS PARISH STEWARDSHIP DONATIONS each week. It is important that everyone does their part to maintain the fiscal health of our parish for the long term. You may have noticed that the parish has had several rather expensive - but necessary - projects to do this year! THANKS for caring about Christ and His Holy Church!
Administrative secretary Patty McKeown will be mailing individual contribution updates to all who currently participate in our Parish Stewardship Program during the first week of October. Please contact Patty, Nicole Domitrovic, or Fr. Bill if you have questions about your report after receiving it, or if you do not receive this in the mail by October 16.
^ We have WONDERFUL news - - all of the new ICONOSTASIS ICONS have been completed by iconographer Fr. Matthew Garrett! (This early completion was not anticipated!) The parish council therefore recently met with Fr. Bill to discuss planning the installation process - - a process that may prove MOST challenging since it includes removal/disposal of the twenty nine old icons (in a respectful manner) while securely installing the new ones. We will update you as the process develops - - as well as the planning for the formal hierarchal blessing service that we hope to do in conjunction with our parish 120th Anniversary celebration during 2027!
^ REMINDER! Please contact Fr. Bill any time throughout the year when you know of a parish member HOSPITALIZED for more than a single night so he can visit that person’s hospital room and administer the Holy Sacraments (either Holy Unction or Communion) “…for the healing of soul and body.”
When “navigating life,” remember: “A man’s mind plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Prov. 16)
=========================
Parish Council Meeting - August 2026 - Highlights
- Council heard that two projects have been paid for with a total of $30,280.00: the concrete work on the church sidewalk, and the recent roof repair.
- Council heard that Omelan Mycyk has retired as the Diocesan Administrative Assistant and that the diocese is currently seeking a replacement for this part-time position.
- Discussion continues about whether to replace the church’s metal front doors or to repair the existing ones. Costs and advantages / disadvantages are still being considered concerning various types of wood and metal doors (both with glass included).
- Council heard that the icon project is almost completed and that almost all donations for the project have been received. (NOTE: Please see a late September update elsewhere in this newsletter!)
- A motion was made to purchase new gold robes for the altar servers, with costs to be covered by an anonymous donor and the remainder by using existing Memorial Fund money. (FYI: The current “white-with-gold” robes being worn will be reserved strictly for the Paschal season now.)
- Council heard that $3000 was raised by the parish for the tragedy a clergy family is currently undergoing in a local Ukrainian Orthodox parish. (Fr. Bill complimented the parish for this wonderful response.)
- Council will be seeking quotes for the cleaning of the domes (cupolas) as a 2027 project. Another project for next year will be the replacement of the parish house deck nearing the end of its “service life” after many years.
=========================
^ ALL are invited to participate in our PARISH HAYRIDE AND PICNIC on Sunday, October 25. This will take place once again this year at Yeck’s Farm located at 568 Baker Road, Freedom, PA, from 2-4PM. Come and enjoy some picnic foods and smores by the fire. Activities on-site are free - including a corn maze, outdoor play area, animals, indoor haybale maze, and more. Watch for information in a flier that will be included in future weekly e-bulletins and posted at church on the bulletin boards. A sign-up list will be placed on the vestibule candle soon. (We are adding a second wagon for the hayride to make sure there is plenty of room, since we had such a wonderful turn-out last year!)
KNOW YOUR APOSTOLIC ORTHODOX FAITH!
QUESTION: “What is a VESPERS service and why is it usually celebrated at the end of the day? VESPERS is the first service of the daily cycle of liturgical worship in the Orthodox Church which, as the liturgical day begins at sunset, is traditionally served in the early evening. Vespers is an important service, especially on Saturdays, since it prepares us spiritually to receive the Holy Eucharist at the Sunday morning Divine Liturgy.
Today, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Holy Ghost Orthodox Church in Ambridge, we should pause in our festivities and reflect thoughtfully on its beginnings.
Shortly after the turn of the century, many Europeans sought to escape the religious and cultural persecutions of the Austro-Hungarian rulers by sailing to America.
Approximately 14 families, including those of John Bowan Sr., Wasil Blishak, Constantine Dzubinsky, Samuel Evans Sr., Daniel Holovach, A. Kohan, Nicholas Kraynak, Theodore Kushnir, Wasil Kuhta, Wasil Towcimak, Michael Turko, and John Zawoysky, settled in the North Side and South Side of Pittsburgh, where they attended St. Alexander Nevsky and St. Michael's Orthodox Churches.
However, these pioneers soon moved on to Ambridge where employment opportunities were greater. The American Bridge Company, which erected its first plant in Ambridge in 1902, offered such security.
Although settled in Ambridge, they continued to attend church in Pittsburgh. Each Sunday morning they walked the railroad tracks, more accessible than the unpaved roads, to Leetsdale, where they boarded a train to Pittsburgh. This continued until the group established a makeshift altar in May's Hall, Third and Merchant Streets, Ambridge. There, under the guidance of the Rev. J. Sechinsky, they continued their religious devotions. A little later, services were conducted in the residence of Samuel Evans, Sr., and still later in a little shelter on a vacant lot near Third and Merchant Streets. The reverends J. Sechinsky, P. Kohanik and Nicholas Koshevich were among the early pastors.
In October of 1907, guided by Fr. Nicholas Koshevich, this determined group purchased two lots at Second and Maplewood Avenue for $1,650. With their hands, they laid the foundation of their long-awaited church. It took them two months and cost approximately $6,000 -- lots, construction and materials included. The American Bridge Co donated steel for the foundation. This contribution so overwhelmed the group that they gathered on the grounds of the American Bridge plant with their icons and glorified the donors with prayers and singing.
On November 27, 1907, the first Divine Liturgy was served in the newly built church basement. Named trustees of the fledgling church were Wasil Blishak, John Bowan Sr. Samuel Evans Sr. and Daniel Holovach. Others who contributed their services were families of Timko Romanov, Paul Romanov, Dimitri Skomsky, Theodore Lapihuska, Timko Guch, Harry Kohanik, Stephen Felk, John Evans Sr., A. Zbigley, Nicholas Kuhta, Theodore Fecik, Wasil Liseyko, Joseph Hafiez, Anton Shpak, Nicholas Kulavchik, N. Polovischak, E. Polovischak, Timko Blishko, Harry Shepella, Michael Roman, John Towcimak, Wasil Zawoysky Sr., Wasil Guch, Michael Psinka and Wasil Hritzik.
On August 21, 1911, the parish was incorporated as the Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Ghost. The congregation adopted as its patron, the Descent of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) upon the Apostles.
The first recorded christening was that of Nicholas Kuhta on October 27, 1907. The first marriage solemnized in the church was that of Theodore Hopta and Anna Hnath on February 8, 1908.
The parish grew steadily, and soon plans were being formulated for completion of the church. In 1912 a building committee was established. The church was completed in December 1914 at a cost of $14,000. The Rev. Andrew Ivanishin officiated at the first Divine Liturgy in the new edifice. The cornerstone, donated by Samuel Evans Sr., and the newly built church were consecrated by the Most Rev. Archbishop Alexander, assisted by Fr. Ivanishin and visiting clergy. The dream had become a reality. Just one year later, a parish home next to the new church was purchased for $5,100.
Now thoughts turned to the church interior. In 1927, led by the Rev. Damian Krehel, the church commissioned Michael Kupetz, a parishioner, to paint the murals for $2,200.
Two years later the present three bells were purchased. Metropolitan Platon blessed them.
The Great Depression ruled out further improvements until November 27, 1941, when, under the leadership of the Rev. Emilian Skuby, a new iconostas and newly renovated church interior were blessed by the Rt. Rev. Benjamin, Bishop of Pittsburgh and West Virginia. The new iconostas was designed and erected by the famous architect-artist Gennady Gordeyev.
That same year saw the outbreak of World War II, and 1950 brought with it the Korean conflict. Twelve young men of the parish were killed in those wars: Michael Chaykowsky, Edward Chumak, Peter Dudenich, Paul Durniak, John Kucer, Michael Kucer, Frank Pastrick, Steve Pastrick, Nicholas Sapovchak, Michael Sudik, George Torhan and Dimitri Wrobleski.
On November 21, 1954, a crystal chandelier was installed and dedicated to the memory of twelve young men from the parish that gave their lives to the service of their country in World War II and the Korean conflict.
In July 1974 a new parish home was purchased on Pilgrim Drive, Leet Township. The old parish home next to the church was converted into an educational center. There the church school organization, which was initiated by the Senior R Club (FROC) during the presidency of Mildred Erdelyn Mitcheil in 1947, continues to meet.
In February 1975 a fire started in the front of the church, severely damaging one corner of the interior. Fr. Vladimir Soroka and Church Council President Irene Bell led the ensuing restoration.
In 1975 The Holy Ghost Orthodox Youth Center began as a gift. The merged Russian Community Society and Russian Society of St. Michael donated the empty building at 405 Maplewood Avenue that formerly housed the Russian Community Society. A building committee was appointed, led by co-chairmen Frank Markvan and Ted Hritsko. The former building was mostly razed and a new structure erected under the guidance of architect George Ruscitto and builder Jerry Steinmetz Construction Corporation. In 1977, two years after the ownership was transferred to the congregation, the transformed building was opened as a center for both parochial events and public events. Today the Center is a hub our Annual Slavic Festival and other church related activities.
In the early 1990's, the parishioners of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Aliquippa were welcomed as members of the Holy Ghost congregation when their parish was closed.
In November 1996 the congregation undertook one of the most ambitious renovation projects since the founding of the church in 1907. Cupolas of reinforced gold fiberglass replaced the four deteriorating copper cupolas. This project was the centerpiece of a series of renovation projects that included the complete repainting of the interior of the church, enhanced internal and external lighting, and re-pointing the brick exterior of the church. All of these major projects were completed prior to the congregation's celebration of its 90th anniversary in 1997.
The congregation has just completed a 10-year capital improvements plan in time for the parish's 100th anniversary. These projects included all new iconography in the altar, including a new Platitera icon in the apse over the sanctuary, the total refurbishment of the chandelier, renovated restrooms in the church basement, new wall-to-wall carpeting, and new iconography on the proscenium arch above the iconostas.
From the original 14 families the parish has grown to over 200 adults and 30 children.
From those hard working immigrant families who formed the nucleus, to the present pastor, V. Rev. William Evansky, church council, church organizations and congregation, we are deeply indebted. To those now deceased -- May God grant them eternal rest. To those still in our midst--thank you for a job well done! God bless you and guide you in your continued efforts.