HOLY WEEK / PASCHA SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
* (Tonight) April 8 - 6:30 PM - Bridegroom Matins / Confession: 6 PM - 6:20 PM
[LAST SCHEDULED TIME BEFORE PASCHA FOR PRIVATE CONFESSION!]
* Thursday, April 9 - 2 PM - St. Basil Vesperal Liturgy: “The Last Supper - Institution of the Eucharist”
* Thursday, April 9 - 6:30 PM - Matins (with the Twelve Holy Passion Gospels)
* Friday, April 10 - 3 PM - Holy Friday Vespers: “The Crucifixion/Burial of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”
* Friday, April 10 - 7 PM - Matins (with the Lamentations at the Tomb of our Savior)
* Saturday, April 11 - 2 PM - St. Basil Vesperal Liturgy:
“Holy and Great Saturday - The Descent of Christ into Hades”
* Sunday, April 12 - 7:30 AM - HOLY PASCHA:
Nocturnes/ Paschal Matins/ Paschal Liturgy/ Blessing of Paschal Food Baskets/ Agape Meal
* Monday, April 13- 9:30 AM - Bright Monday Paschal Liturgy
* Saturday, April 18 - 4:30 PM - Vespers / Confession: 4 PM - 4:20 PM
* Sunday, April 19 - 10 AM - Liturgy (with Paschal Procession): “Second Sunday of Pascha - St. Thomas” /
Prayers for the Departed (Third Anniversary): +Samuel Laba
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PASTORAL NOTES
+ TONIGHT (6 PM to 6:20 PM) is the last scheduled time to participate in Holy Confession in advance of the Holy Pascha. Please contact Fr. Bill privately if a Private Confession is requested during the remainder of Holy Week. ++ Only those parish members who have participated in Private Confession since the beginning of Lent should come forward to receive the Eucharist. ++
+ Any Orthodox Christian visiting our parish is welcome to receive Holy Eucharist this week if they are in good sacramental standing in their home parish.
+ Please remember that our personal ascetical FASTING ends only after we have tasted the sweetness of the Lord’s Body and Blood at the Pascha morning Liturgy.
+ Individuals intending to receive Holy Eucharist at the Vesperal Liturgies Thursday and Saturday (both at 2 PM) are reminded to begin their Eucharistic fast after breakfast - with the usual “exemptions” as required medically.
+ Bright Week (April 12 - 19) is a fast-free period as we rejoice at the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
+ REMINDER! Please maintain the appropriate “spiritual decorum” while venerating the Holy Shroud (Winding Sheet) on the grave and then quietly meditating in the church. The church nave (not just the altar) is always special “holy ground” and should be treated accordingly. Proper spiritual decorum during the liturgical processions is also a must as we all sing the church hymns while circling the church - NOT talk!
+ Pascha changes: We do not kneel in the divine services or in our daily private prayers from Pascha until the Feast of Pentecost (50 days after Pascha). Also, the “Prayer to the Holy Spirit (“O Heavenly King”) is replaced by the Pascha Troparion (“Christ is risen from dead…”) from Pascha until the Holyday of the Ascension (40 days after Pascha). Finally, “The angel cried” replaces the usual Hymn to the Theotokos, “It is truly meet.”
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Sunday Liturgy Laity Functions
APRIL 12 THIRD HOUR: [HOLY PASCHA]
APRIL 12 EPISTLE: (Deacon)
APRIL 12 COLLECTION: N. Domitrovic / P. Evans
APRIL 19 THIRD HOUR: M.D. Stahoviak
APRIL 19 EPISTLE: A. Lauer
APRIL 19 COLLECTION: A. Lauer / P. McKeown
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PRAYER/ GET-WELL GREETINGS LIST
* Mary Matanic: Heritage Valley Hospital - Sewickley
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* The next CHURCH SCHOOL / TEEN GROUP CLASSES sessions are scheduled for April 26 - 9 AM.
* Our annual LENTEN CHARITY DRIVE was a HUGE success thanks to all in the parish who help - THANKS! Please contact Fr. Bill if you, or someone you know, need non-perishable food and household items so help can be anonymously given.
* The SARRIS CANDY ORTHODOX CHOCOLATE CROSSES pre-ordered have arrived - please see Nikki Yakich to pick up. Thanks for supporting this Jr. FOCA fund raiser!
* A reminder that all are cordially invited to gather downstairs in the church hall immediately following this Sunday’s 7:30 AM Paschal service as we BLESS OUR PASCHA FOODS, ENJOY AN AGAPE MEAL, and do our annual CHILDREN’S EGG HUNT outside on the church property. ALL are invited - even those unable to bring a food basket - our parish members will be glad to share their “bounties!” You are reminded to please open all food containers and bags so that Fr. Bill can sprinkle the food with Holy Water as he passes through the church hall. You are encouraged to have an icon of the Resurrection in the basket and a lighted church candle as well. All children - children of the parish - as well as visiting children - are welcome to participate in the egg hunt. (We thank Matushka Debbie for once again organizing this event - along with our “Easter bunny helpers!”) (P.S. - Please remember to dispose of the uneaten blessed food properly - never throw the remnants in the garbage - return them to the earth outside.)
* We plan to take a GROUP PHOTO to update our parish web site in the church nave of Fr. Bill, our protodeacons, and the altar servers immediately following the blessing of Paschal foods this Sunday morning.
* Continuing a long time parish tradition, we will take a PASCHA SPECIAL COLLECTION as you exit the church nave following the 7:30 AM Pascha service this Sunday. We will donate that money to Mother Christophora and the sisters of the Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Ellwood City to ensure financial stability for their important ministry. If using a check, please make the check payable to “Holy Transfiguration Monastery.” We will include that check in the mailing envelope with the church check to be forwarded from the monetary collection given. Thanks!
* The parish gratefully acknowledges the recent MEMORIAL FUND DONATIONS given in honor of the departed servants of God +Bill / Arlene Gula and +Richard / Petka Raczkiewicz. +Memory Eternal!+
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WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE OUR FUND-RAISER A SUCCESS!
2026 LAS Victorian Tea and Basket Party
The Ladies Altar Society has reserved Saturday, May 9, 2026, for the next Victorian Tea and Basket Party. The party is a wonderful afternoon of fellowship, fun and food, and the highlight is the basket raffle. If you, or a group of friends/family, are interested in donating a basket, please see Matushka Debbie. The value of each basket is approximately $50 and up.
Some ideas for basket themes:
--Tea or Coffee (mugs, teapot, Starbucks gift cards)
--Cooking and baking (utensils, cookbooks, spices, cookie sheets, kitchen towels)
--Family Fun (DVD’s, board games, snacks, toys)
--Pampering (candles, lotions, perfume, bath products)
--Sports teams (blankets, mugs, decorations)
--Wine (bottles of wine, accessories, glasses)
--Romance novels/Mystery Lovers Basket
--Picnic (basket, tablecloth, plates, utensils, tabletop grill)
--Car wash/cleaning basket (bucket, sponges, car soap/wax, buffing cloths)
--Dinner/restaurant gift certificates --Breakfast Basket (pancake mix, syrup, etc.)
--Chocolate Lovers --Summer/Beach theme
--Gourmet foods --Any holiday
--Crafts/Knitting --Gardening
…or anything you want to create! If you don’t like to shop but still want to donate a basket, we can shop for you! Just see Matushka Debbie to give her your money and tell her what theme you would like. Men of the parish---you can donate toward a basket, too!
The LAS truly appreciates your generous donations towards our lovely Baskets! We look forward to seeing you at the Party on May 9.
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This most special of weeks - HOLY WEEK - is a time for each Orthodox believer to reflect and view their life in the proper perspective - - the ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE - - provided by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s sacrificial efforts on the Cross, Burial in the Tomb, Descent into Hades, and Third Day Resurrection. COME OFTEN to be with your Lord in His Holy House - - He did all of this FOR YOU - - don’t reject the Love He offers you to experience!
Laity Liturgy Functions
DATE THIRD HOUR EPISTLE__ COLLECTION__________
APRIL 5 A. Lauer (Palm Sunday) (T.B.A.) N. Wiglesworth / P. Wiglesworth
APRIL 12 [HOLY PASCHA] (Deacon) N. Domitrovic / P. Evans
APRIL 19 M.D. Stahoviak A. Lauer T. Fleck / R. Grano
APRIL 26 M. Soroka (T.B.A.) A. Lauer / P. McKeown
^ 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. Please mark your calendar since we do not send individual reminders.
^ Please contact Fr. Bill if you have any questions about these ministries. New participants are encouraged as well!
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Pastoral Reminders from Fr. Bill
~ EUCHARIST PARTICIPATION GENERAL GUIDELINE for the parish: individuals who do not receive Holy Eucharist for three or more consecutive Sunday Liturgies should return for a Private Confession before approaching to receive Holy Communion. Please contact Fr. Bill about this since there is always the possibility of an extenuating circumstance.
~ The celebration of Vespers for “The Raising of Lazarus” on April 3rd marks the end of the GREAT FAST (HOLY LENT) as we move on towards Holy Week. Each Orthodox Christian should try to maintain a rigorous ascetical fast during this most solemn of the annual fasting periods in the Orthodox Church. Of course, this should be accompanied by personal repentance (including participation in the Mystery of Confession and reception of the Holy Eucharist) almsgiving, increased church worship, and increased personal prayer/Scripture readings.
~ If not already maintaining a strict fast regimen (i.e., no meats or dairy products) for Great Lent, all are reminded that HOLY FRIDAY (APRIL 10TH) is a day of strict fasting as we honor the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the cross that day with Burial Vespers at 3 PM and Matins with the Lamentations at the Tomb of Christ at 7 PM.
~ Those intending to receive the Holy Eucharist at a LITURGY OF PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS are reminded to maintain our standard Eucharist fast (i.e., no food / drink except for required medications) after a light lunch - until receiving Holy Communion at the 6:30 PM Liturgy. Believers intending to receive the Body and Blood of Christ at the Holy Thursday (April 9th) 2 PM ST. BASIL’S VESPERAL LITURGY (at which we participate in the Mystery of the Institution of the Eucharist by Christ at the Last Supper) should strive to begin a Eucharistic fast after eating a light breakfast upon rising in the morning.
The same fasting discipline holds true for those Orthodox Christians desiring to commune with the Lord at the 2 PM HOLY SATURDAY ST. BASIL’S VESPERAL LITURGY celebrated around the Lord’s Holy Tomb - - please maintain a Eucharist fast after eating a light breakfast upon arising that Saturday morning.
~ PASCHA AND BRIGHT WEEK (April 12 - 18) is a non-fasting period as we rejoice at the Third Day Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus.
~ We DO NOT KNEEL in private prayer or corporate worship from Holy Pascha (April 12th) until the Great Day of Pentecost 50-days after Pascha (May 31st this year). Also, the Prayer to the Holy Spirit (“O, Heavenly King”) is REPLACED by the Paschal Troparion (“Christ is Risen”) in private prayer and the divine services in the church.
~ Please remember that the various HOLY WEEK PROCESSIONS around the exterior of the church building are part of the worship service itself - - please be sure to maintain the proper “spiritual decorum” during these special moments of the Orthodox liturgical year.
~ You are reminded that it is essential we maintain the proper respectful decorum while the TOMB OF CHRIST is in the center of the church on Holy Friday and Great Saturday. Please keep the talking to a minimum as the Old Testament psalms are chanted by the “grave watch” volunteers. Unless you are unable to do so physically, please come up the center aisle to venerate the Lord’s Body (Shroud) and make three full poklons (i.e., bow to the floor) before venerating it. Please then exit by using the window aisles on either side of the nave. AND - of course - please silence electronic devices in the nave of the church.
~ Individuals bringing PASCHA FOOD BASKETS to the 7:30 AM Pascha service are reminded to please bring those baskets to the downstairs church hall prior to the Nocturnes service. The basement door will be left unlocked for you to enter the hall directly. You are encouraged to include an icon of the Resurrection of Christ in your basket along with a church candle. We will open our baskets and share our “goodies” with each other after Fr. Bill blesses the Paschal foods. Individuals without baskets are encouraged to join us - - our parish family will be glad to share their blessed foods with you! Weather permitting, our time-honored parish EGG HUNT tradition will take place outside during this Agape meal as well. Children of the parish and visiting children are encouraged to take part!
~ Except for individuals required to EAT / DRINK small amounts out of necessity for medical conditions, Communion recipients are expected to conduct a Eucharistic fast prior to receiving the Sacrament. 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.
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^ 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.
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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
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^ Please remember to contact Fr. Bill any time you, or a loved one who is a member of the parish, is HOSPITALIZED for an extended number of days so that a pastoral visit can be done to administer either Holy Unction or Eucharist at the time of need.
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THANKS … and THANKS AGAIN! Fr. Bill and the parish council humbly thank everyone in the parish who elected to return a 2026 STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE FORM and participate in the program - - your dedication to the work of Christ’s Holy Church resulted in our pledges exceeding the important $100,000 milestone! This year’s total pledged (to-date) is $102,285 - - - $11,370 more than the 2025 total of $90,915 - - - a significant 13% increase!! (We ARE still accepting additional 2026 pledges - - please contact Fr. Bill to receive a pledge form electronically or see a parish officer at the vestibule candle desk for a paper copy.)
*Our parish’s future is brighter because of YOU!!*
Also - - an ICONOSTASIS PROJECT UPDATE: the parish has now received donation checks for 24 of the 29 icons pledged - - THANKS for fulfilling your commitment! (As reported at the Annual Parish Meeting, the iconographer reports that the production of all twenty-nine icons is “on target!)
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^ Check out our website at www.holyghost.org. The PHOTO GALLERY has been updated to include not only photos from the past year, but also some old photos from the 1920's and 1940's that were found. Also click on the box that says "Holy Ghost Orthodox Church in the News" to see articles that appeared in the newspaper and periodicals about our church and parishioners. Once you enter the church's website, click on "Photo Gallery" and then click on "Photos from Previous Years (starting in 1907)" to access the photo gallery of our parish.
Tentative GROUP PHOTO dates immediately following Liturgy:
* Altar servers - St. Thomas Sunday (April 18)
* LAS - Sunday of the Myrrh Bearers (April 26)
* Church School/Teen Group - final day of classes when the awards are given (May 10)
^ Please consider signing the list on the vestibule candle desk to sign up for the traditional GRAVE WATCH at the Lord’s Tomb on Holy Friday (April 10) and Great Saturday (April 11). These one-hour time slots are a wonderful time to spend “quiet time” with your Savior. Families with children at home are especially encouraged to make this hour or two special family time with Jesus! The teens and children will once again begin the grave watch by “guarding the tomb” between 3 PM and 7 PM Holy Friday services. Lenten snacks will be provided. Parents may also stay!
^ The parish’s Jr. FOCA chapter is once again this year taking orders for SARRIS CANDY ORTHODOX CHOCOLATE CROSSES for delivery at church on Holy Friday (April 10). Each chocolate cross is $7.00 with money due at the time of pick up on April 10th. Please sign the list on the vestibule candle desk to place your order or contact Nikki Yakich soon. (These are GREAT additions to your Pascha basket when the foods are blessed after the Paschal Divine Liturgy on April 12th!) Thanks for supporting “our kids!”
^ Parents of the parish with children of the appropriate age group are reminded that FULL CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS are once again being offered to our parish children/teens who plan on attending a recognized Orthodox summer camp in 2026. Camp spots may quickly fill, so parents are encouraged to do this soon. Please contact Fr. Bill if you have any questions about 2026 Orthodox camping.
^ As has been our parish practice for quite a few years, we will once again this year take a SPECIAL COLLECTION as you leave the church nave following the 7:30 AM Paschal services on April 12.This will benefit the Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Ellwood City - an important Orthodox spiritual community we are blessed to have so near us! If using a check instead of donating cash, please make the check payable to “Holy Transfiguration Monastery.” Our parish officers will include your check in the mailing to the monastery afterward.
Parents with school age children are reminded that ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL to attend the 3 PM Holy Friday Vespers on April 10th IS a valid excuse. Let’s have ALL our children in church that day if possible!
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.