DIVINE SERVICES
* (Tomorrow) December 5 - 6:30 PM - Vespers (Litiya): “St. Nicholas” / Confessions: 6 PM - 6:20 PM
* Saturday, December 6 - 9:30 AM - Divine Liturgy: “St. Nicholas” / Confessions: 9 AM - 9:15 AM
*Saturday, December 6 - 4:30 PM - Vespers / Confessions: 4 PM - 4:20 PM
* Sunday, December 7 - 10 AM - Divine Liturgy / Prayers for the Departed: +Samuel Warbel
* Wednesday, December 10 - 6:30 PM - Akathist Prayer Service / Confessions: 6 PM - 6:20 PM
* Saturday, December 13 - 4:30 PM - Vespers / Confession: 4 PM - 4:20 PM
* Sunday, December 14 - 10 AM - Divine Liturgy: ”Forefathers Sunday” /
Prayers for the Departed: +Fr. Igor Soroka / +William L. Evansky
=========================
SUNDAY LITURGY LAITY FUNCTIONS
* DECEMBER 7 THIRD HOUR: T. Evansky
* DECEMBER 7 EPISTLE: (T.B.A.)
* DECEMBER 7 COLLECTION: I. Yakich / P. Wiglesworth
* DECEMBER 14 THIRD HOUR: C. Schulte
* DECEMBER 14 EPISTLE: M. Soroka
* DECEMBER 14 COLLECTION: R. Markvan / P. McKeown
=========================
DECEMBER SPECIAL OCCASIONS!
* 5: Phillip Wiglesworth
* 10: Danielle Ilchuk
* 14: Eli Schulte
* 16: Easton Rosak (16)
* 17: Natalie Vale
* 20: Nicole Domitrovic
+May God grant you many years!+
=========================
* Please keep in your prayers the newly departed servant of God +ARCHPRIEST PAUL PYRCH who fell asleep in the Lord this week. Fr. Paul is a priest-son of our parish and also a former pastor here during the 1970’s before beginning a long and successful career in the military chaplaincy. +MEMORY ETERNAL!+
* The NATIVITY FAST (ADVENT) continues until the celebration of our Lord’s Birth on the December 25th Holyday - - please prepare for the Messiah’s coming spiritually by fasting and by participating in the Holy Mysteries of Private Confession and Eucharist. (Come soon!!)
* We will not have a regular COFFEE HOUR downstairs in the church hall following this Sunday’s Liturgy due to the COOKIE WALK at the Youth Center. We will, however, have refreshments offered at the Cookie Walk. A note about the Cookie Walk: cookies may be dropped off at the Youth Center Saturday from 3pm-4pm or on Sunday before 9:30 AM. Please support the Cookie Walk by baking or making a monetary donation AND by purchasing cookies this Sunday.
* CHURCH SCHOOL - TEEN GROUP CLASSES will meet this Sunday - 9 AM. The next monthly SUNDAY DIALOGUE for the adults is also scheduled for this Sunday with me in the church nave at 9 AM. ALL are encouraged to attend this discussion session! (P.S. - You can drop off your cookies at the Youth Center prior to 9 AM and then attend the Sunday Dialogue!)
* Please be generous with your FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS. Please bring your donations of household and non-perishable food items downstairs to the church kitchen so they can be passed along - or - you can personally drop off donations at the Fair Oaks fire station on Ambridge Avenue. Additionally, you can donate monetarily by making a check payable to the parish as you mark it - “Food Pantry Help.” You can forward that check to any parish officer in the vestibule or give it directly to me. Cash donations are also gratefully accepted. THANKS!
* I continue my NATIVITY FAST PASTORAL VISITS to our parish members unable to physically receive the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion during Liturgy at church. I will schedule these important visits in advance with the known parish members on my list desiring a visit, but all are invited to contact me to schedule such a visit if required. It is my goal to complete these Eucharistic visits no later than December 19.
* Our annual CHILDREN’S PROGRAM will take place in the nave of the church immediately following the December 14th Liturgy. Also, the annual ADVENT CHARITY LUNCH will take place downstairs in the church hall immediately following the program. COME! (The rehearsal time on December 13 for the program will be announced ASAP by Mat. Debbie to the parents. Also, the time for the teens to decorate the church on December 13 will also be announced shortly.)
* Holiday celebrations are the perfect way to share traditions. They are also an opportunity to preserve connections to our roots for future generations and to promote unity and respect within our communities. Old Economy Village in Ambridge is gearing up for its very popular CHRISTMAS AT THE VILLAGE event, which is scheduled for this Saturday - 2pm-9pm and this Sunday - 2pm-7pm. This annual celebration attracts 2,000 visitors over the weekend, offering the sights and sounds of a 19th century Christmas with live music and strolling carolers, candlelit cobblestone streets, decorated historic buildings and our Festival of Trees. This year, the Village is adding something new and meaningful to the celebration: SHARING OUR TRADITIONS, a cultural showcase of holiday customs from the diverse communities that make up our neighborhood and region. Our parish plans on participating with our display being found in the “Baker house” located at Old Economy Village. Plan on stopping by!
* ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY is tentatively scheduled downstairs in the church hall on Thursday, December 11 - 6:30 PM. Please let me know no later than Tuesday evening, December 9, if you can attend. Visitors are always welcome to join us as we draw closer to our Lord together through our study of sacred scripture!
* There are two CHOIR REHEARSALS scheduled in advance of the Nativity Holyday - December 10 / 17 - immediately following the 6:30 PM Akathist service. We urge current - and PROSPECTIVE NEW MEMBERS - to attend! (We’d LOVE to “bolster the ranks” of our choir!)
* The parish’s 2026 WALL CALENDARS will be available at no cost beginning this weekend both on the vestibule candle desk and downstairs in the church hall. Please help yourself to as many calendars as desired - we have an ample supply. Anyone who can take a calendar to others unable to get one at church is encouraged to do so. We once again this year thank our good friends at the BOHN-MATICH FUNERAL HOME for sponsoring the cost of these parish calendars, as they have done for many decades now. (We also offer our condolences to funeral director Bob Matich at the passing of his mother +Mary Jane this past week.)
* 2025 PARISH CONTRIBUTIONS REMINDER! December 15 is the last day to make donations for 2025 on-line through Tithely: https://www.holyghostoca.org/onlinegiving. This is due to processing time with the company’s system. Likewise, donations given at the December 28 Liturgy collection will be the last day to have a contribution credited for this calendar year since that will be the final bank deposit of the year. Any donation received by the parish after that date’s bank deposit is done will be credited as the first donation for 2026 - as required by the I.R.S.
* The 2026 FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH COFFEE HOUR SPONSORSHIP LIST has been posted downstairs on the church hall bulletin board. We ask you to please consider taking a turn sponsoring one of these 2026 events - either alone or by partnering with someone else. Please contact Mat. Debbie if you need more information about what is required for sponsors to provide. Anyone unable to purchase coffee hour products can still do a sponsorship by forwarding the needed monetary donation to Mat. Debbie who will assist you.
* St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Ambridge will sell PIEROGIS AND DUMPLING HALUSHKI on Mon Dec. 22. Available will be potato/cheese pierogi for $10 a dozen and dumpling halushki for $10 a quart. They will be available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 22 at the church’s Parish Center on Fifth St in Ambridge. Advanced orders can be placed by Dec. 17 by calling (412) 512-5521 or by emailing anrighetti21@gmail.com.
=========================
- NICHOLAS OF MYRA- Come and honor this beloved saint!
Holyday Vespers - Tomorrow - 6:30 PM / Liturgy - Saturday - 9:30 AM!
What crowns of praise shall we weave for the Bishop?
Although he lived in Myra,
he reaches out in spirit to all who sincerely love him.
He is the consolation of all in affliction, the refuge of all in danger,
the tower of godliness, the champion of the faithful,//
for whose sake the greatly merciful Christ has laid low the arrogance of the Enemy
You that love the feasts,
let us gather and sing the praises of the fair ornament of bishops,
the glory of the Fathers, the fount of wonders and the great protector of the faithful.
Let us say: “Rejoice, guardian of the people of Myra,
their chief and honored counselor and the pillar that cannot be moved!
Rejoice, light filled with brightness!
You make the ends of the world shine with wonders.
Rejoice, divine delight of the afflicted,
the fervent advocate of those who suffer from injustice!
And now, all-blessed Nicholas, never cease praying to Christ our God//
for those who honor the high feast of your memorial with faith and love!“
=========================
Fr. Bill
Laity Liturgy Functions
DATE THIRD HOUR EPISTLE__ COLLECTION______
DECEMBER 7 T. Evansky (T.B.A.) I. Yakich / P. Wiglesworth
DECEMBER 14 C. Schulte M. Soroka R. Markvan / P. McKeown
DECEMBER 21 T. Zehnder D. Ilchuk O. Mycyk / B. Nelko
DECEMBER 25 Mat. Evansky (T.B.A.) S. Yakich / N. Domitrovic
DECEMBER 28 N. Yakich Mat. Evansky 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. 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!
=========================
Pastoral Reminders from Fr. Bill
~ The Nativity Fast (Advent) in preparation for our Lord’s Nativity celebration on December 25th continues until the Nativity Holyday Liturgy is celebrated. Please prepare yourself spiritually for His Birth by fasting, by coming to Private Confession, and by receiving the Holy Eucharist. Please see the parish calendar or the weekly e-bulletins for times when Private Confession is scheduled; please contact Fr. Bill privately to set up an alternative time during the week if necessary.
~ NOTE: Only those parish members who have come to PRIVATE CONFESSION since the beginning of the Advent fasting season of 2025 should approach to receive the Body and Blood of Christ at the December 25th Liturgy or thereafter.
Any Orthodox Christian who is in “good sacramental standing” in their home Orthodox parish is welcome to receive the Holy Mysteries here without coming to Confession locally.
~ December 26 through January 4 (inclusive) are fast free days as we celebrate the joy of our Savior’s Nativity in the Flesh.
~ Eucharist participation general guideline for the parish: individuals who do not receive Holy Eucharist for more than two consecutive Sunday Liturgies should return for a Private Confession before approaching Holy Communion. Please contact Fr. Bill about this since there is always the possibility of an extenuating circumstance.
~ Except for individuals required to eat or drink small amounts for medical conditions (i.e., with medications, etc.) out of necessity, 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.
^ 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 electronic bulletin are put in the vestibule wall pamphlet rack for those individuals wanting a paper copy with the same being true for the monthly newsletter. This e-bulletin is prepared in lieu of a Sunday paper bulletin.
=========================
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
=========================
^ 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.” Fr. Bill continues his Nativity season pastoral visits to our parish members unable to receive the Lord’s Body and Blood at Liturgy. He will contact the known individuals on his list, but you are welcome to contact HIM to schedule a pastoral visit if needed.
^ (Mark your planner!) ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY is tentatively scheduled to take place downstairs in the church hall on Thursday, December 11 (6:30 PM). Please inform Fr. Bill if you plan to attend no later than Tuesday evening, December 9, to make sure there will be sufficient attendance to proceed with the discussion. Come and learn! Guests are warmly welcomed, too!
^ 2025 parish contributions notice! December 15 is the last day to make donations for 2025 on-line through Tithely: https://www.holyghostoca.org/onlinegiving. This is due to processing time with the company’s system. Likewise, the December 28 Liturgy collection will be the last day to have a contribution credited for this calendar year. Any donation received by the parish after that date’s bank deposit is done will be credited as the first donation for 2026.
^ The annual COOKIE WALK fund raiser will take place at the Youth Center following the Liturgy on December 7. Please consider baking if possible! Also, please stop by the Youth Center on December 7 to purchase cookies. We will have refreshments served that day at the Youth Center rather than having a coffee hour downstairs in the church hall. Please contact project chair Tammy Needham with questions about this event.
^ Our annual ADVENT CHARITY DRIVE continues. Please buy a few extra non-perishable food and household items each time you shop and bring those items to the church kitchen area. Your help is TRULY needed this year as we support the Fair Oaks Fire Department Food Pantry that is experiencing a sharp increase in assistance requests by local families for such items. Of course, monetary donations really help, too! Please give your cash donation or check to any parish officer in the vestibule who will forward that donation to Fr. Bill - or give them directly to Fr. Bill. Please make checks payable to “Holy Ghost Orthodox Church” while marking the memo line - “Advent Charity Help.” Any parish member needing assistance should contact Fr. Bill privately as part of this campaign. (It IS ok to ask if help is needed!)
=========================
For a happier life … trust LESS in what YOU think in 2025,
and trust MORE in what Christ has taught for 2,000 years!
Your parish church is where this spiritual knowledge is given in abundance -
DON’T go it alone! See you OFTEN in December!
+CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!+
=========================
^ Holiday celebrations are the perfect way to share traditions. They are also an opportunity to preserve connections to our roots for future generations and to promote unity and respect within our communities. Old Economy Village in Ambridge is gearing up for its very popular CHRISTMAS AT THE VILLAGE event, which is scheduled for Saturday, December 6 from 2:00 – 9:00 pm and Sunday, December 7 from 2:00 – 7:00 pm. This annual celebration attracts 2,000 visitors over the weekend, offering the sights and sounds of a 19th century Christmas with live music and strolling carolers, candlelit cobblestone streets, decorated historic buildings and our Festival of Trees. This year, the Village is adding something new and meaningful to the celebration: SHARING OUR TRADITIONS, a cultural showcase of holiday customs from the diverse communities that make up our neighborhood and region. Our parish plans on participating with our display being found in the “Baker house” located at Economy Village. Plan on stopping by! Please contact project chair Nicole Domitrovic if you have questions - or - if you can spend some time “working” at our display. Many of our teens will also be helping with the display . .thanks! (P.S. - this will NOT affect our December 7th Cookie Walk that is still a “go!”)
PLEASE NOTE
While personal information of individuals is never used, images of our parish’s services and group events may be used on social media from time to time. Anyone who has an objection to their image being used should privately contact Fr. Bill or Nicole Domitrovic to opt-out of this usage.
^ The 2026 parish wall calendars will be available free on the candle desk in the church vestibule beginning early in December. The parish once again this year THANKS our good friends at the BOHN-MATICH FUNERAL HOME for sponsoring these calendars.
^ Fr. Bill will place a sign-up list on the vestibule candle desk shortly after the December 25th Holyday for parish members desiring a 2026 Theophany house blessing beginning on January 6, following the Theophany Holyday 9:30 AM Liturgy and Great Blessing of Water. You can also email or call/text him after the Feast of the Nativity on December 25th to be included in the 2026 Theophany house blessing list. (ALL are encouraged to participate and receive Christ’s Grace for a new year in your home!)
^ Akathist prayer services are on the calendar for two Wednesdays during this Advent Fast - December 10 and 17 - 6:30 PM. Private Confessions will also be available from 6 PM until 6:20 PM both nights. Catch your breath from all your “Christmas hustle and bustle” - come to church and pray!
^ We hope everyone can attend our annual Nativity Children’s Program taking place in the church nave immediately following the December 14 Liturgy. Matushka Debbie will be sending additional information about this program - including rehearsal info - to the parents soon. Also, our annual Advent charity lunch will take place downstairs in the church hall immediately following that program - come … and bring a guest!
An important spiritual reminder from Fr. Bill as we near the end of the year - - the reception of the Holy Mysteries of Private Confession and Holy Eucharist (Communion) at least annually is required to be considered an active member of the Orthodox Church and this parish. Please contact Fr. Bill privately if you have any questions about your important sacramental standing.
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.