Perhaps you have noticed the mosaic over the entrance. It is one of the artistic touches that make Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church special. Welcome. The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church has a rich history rooted in faith and community.
In the spring of 1962 Metropolitan Ambrose Senyshyn sought land to establish a parish. He wanted it in the suburbs of Philadelphia. The site at 1206 Valley Road was purchased on April 5 1962 for $40000. Father Paul Burak was named its first pastor just ten days later.
Archbishop Senyshyn honored the Mother of God. He gave the church the title Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Antimension for the altar was signed August 14 1962.
The first Sunday liturgy happened August 26 1962. It was held in a large room of the new house. The room had been converted into a chapel. Steve Kazmar and Eugene Rohach wrote to Archbishop Senyshyn. They noted over 200 people attended. The chapel was filled to capacity.
Before 1962 ended Father Burak formed an Altar Boys Society. He also created the League of Ukrainian Catholic Youth. A parish choir soon followed under Jaroslaw Shchuka. The Annunciation BVM parish quickly attracted 100 registered families. Father Burak and parishioners cleared and repaired the premises. They gathered for religious and social functions. Each family was assessed $1000. This was to be paid over five years. It was a fund raiser for the parish.
Plans included a church and rectory at 1206 Valley Road. Local zoning laws and neighbors’ opposition changed this. The adjoining property at 1204 Valley Road was purchased. Father Burak bought the present rectory August 23 1963 for $59000.
Archbishop Senyshyn made his first visit February 16 1964. On July 16 1964 he told Father Burak to build a new church. It should seat 400 to 500 people. The cost was not to exceed $250000. Father Burak raised $35000 within a year and a half.
Building plans were finalized in 1968. Ricker and Axt designed the church. P. Agnes Inc. was the contractor. Groundbreaking occurred April 28 1968. Monsignor Myroslaw Charyna officiated for Archbishop Senyshyn. Dr. Emil Harasym served as chairperson. Services were at Holy Trinity Ruthenian Catholic Church. Professor John Onuskonich became choir director.
The annual Christmas Bazaar started. It still provides financial support. In 1969 the Altar Memorial Fund began. It honored Stephen Shast an altar boy who died at 15. Olga Krill and Sophia Bukata chaired the fund.
Father Burak’s health declined. He moved to a parish with lighter duties in 1970. He became pastor of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church. Father Barak died May 23 1987.
Very Rev. Constantine Berdar became pastor March 9 1970. He served until 1972. Bishop Stock visited the parish December 5 1971. Very Rev. Augustine Molodowitz became administrator April 21 1972. Bishop John Stock became the third pastor May 1. His time was short. Bishop Stock died in a car accident June 29 1972.
Rev. Robert Moskal followed as pastor. He started the 2/20 Club to help finances. The cornerstone was blessed May 13 1973. Major Archbishop Josef Cardinal Slipij blessed it.
Several priests served Annunciation Parish. Rev. Monsignor Michael Federowich became pastor September 1 1974. He served until November 1979. The church mortgage was paid off. Property at 7803 N. 12th Street was purchased. Monsignor also arranged for church altars. Christine Dochwat designed them.
In November 1979 Very Rev. Basil Makuch became pastor. He paid $64000 on the 12th Street property mortgage. He also commissioned the new altars.
Rev. Monsignor James Melnic arrived August 14 1981. He was pastor for 26 years. The parish grew from 100 to over 400 families. Monsignor reorganized the parish choir. In 1985 he financed their first Christmas music recording. In 1988 the choir visited Rome Italy Yugoslavia and Vienna Austria. The choir sang a Liturgy at St. Peter’s Basilica with Pope John Paul 11.
In January 1991 Ihor Kusznir passed the choir to Irene Pelech-Zwarych and Lesia Penkalskyj. The Annunciation BVM Choir performs at parish and community events.
Monsignor Melnic paid off the Chancery building assessment. He also paid the 12th Street property mortgage. Monsignor commissioned Andrij Maday to create the iconostas and interior painting. Christina Dochwat designed a mosaic over the entrance. A new bell and carillon system were installed. The sacristy and parish grounds were renovated.
Rev. Ihor Royik followed Monsignor Melnic August 16 2007. Since 2007 Father Royik renovated the church. Yuriy Kostiv completed the new iconostas in 2012.
The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith community and artistic vision. Its history reflects the dedication of its leaders and parishioners. It continues to serve future generations.