Tracing its roots back to a Russian mission in Alaska during the late 18th century the Holy Apostles Orthodox Church stands as a testament to enduring faith. This multi-lingual multi-ethnic parish in Saddle Brook New Jersey is a vibrant community. It’s part of the Orthodox Church in America a synod of bishops in union with the worldwide Orthodox communion. The church’s origins are deeply rooted in history. It emerged from a group of about forty individuals. They remained faithful to the then Metropolia. This was when the majority of parishioners of Three Saints Church of Garfield New Jersey chose to join the Moscow Patriarchate.
For its first seven years divine services were held at the Amvets Hall in Garfield New Jersey. Father John Steffaro was the founding pastor. He was followed by Father Eugene Tarris and Father Cyril Lukashonak. It was during Father Lukashonak’s pastorate that the parish acquired its property in Saddle Brook. Father James Worth served the parish briefly. Then Metropolitan Ireney appointed Father Thomas Edwards in 1974. He served as parish rector for thirty years.
The construction of the church in Saddle Brook was a monumental effort. It was financed through the sale of interest-bearing bonds and generous contributions from parishioners and friends. The Myrrhbearing Women played a significant role. They contributed substantially through various arts and crafts projects. They sold their creations at an annual charity booth at a nearby mall. They also organized Chinese auctions dinners raffles and even “mystery bus rides”. The parish council hosted “Russian New Year’s Eve dances” barn dances and other community events. The men of the parish undertook much of the labor completing the church interior. Sadly two parishioners John Hoc and Edward Yuhas passed away while working on the church. John Cherba also reposed while helping set up the altar during the Amvets Hall days.
The iconography is mainly the work of Monk Sergius Timothy Girioux and Timothy Loya. Other iconographers such as Father Philip Koufos and Dmitry Shkolnik added to the beauty. The exquisite cherry wood iconostas altar table and other liturgical items were handcrafted by Master Woodcarver Paul Mozes. The stained glass windows are faithful reproductions of classic Russian iconography from the Novgorod School.
Divine services are primarily in English with some Slavonic selections. Leonard Davis has been the parish choir director for most of the church’s history. Archbishop Peter ordained Peter Eagler as a parish subdeacon. The parish has fostered one priestly vocation Father Paul Ken Wesche currently pastor of St Herman’s Church in Minneapolis. Beyond Sunday services and major holidays a Panakhida is held on the first Saturday of each month. This service remembers deceased parishioners benefactors and friends. The sacrament of Confession is offered before all Divine Liturgies. During Great Lent the Presanctified Liturgy is celebrated every Wednesday. It’s followed by a Lenten supper. The parish coffee hour is a long-standing tradition existing since the church’s inception.
For many years the parish has provided food to a nearby food pantry. Other acts of charity include monetary and goods donations to various relief efforts at home and abroad. The parish also helps support seminaries and monastic communities. Currently the women continue to make warm clothing for children in Romania and other Eastern European countries. Parishioners help each other with transportation visit the sick and engage in other acts of mercy. The Holy Apostles Orthodox Church isn’t merely a place of worship it’s a vibrant community a living testament to faith service and enduring bonds.