Is there an Orthodox church in Brooklyn that connects Lemkos to their heritage? Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church does just that. It is a testament to faith and community. Let’s explore its story together right here in front of Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church.
Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church’s roots intertwine with those of Lemkos from Galicia. They first came to Yonkers in the 1880s. These immigrants mixed with Rusnaks from the Presov Region and Zakarpatia. The Rusnaks had arrived earlier and in greater numbers.
Many Lemkos found work in factories. Some ventured into their own businesses. Andrej Smyja was a barber on Riverdale Avenue. Orest Hyra owned a hotel. Mr Bincarowsky and Mr Ciuryk ran grocery stores. Religion held great importance in their lives. The first Slavic church in Yonkers was the Byzantine Catholic Church of St. Nicholas of Myra. It was built on Ash Street in 1894.
Building their own church required much cooperation. One group of parishioners dug the foundation and built the structure. Another group traveled to collect money and donations. They sometimes went as far as Pennsylvania. The church cost $12000 to build. Lemkos and Rusnaks attended this church. Other Slavs joined them including Ukrainians Slovaks Poles and Hungarians. Services were held in old Church Slavonic and Hungarian.
Conflicts arose at St Nicholas. One group wanted to promote Galician identity. This contrasted with those from the Presov region and Zakarpatia. This Galician group broke away from St Nicholas. It included Ukrainians and Lemkos.
In 1899 the Ukrainian group built their own church. It was located where Riverview and Chestnut Streets meet. It was named Little Russian Greek Catholic Church of St Michael. In 1978 a new church was built. It stood on the corner of North Broadway and Shonnard Place. It stands diagonal from Saint Mary’s today. It is now called the Ukrainian Catholic Church of St Michael.
Also in 1899 Orthodox Lemkos left St Nicholas. This occurred during the Return to Orthodoxy movement. They built their own church on Seymour Street. It was first called Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church. A fire led to rebuilding in 1905. This time it was on a different plot of land on Seymour Street. That church remains today. It is now called Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church.
In the 1930s some parishioners left Holy Trinity. They started their own church at 77 High Street. Among these parishioners were Lemkos with Rusyn leanings. This new church was named Saint Mary’s Carpatho Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church. Fr John Kushwara became the first priest. He also left Holy Trinity.
Our story brings us to 1969. A new Saint Mary’s church was built under Fr Elias Kozar’s guidance. It was built on North Broadway. This is where it stands today as Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church.
Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church stands as a beacon of faith and heritage. It connects its community to its rich past. This church has evolved through immigration conflict and renewal. It has become a spiritual home for many. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith and community.