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Language:
English
and
Church Slavonic
Calendar: Julian
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159 Stiles Street,
Elizabeth NJ 07208-1811
Pastor - Mitered
Archpriest Emil Minkovich
Tel: (908)
352-1192
Choir Director
- Irene Rossi
300 Plainfield
Road Edison, NJ 08820
Tel: (732)
494-2611
OUR HISTORY
Immediately
prior to the entry of the United States into World War I, the Russian residents
of Elizabeth became increasingly aware of the need for a Russian Orthodox
Church in their city. These recent immigrants were devout members
of their Church. In 1916, after several years of travels as far as
New Your City for regular church services, the group decided their numbers
were great enough to warrant the formation of a Russian Orthodox Church
in their city.
The
first pastor, Fr. Varchol, held services at several locations until 1918
when the parishioners purchased a former German Presbyterian Church at
Third and Livingston Streets. This location was ideal as a majority
of the parishioners resided in the immediate vicinity.
From
the very beginning the societies of Ss. Boris & Hleb, Ss. Peter &
Paul Mutual Aid Society and the St. Mary Sisterhood contributed much to
the steady growth of the parish. In 1941 the Elizabeth Russian Junior
League, Chapter 132, of the F.R.O.C. was organized. The Altar Guild
was established in 1949.
Through
the years the energetic parishioners had maintained and updated their facilities,
but in 1957 it became obvious that a new church was needed and a
Building Fund program was established. In October 1961 property was
purchased across town on Stiles Street and actual construction was begun
in April 1966. The church was consecrated on May 21, 1967 by Metropolitan
John, Patriarchal Exarch of North and South America and the Aleutian Islands.
The year 1967 is also to be noted for the arrival of Fr. Emil Minkovich
in October. Fr. Emil had graduated from Christ the Saviour Seminary
in the spring.
The
year 1985 brought the burning of the church mortgage and plans for the
reconstruction of our parish Activity Center. Over the years we outgrew
the original building. In 1987 it was replaced with a new building,
which in addition to the auditorium added facilities for the Sunday School,
a professional kitchen, an office for the pastor, and an apartment for
the sexton. In 1987 Fr. Emil Minkovich was elevated to the rank of
Mitered Archpriest.
We are
now serving a fourth generation of parishioners. The parish that
was organized to serve Russian immigrants in the city of Elizabeth now
serves the spiritual needs of native-born Orthodox Christians throughout
central New Jersey as well as recent immigrants from Russia. Our
church choir is dedicated to providing musical inspiration as our services
change to meet the varying needs of our parishioners. The Sunday
School families work diligently to provide religious education to our young
people. A monthly newsletter mailed to parishioners and friends keeps
everyone informed about life in our parish and the diocese. A Silver
Anniversary celebration took place in 1992 to honor Fr. Emil Minkovich,
our longest serving pastor.
SUBMIT OUR ONLINE FORM
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