About Ascension of Our Lord · Williamsburg, Virginia
Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic parish in Williamsburg, Virginia, rooted in Slavic traditions and part of the Byzantine-Ruthenian Church in communion with Rome. Founded in 1984 as a mission, it became a canonical parish in 1988 and now serves a diverse community drawn to its Eastern liturgical and spiritual heritage. Services are primarily in English, welcoming Roman Catholics in good standing to receive sacraments. The parish is known for its Byzantine liturgy, active ministries, and strong sense of community.
- Established
- 1984
- Patron
- Ascension of Our Lord
- Rector
- The Very Reverend Father Alex Shuter
- Diocese
- Eparchy of Pasasaic
Why belong here
Join a parish that welcomes Roman Catholics and embraces Byzantine traditions, offering rich liturgy, active ministries, and a warm community. Experience the beauty of Eastern Catholic worship, including the Divine Liturgy, and participate in sacraments, prayer groups, and outreach programs that foster spiritual growth and fellowship.
Mass times at Ascension of Our Lord
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Before Divine Liturgy
- By appointment
About Us
Ascension of Our Lord is a Byzantine (Ruthenian) Catholic Church, an Eastern Catholic church, located in Williamsburg, Virginia. The church's ancestral origins are from Eastern (Slavic) Europe. The Byzantine Catholic Church follows the Holy Traditions of the Byzantine East, with roots in Constantinople, while maintaining union with the Catholic church of Rome. All services are mostly conducted in English. Roman Catholics in good standing with the Church are free to receive the Holy Sacraments.
A Brief History
As the first Byzantine-Ruthenian Catholic Church in Southeastern Virginia, the parish family first came together with a Divine Liturgy celebrated at St. Mary Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church at Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia on November 4, 1984, when Father John Lazarek began his missionary work. For four years, Fr. Lazarek travelled from Annandale, Virginia, to the Tidewater area to celebrate the Divine Liturgy. In September of 1987, the mission purchased Greensprings Community Chapel. On February 4, 1988, Bishop Michael J. Dudick, D.D., The Eparchy of Pasasaic, granted canonical status to the newly-named Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church. On October 25, 1988, Father Edward G. Cimbala was assigned as the parish's first resident pastor. In October of 1989, Father Edward Cimbala began his missionary work in Virginia Beach by founding Our Lady of Perpetual Help Byzantine Catholic Church while continuing to serve the Williamsburg parish. Today Ascension parish has grown from a parish formed to meet the needs of the ethnic Byzantine Catholics of the area into a parish home for many residents who have come to love the Catholic traditions of the Christian East. God has blessed our parish over the years and we look forward to all that He has in store for us in the years to come!
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father John Lazarek1984–1987
Missionary founder; celebrated first Divine Liturgy in 1984.
- Father Edward G. Cimbala1988–1989
First resident pastor; also founded Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Virginia Beach in 1989.