About Protection of Blessed Virgin Mary [Ukrainian] · Manchester, New Hampshire
Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Ukrainian Catholic (Byzantine/Eastern Rite) parish in Manchester, New Hampshire, established in 1908 and belonging to the Ukrainian Catholic Diocese of Stamford, Connecticut (geographically within the territory of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester). The parish celebrates the Divine Liturgy — most of it sung, in the time-honored Eastern Christian tradition — together with a full program of religious education, a Ladies Sodality, an annual Ice Cream Social, and a parish pilgrimage to the annual Ukrainian Catholic gathering in Sloatsburg, NY. Worship is offered in both English and Ukrainian, and Fr. Ihor Papka and Deacon Jon Messer serve a community that is a vital anchor for Ukrainian-heritage Catholics and refugees throughout the Granite State.
- Established
- 1908
- Patron
- The Protection (Pokrov) of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Rector
- Rev. Father Ihor Papka
- Diocese
- Ukrainian Catholic Diocese of Stamford, Connecticut (geographically within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester, NH)
Why belong here
Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary welcomes anyone who wishes to experience the Byzantine/Eastern Catholic tradition — sung Divine Liturgy, frequent use of Ukrainian alongside English, and a tight-knit, multigenerational community. The parish offers Religious Education for children (held in the church hall September through May), a Ladies Sodality that organizes outreach and social events, an annual Ice Cream Social, and an organized pilgrimage to the largest Ukrainian Catholic pilgrimage in the United States in Sloatsburg, NY. For Ukrainian Catholics — including recent refugees from the war — and for any Catholic who wishes to fulfill their obligations in the Eastern Church, this is a warm, prayerful home in the heart of Manchester.
Mass times at Protection of Blessed Virgin Mary [Ukrainian]
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- 1/2 hour before Sunday Divine Liturgy (with recitation of the Holy Rosary)
About Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church
Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary is an Eastern Rite (Byzantine) Ukrainian Catholic parish in full union with the Pope of Rome, worshiping in the heart of Manchester, New Hampshire. The parish describes itself as following the 'time-honored, deeply spiritual and symbolic Orthodox Christian traditions of the Eastern or Byzantine Rite,' with a heavy emphasis on congregational and choral singing — often the entire Liturgy is sung. The community affirms the doctrines of the Holy Trinity and of Jesus Christ, Son of God, 'conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of a Virgin … crucified for the sins of the whole world and rose from the grave to grant eternal life.' Worship is offered in both English and Ukrainian, and the Universal Church affirms that all Catholics meet their obligations in the Eastern Church and are welcome to receive Holy Communion here.
History of the Parish
The parish was established in 1908 to minister to Ukrainian Catholic faithful in Manchester. Its long presence — over a century at 54 Walnut Street — has made it a gathering point for successive waves of Ukrainian immigration, including the most recent arrival of refugees fleeing the war with Russia. Parishioners have spoken publicly about the parish as 'an entire nervous system' of Ukrainian identity, a place where shared grief and joy are held together through prayer, traditional foods such as Kyivsky Torte, embroidered vyshyvanky, and community celebrations. In 2025, NH Public Radio profiled the parish as providing 'stability for its congregation,' documenting how the church hall fills after Sunday Liturgy for brunch, raffles of icons and folk art, and ongoing advocacy on behalf of Ukraine.
- Founded 1908
- Rectory: 54 Walnut Street, Manchester, NH 03104
- Parish office: Lowell and Walnut Streets, Manchester, NH 03104
- Featured in NHPR, May 12, 2025
Clergy and Staff
The parish is served by a Ukrainian Catholic priest and a permanent deacon, both of whom are approachable contacts for newcomers, sick or homebound parishioners, and those seeking the sacraments.
- Rev. Father Ihor Papka — Pastor; phone 860-617-6357
- Deacon Jon Messer — Deacon; email [email protected]
- Dr. Mark Wind — referenced in connection with the prayer list for the sick and homebound
Liturgy and Schedule
The Divine Liturgy (the Eastern Catholic equivalent of the Mass) is the center of parish life. Because of the Eastern-Rite emphasis on sung prayer, much of the Liturgy is sung by the choir and congregation together. Holy Days and Saturday Vespers are celebrated in the evening.
- Sunday Divine Liturgy: 10:00 am (September through May)
- Sunday Divine Liturgy: 9:00 am (June through August)
- Holy Days: 7:00 pm
- Saturday Vespers: 7:00 pm
Sacraments and Devotions
Confessions are heard before Sunday Liturgy, paired with recitation of the Holy Rosary — a half hour before the service begins. The parish maintains a prayer list for sick and homebound parishioners, family members, and friends; names can be added by contacting Fr. Ihor.
- Confessions: 1/2 hour before Sunday Divine Liturgy
- Holy Rosary: 1/2 hour before Sunday Divine Liturgy
- Prayer list for the sick and homebound maintained by the parish
Religious Education
Faith formation for children takes place in the church hall before Sunday Liturgy during the school year, giving families an integrated Sunday morning of prayer, formation, and fellowship.
- Religious Education: 9:00 am, September through May, in the church hall
Parish Ministries and Community Life
Beyond the Liturgy, the parish nurtures community through the Ladies Sodality, regular coffee-and-fellowship after Sunday Divine Liturgy, an annual summer Ice Cream Social, and an organized pilgrimage each year to the largest Ukrainian Catholic pilgrimage in the United States in Sloatsburg, New York. In 2025 the parish celebrated Easter Sunday with a parish brunch and raffle featuring embroidered vyshyvanky shirts, spinning tops, board games, table runners, and framed icons — events led by members of the Sodality.
- Ladies Sodality ('Наші жінки') — supports the parish and community through prayer and outreach
- Coffee and fellowship after Sunday Divine Liturgy in the church hall
- Annual Ice Cream Social (typically held in July)
- Annual pilgrimage to Sloatsburg, NY (largest Ukrainian Catholic pilgrimage in the U.S.)
- Parish advocacy and visibility for Ukraine at community events such as Manchester's St. Patrick's Day Parade
Getting Involved and Contact
Newcomers and visitors are warmly welcomed. Anyone interested in attending services, joining Religious Education, adding a name to the prayer list, or participating in Sodality or pilgrimage activities is invited to speak directly with Fr. Ihor or Deacon Jon. The parish office can be reached by phone or email, and the website hosts announcements, a 2025 Liturgical Calendar PDF, and a live stream link for major feasts such as Easter.
- Pastor: Rev. Father Ihor Papka — 860-617-6357
- Deacon: Jon Messer — [email protected]
- Parish phone: (603) 793-9513
- Parish email: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.pbvmnh.org