About Saint Nicholas [Ruthenian] · Barberton, Ohio
Saint Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church is a Ruthenian (Byzantine-rite) Catholic parish in Barberton, Ohio, founded in 1916 by Rusin immigrants from the Backa and Presov regions of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. The congregation is part of the Byzantine Catholic Metropolia of the United States and falls under the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma, currently led by Bishop Robert Pipta. Over more than a century it has grown from a downtown storefront church into a thriving parish with its own picnic grounds, cemetery, cultural center, and a deepened liturgical and ecclesial life rooted in the Byzantine tradition while serving the wider Summit County community.
- Established
- 1916
- Patron
- Saint Nicholas
- Rector
- Rev. Miron Kerul'-Kmec
- Diocese
- Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma (Ruthenian); located geographically within the territory of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland; part of the Byzantine Catholic Metropolia of the United States.
Why belong here
St. Nicholas is a parish where more than a century of Rusin-Byzantine heritage is still lived week to week: Divine Liturgy on Saturday evening and Sunday morning, the full Eastern Christian initiation of Baptism, Chrismation, and Holy Eucharist together, confession an hour before every liturgy, and a deep bench of parish organizations — the Altar Society, St. George Men's Group, St. Ann's Ministry, Rosary Society, GCU Lodge, choir, and 'The Carpathians' dance group — that make room for every age and talent. Families especially value the Eastern Christian Formation (ECF) program and the parish-wide celebrations like the Christmas Velija Supper and Easter basket blessing, while the surrounding community can count on the parish's outreach through St. Ann's Ministry and its longstanding presence in Barberton and Coventry Township.
Mass times at Saint Nicholas [Ruthenian]
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- One hour before every Divine Liturgy
- By appointment
Parish History and Centennial Story
St. Nicholas was founded in 1916 by Rusin immigrants from the Backa and Presov regions of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. The 'About Us' history page (formerly on stnickbyz.com, now at stnicholasbarberton.com) traces the parish from its Articles of Incorporation (June 26, 1916), its dedication day (July 6, 1916), and the temporary use of Barberton's downtown opera house for liturgy through three generations of building and pastoral leadership — culminating in the 2016 centennial celebration with a 90-pilgrim journey to the Shrine of Our Lady of Mariapoch and a weekend retreat on Theosis.
- 1916 founding and incorporation
- 1918 move into the First Street & Lake Avenue church in downtown Barberton
- 1956 purchase of 40 Coventry Township acres; 1958 pavilion
- 1965 groundbreaking; July 3, 1966 dedication of the new church (50th anniversary)
- 1974 burning of the mortgage
- 1991 75th anniversary celebrated alongside Barberton's centennial
- 2016 centennial pilgrimage to Mariapoch and retreat on Theosis
Clergy and Pastoral Leadership
The parish is currently shepherded by the Rev. Miron Kerul'-Kmec, a married priest native to Slovakia and the first married pastor in 42 years at the time of his 2008 appointment. He is assisted by Deacon Robert Cripps. The full pastoral succession — from the founding priest Rev. Peter Popovich through the visionary building era of Rev. Michael Rapach, the cultural renaissance under Rev. Robert Yarnovitz, the ministries of Fr. Alan Kapron, the late pastorate of Fr. Michael Felock, and the intervening bi-ritual administrators Rev. Bernard Danber, Rev. Stephen Muth, and Rev. Robert Stash — is documented on the parish's 'About Us' page.
- Rev. Miron Kerul'-Kmec — Pastor (since 2008)
- Deacon Robert Cripps — parish deacon
- Founder: Rev. Peter Popovich (from Cleveland)
- Visionary pastor: Rev. Michael Rapach (1956 Coventry purchase; 1966 dedication)
- Cultural renaissance: Rev. Robert Yarnovitz (bell tower, interior, dance group, St. George Center)
- Deceased pastor commemorated: Rev. Michael Felock (d. May 12, 1997)
Faith Formation, Youth, and Schools of Faith
The parish's Eastern Christian Formation (ECF) program provides religious education for the children of the parish, and has long been central to parish life — a tradition that goes back to Fr. Michael Felock's 'Student Sunday' when the ECF students processed in and sat together and high-school and college graduates were honored at a Divine Liturgy and parish breakfast. The 1979 addition of the St. George Cultural-Recreation Center created dedicated classrooms, a library, and kitchen space to support the growing program.
- Eastern Christian Formation (ECF) classes
- Student Sunday procession
- Graduate honor Liturgy and parish breakfast
- St. George Cultural-Recreation Center — classrooms, library, kitchen
Parish Organizations and Ministries
A deep bench of parish organizations has shaped parish life across the generations. The Altar Society, St. George Men's Group, St. Ann's Ministry, Rosary Society, and the Greek Catholic Union (GCU) Lodge (which traces back to the founding generation) all contribute to the internal life of the parish, with St. Ann's Ministry also providing active community outreach.
- Altar Society
- St. George Men's Group
- St. Ann's Ministry (with community outreach)
- Rosary Society
- Greek Catholic Union (GCU) Lodge
- Prayer group (called upon during fasting periods)
Music, Liturgy, and Rusin Heritage
The liturgical choir plays a leading role in the parish's Byzantine worship and Rusin cultural life, having learned Rusin folk songs during Fr. Robert Yarnovitz's pastorate and performing beyond the parish. In 1979 'The Carpathians' dance group was organized to honor the founders' Carpathian roots. The interior was remodeled in the 1970s to align with Byzantine church design, and the 2013 addition of four chandeliers from the Vlandis Brothers of Greece, plus a new tabernacle, ripidia, candle stands, bishop's throne, and icons around the choros, gave the temple its current meditative splendor.
- Liturgical Choir with Rusin folk-song repertoire
- 'The Carpathians' Rusin heritage dance group (founded 1979)
- 1970s interior remodel in Byzantine style
- 2013 beautification: four Vlandis Brothers chandeliers, tabernacle, ripidia, candle stands, bishop's throne, icons
Parish Cultural and Fellowship Life
Beyond the Sunday Divine Liturgy, the parish sustains beloved traditions rooted in Rusin and broader Eastern Christian customs. The Christmas Velija Supper and the Easter breakfast following the Saturday-night Resurrection Matins and blessing of baskets are highlighted in the parish's history as community-defining events, alongside the annual St. Nicholas feast celebration that in 2013 was attended by Bishop John Kudrick (Parma), Bishop Peter Fulop Kocsis (Hajdudorog, Hungary), and Bishop Milan Lach, SJ (Presov, Slovakia).
- Christmas Velija Supper
- Easter Matins and basket blessing followed by parish breakfast
- Feast of St. Nicholas celebration
- Katie Seay Vineyard wine auction (since 2008)
Sacraments and Pastoral Care
St. Nicholas celebrates the three Eastern sacraments of initiation — Baptism, Chrismation, and Holy Eucharist — together, including for infants, in fidelity to the Eastern Catholic directive on restored initial sacraments. Confession is available one hour before every Divine Liturgy and by appointment; marriage and anointing of the sick are arranged by appointment with the pastor.
- Baptism / Chrismation / Holy Eucharist (initiation together)
- Reconciliation — one hour before Liturgy and by appointment
- Marriage — by appointment
- Anointing of the Sick — by appointment
Parish Facilities and Grounds
The parish's footprint extends well beyond the church building. The hall serves as a hub for parish gatherings, and in 1958 Rev. Michael Rapach oversaw the construction of a modern indoor pavilion on the 40-acre Coventry Township picnic grounds, which continue to host parish and community events. In 1935 the parish acquired a 5.25-acre cemetery in the neighboring village of Clinton, which was consecrated September 6, 1936. The St. George Cultural-Recreation Center, built in 1979, added classrooms, a library, a kitchen, and other amenities.
- 1051 Robinson Avenue church and rectory
- Parish hall (330) 745-8678
- 40-acre Coventry Township picnic grounds with indoor pavilion
- 5.25-acre Clinton parish cemetery (consecrated 1936)
- St. George Cultural-Recreation Center
Parish Cemetery
St. Nicholas parish cemetery occupies about five and a quarter acres in the neighboring village of Clinton, purchased in 1935 as a burial place for deceased members of the parish. The ground was consecrated September 6, 1936, and remains the resting place of generations of parishioners.
- 5.25-acre cemetery in Clinton, OH
- Purchased 1935; consecrated September 6, 1936
Picnic Grounds and Pavilion
On the 40 acres purchased by Rev. Michael Rapach in 1956 in Coventry Township, picnic grounds were developed by 1958 along with a modern indoor pavilion. These grounds have long hosted the parish's signature outdoor events and remain a beloved extension of the parish campus.
- 40 acres in Coventry Township (purchased 1956)
- Modern indoor pavilion built 1958
Communications and Digital Outreach
Under the leadership of Fr. Miron Kerul'-Kmec the parish developed its own website (originally www.stnickbyz.com, now www.stnicholasbarberton.com), launched a Facebook presence, and began recording faith talks and seminars on DVD and YouTube. The church's bells and video system were converted from analog to digital control. Bulletin subscribers can be added by emailing the parish office.
- Website: www.stnicholasbarberton.com (formerly www.stnickbyz.com)
- Facebook page (referenced on the parish site)
- YouTube channel for recorded talks and seminars
- Digital bulletin email list — sign up by emailing [email protected]
Diocese, Eparchy, and Wider Church
As a Byzantine-rite Catholic community, St. Nicholas belongs to the Byzantine Catholic Metropolia of the United States, which unites the nation's Byzantine Catholic eparchies under Metropolitan Archbishop William C. Skurla (Archeparchy of Pittsburgh). Within that metropolia the parish is under the spiritual and canonical care of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma, currently led by Bishop Robert Pipta. Geographically, the parish sits within the territory of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland.
- Part of the Byzantine Catholic Metropolia of the United States
- Under the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma — Bishop Robert Pipta
- Geographic territory of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
Visiting, Contact, and Getting Involved
Parishioners, family, and visitors are warmly invited to Divine Liturgy on Saturday at 5:00 PM or Sunday at 9:30 AM. Confessions are heard one hour before every Liturgy or by appointment. Inquiries about sacraments, hall rentals, the bulletin email list, or getting involved in ministries such as the ECF program, choirs, organizations, or events can be directed to the rectory or hall.
- Address: 1051 Robinson Avenue, Barberton, OH 44203
- Rectory: (330) 753-2031
- Hall: (330) 745-8678
- Fr. Miron Kerul'-Kmec: (216) 536-4475
- Deacon Robert Cripps: (330) 336-5832
- Email: [email protected]
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Peter Popovichc. 1916 onward (founding priest)
Brought from Cleveland to serve the new Barberton parish; widower with one daughter.
- Rev. Michael RapachPastorate included 1956–1966
Purchased 40 acres in Coventry Township for picnic grounds (1956), built the indoor pavilion (1958), broke ground for the new church (May 23, 1965), and dedicated it July 3, 1966 with the 50th anniversary; mortgage burned at the 1974 Feast of the Resurrection.
- Rev. Robert Yarnovitz1970s pastorate
Added the bell tower and front-drive canopy (1976); led 1970s Byzantine interior remodel; cultural renaissance including the choir's Rusin repertoire and the founding of the 'Carpathians' dance group (1979) and the St. George Cultural-Recreation Center (1979); instituted the Christmas Velija Supper and Easter Sunday-morning breakfast.
- Rev. Alan KapronPrior to 2007
Planted the parish vineyard during his pastorate, later named the Katie Seay Vineyard.
- Rev. James Ad... (name partial in source)Pastorate referenced in parish history
Reference in the 'About Us' timeline; full name and years not on the public history page.
- Rev. Stephen MuthBridging administrator
Bridged the gap between pastors before Alan Kapron's appointment.
- Rev. Michael FelockThrough 1997 (death)
Nearly nine years as pastor; instituted Student Sunday and other youth-engagement programs; called to his eternal reward May 12, 1997.
- Rev. Bernard DanberPost-1997 administrator
First of several bi-ritual (Roman-then-Byzantine) priests who administered the parish after Fr. Felock; during his tenure infant communion was instituted at St. Nicholas and the Dormition church closed with parishioners joining St. Nicholas.
- Rev. Robert StashAdministrator from 2007
Came from sister parish of St. Michael in Akron and ministered to both parishes; era of bi-ritual priest administrators ended with his appointment.
- Rev. Miron Kerul'-KmecAppointed 2008 – present
First married priest at St. Nicholas in 42 years; native of Slovakia; led digital outreach, 2016 centennial, absorption of St. Michael (Akron) parishioners (2012), and many liturgical beautifications.