St. Andrew [Ukrainian]

Welcome and Our Mission

St. Andrew's Ukrainian Catholic Church describes itself as a Byzantine Catholic Church and a welcoming community. The parish's stated mission is to embrace God's Will and God's Love in the lives of its members and in the community, so that all may live in peace and prosperity. Father Mike and the parishioners have made a commitment to directly support the people of Ukraine — both spiritually and financially — during the ongoing war.

History of St. Andrew's

The parish traces its roots to the 1980s, when Ukrainian retirees settling in the Spring Hill area of Florida's Nature Coast had to drive more than 110 miles round-trip to the nearest Ukrainian Catholic church in St. Petersburg. After years of petitioning Bishop Robert Moskal of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy in Parma, Ohio, the first Ukrainian Divine Liturgy in Spring Hill was finally celebrated on December 7, 1988, in the First United Methodist Church, by Father Peter Hronsky of Holy Protection parish in Apopka. In 1989, some 25 families were formally organized as St. Josephat's Mission parish, served by visiting priests on the first and third Saturdays of each month.

• 1988 — First Ukrainian Divine Liturgy in Spring Hill (Dec 7, at First United Methodist Church)
• 1989 — St. Josephat's Mission parish organized with ~25 families
• 1992 — 2.4-acre parcel purchased on Weeping Willow Street, Brooksville
• November 1993 — Father Matthew Berko assigned as Administrator; name changed to St. Andrew's
• Early 1994 — Parish moves worship to Forest Oaks Community Center
• May 1995 — Bishop Robert blesses the Brooksville land
• 1996 — Church and community hall built; 'the dream came true'

What is Ukrainian Catholic?

Many people do not realize the Catholic Church consists of more than twenty self-governing churches. The largest is the Roman Catholic Church; the others fit into one of six liturgical traditions: Alexandrian, Antiochene (or Syrian), Armenian, Byzantine, Maronite, and Chaldean. The Ukrainian Catholic Church follows the Byzantine tradition, tracing its origins to the Union of Brest in 1596 AD, when the Church in Kyiv entered into communion with Rome. Ukrainian Catholics — also known as Ukrainian Greek Catholics — share much in common with Eastern Orthodoxy, but are fully part of the Catholic Church under Pope Francis.

• Byzantine liturgical tradition; Divine Liturgies of St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great
• Creed recited without the Filioque (the Roman-added 'and the Son')
• Sign of the cross made from right to left
• Holy Communion received directly into the mouth from a spoon
• Married men may be ordained priests or deacons; unmarried clergy may not marry; widowed clergy may not remarry
• All Catholics, regardless of rite, may receive Holy Communion in Ukrainian Catholic churches

Sacramental and Devotional Life

Confessions are heard 30 minutes before every Divine Liturgy, giving the faithful ample opportunity for the sacrament before each service. A weekly Rosary Group gathers on Wednesday mornings, and a bereavement ministry accompanies those who have lost loved ones.

• Confession — 30 minutes before each Divine Liturgy
• Rosary Group — Wednesdays at 10:00 AM
• Moving Forward Bereavement Group — Mondays at 11:00 AM

Parish Ministries and Groups

Despite its small size, St. Andrew's supports an active roster of lay-led ministries that cover spiritual formation, fellowship, fraternal life, and outreach. Bible studies meet twice weekly, and the local Knights of Columbus council holds monthly business and Fourth Degree meetings at the parish.

• Bible Studies — Tuesdays 11:00 AM and Wednesdays 5:30 PM
• Knights of Columbus — 1st Tuesday: Officers 6:30 PM, General 7:30 PM
• Knights of Columbus — 3rd Wednesday: 4th Degree Meeting
• Parish Store — Thursdays 11:00 AM–3:00 PM; Fridays Noon–5:00 PM (check the parish calendar)

Support for Ukraine

Father Mike and the parishioners of St. Andrew's have made a sustained commitment to support the people of Ukraine during the war — both spiritually and financially. The parish accepts designated donations for Ukraine relief through the collection basket and by mail, with all contributions recorded and forwarded for humanitarian use.

• Make checks payable to 'St. Andrew's Ukrainian Catholic Church' with the memo line marked for Ukraine
• Cash donations placed in a separate envelope clearly marked 'Ukrainian effort'
• Donations may be dropped in the collection basket or mailed to the parish office

Pastor — Rev. Fr. Michael (Mikhail) Kouts

Father Michael Kouts is the pastor of St. Andrew's Ukrainian Catholic Church. Born in Ternopil, Ukraine, he was ordained on March 21, 1991, and is incardinated in the Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio. In addition to serving the Ukrainian Catholic faithful of Brooksville, Father Kouts is an ordained Roman Catholic priest who assists local Roman-rite parishes with their Mass schedules. He also serves as chaplain at Oak Hill Hospital, where he tends to the spiritual needs of patients who require a priest.

• Born in Ternopil, Ukraine
• Ordained March 21, 1991
• Pastor of St. Andrew's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Brooksville
• Roman Catholic priest in good standing; assists local Roman-rite parishes
• Chaplain at Oak Hill Hospital

Visit and Contact

St. Andrew's Ukrainian Catholic Church warmly invites visitors to attend the Divine Liturgy and become part of the parish family. The church is located on Weeping Willow Street in Brooksville, in Hernando County on Florida's Nature Coast, within the Diocese of Saint Petersburg's East Pasco-Hernando Deanery. The parish office can be reached by phone during parish hours.

• Address: 8064 Weeping Willow Street, Brooksville, FL 34613
• Phone: (352) 667-1621
• Website: https://standrewsukrainiancatholicchurch.com/
• Deanery: East Pasco-Hernando (Diocese of Saint Petersburg)
• Canonical affiliation: Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio