About St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church (Ruthenian) · Hermitage, Pennsylvania
St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, is a Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic parish with deep historical roots, founded in 1905. It has grown from its humble beginnings in Bobby Hall to a thriving community with a modern church building, social hall, and active ministries. The parish celebrates its 110th anniversary in 2015 and is known for its strong sense of community, Eastern Christian Formation, and outreach through events like picnics, rummage sales, and a successful catering project. It is currently led by Pastor Very Reverend Kevin E. Marks, the only priestly vocation to come from the parish.
- Established
- 1905
- Patron
- St. Michael
- Rector
- Very Reverend Kevin E. Marks
- Diocese
- Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
Why belong here
Join a parish with a rich 110-year history, active ministries like Eastern Christian Formation, and community events such as picnics, rummage sales, and a successful catering project. The parish offers a strong sense of community, spiritual growth through liturgy and sacraments, and opportunities to serve through its social hall and outreach programs.
Mass times at St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church (Ruthenian)
Weekly Mass schedule
History
Founded on June 4, 1905, with the first Divine Liturgy in Bobby Hall, the parish moved to a purchased property on Spearman Avenue in Farrell, where construction began in September 1905 and was completed by March 1906. The church was solemnly blessed on July 4, 1906. Over the decades, it saw multiple pastors, including Father John Danilovich (1910–1923), Father Aurelius A. Petrick (1931–1963, longest-serving pastor), Father Judson M. Procyk (1963–1968), Father John J. Borodach (1983–1995), Father Frank A. Firko (1995–2010), and Father John Cuccaro (2010–2012). In 1971, the parish began construction of a new social center on Highland Road Extension, which became the current location in Hermitage. The church was rededicated in 1928 and underwent renovations in 1924 and 1983. The parish also established St. Michael Cemetery in 1918 and is currently reopening its Social Hall for events.
Ministries
The parish offers Eastern Christian Formation (ECF) for children and families, youth and young adults ministry, and a variety of community events including picnics, rummage sales, Chinese auctions, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day events, Easter egg hunts, Lenten icon workshops, and Christmas parties. These activities foster community, spiritual growth, and outreach.
- Eastern Christian Formation (ECF)
- Youth and Young Adults Ministry
- Parish Picnic
- Rummage Sale
- Chinese Auction
- Mother’s Day Event
- Father’s Day Event
- Easter Egg Hunt
- Lenten Icon Workshop
- Christmas Party
Sacraments
The parish offers the sacraments of Marriage and Anointing. For Marriage, parishioners are asked to call the parish office at least six months prior to the wedding. Anointing is available prior to surgery and can be scheduled by calling the parish office.
- Marriage
- Anointing
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father John Danilovich1910–1923
Served until his death; helped pay off existing debt.
- Father Aurelius A. Petrick1931–1963
Longest-serving pastor in parish history.
- Father Judson M. Procyk1963–1968
Appointed pastor; completed social center and established catering project.
- Father John J. Borodach1983–1995
Applied administrative skills; remodeled church and saved parish funds.
- Father Frank A. Firko1995–2010
Previously served as assistant pastor upon ordination in 1977.
- Father John Cuccaro2010–2012
Succeeded Father Firko as pastor.
- Father Kevin E. Marks2012–present
Only priestly vocation from the parish.