South Plainfield
New Jersey
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Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Orthodox Church
Parish History:
In 1933 the animated spirit and the increased number of Ukrainian Orthodox people in South Plainfield and neighboring towns brought about the creation of our parish. At that time many of our people belonged to the Ukrainian National Association branch #312 and owned the building at its present site. These Ukrainian people, being of deep religious faith voted upon the formation of a parish in this building. The necessary alternations, liturgical items and donations were obtained.
On December 25, 1934 the first Divine Liturgy and setting of the cornerstone was officiated by Archbishop Athenogoros, Exarch of North and South America, later to become the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
The Rev. Basil Fedyshyn was appointed the first pastor. To date 13 clergy have served this parish. At this time the Very Rev. Fr. Raymond Sundland is our pastor. He is completing his 26th year in service to our parish having arrived for services beginning on the first week in November 1978.
Throughout the years many improvements have taken place to upgrade our facilities. The parish home was built in 1958 on lots purchased from the Borough of South Plainfield. An iconscreen was added in 1968; a church kitchen was added to our building in 1980; and following this, a fellowship hall was erected in 1984.
It was decided in 1968 to meet the needs and benefit of our Ukrainian youth and new members to institute the English Divine Liturgy, and the use of the new revised Gregorian calendar of Feast Days.
This year of 2004 the parish will celebrate its 70th year in service to our Lord. Throughout the years our parish has progressed a great deal with the guidance of her many pastors, and to those who have given more than their labor, long hours, untiring efforts. We must also remember those generous people, who through their donations have helped propagate the holy work of this parish, belongs the undying gratitude of our entire parish. As we celebrate this anniversary we "recall the words aptly written in a Christian manner by Taras Shevchenko, the renowned Ukrainian poet:
"Is there anything better or more beautiful than to live together with a good brother, to use the "GOOD" together and not divide it."
This "good" is our parish of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Orthodox Church which will join us in brotherly love, faith, and hope of the future." We seek the Lord's blessings to "inspire us by charity, brotherhood, and togetherness of purpose to strengthen this parish in South Plainfield and its environs." We dedicate ourselves to doing Christ's Will in our lifetime and supporting this parish for our posterity and for Holy Orthodoxy. May our Lord grant us many many years! Mnohia Lita!
In 1933 the animated spirit and the increased number of Ukrainian Orthodox people in South Plainfield and neighboring towns brought about the creation of our parish. At that time many of our people belonged to the Ukrainian National Association branch #312 and owned the building at its present site. These Ukrainian people, being of deep religious faith voted upon the formation of a parish in this building. The necessary alternations, liturgical items and donations were obtained.
On December 25, 1934 the first Divine Liturgy and setting of the cornerstone was officiated by Archbishop Athenogoros, Exarch of North and South America, later to become the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
The Rev. Basil Fedyshyn was appointed the first pastor. To date 13 clergy have served this parish. At this time the Very Rev. Fr. Raymond Sundland is our pastor. He is completing his 26th year in service to our parish having arrived for services beginning on the first week in November 1978.
Throughout the years many improvements have taken place to upgrade our facilities. The parish home was built in 1958 on lots purchased from the Borough of South Plainfield. An iconscreen was added in 1968; a church kitchen was added to our building in 1980; and following this, a fellowship hall was erected in 1984.
It was decided in 1968 to meet the needs and benefit of our Ukrainian youth and new members to institute the English Divine Liturgy, and the use of the new revised Gregorian calendar of Feast Days.
This year of 2004 the parish will celebrate its 70th year in service to our Lord. Throughout the years our parish has progressed a great deal with the guidance of her many pastors, and to those who have given more than their labor, long hours, untiring efforts. We must also remember those generous people, who through their donations have helped propagate the holy work of this parish, belongs the undying gratitude of our entire parish. As we celebrate this anniversary we "recall the words aptly written in a Christian manner by Taras Shevchenko, the renowned Ukrainian poet:
"Is there anything better or more beautiful than to live together with a good brother, to use the "GOOD" together and not divide it."
This "good" is our parish of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Orthodox Church which will join us in brotherly love, faith, and hope of the future." We seek the Lord's blessings to "inspire us by charity, brotherhood, and togetherness of purpose to strengthen this parish in South Plainfield and its environs." We dedicate ourselves to doing Christ's Will in our lifetime and supporting this parish for our posterity and for Holy Orthodoxy. May our Lord grant us many many years! Mnohia Lita!