First Orthodox Christian Church in the State of New York Celebrates 120th Anniversary

BUFFALO, N.Y. - May 27, 2014 - PRLog -- On September 27th and 28th of 2014, Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church of Buffalo, NY will celebrate its 120th Anniversary.

The current church community began on April 1, 1894 when eight men established an organization name "Saints Peter and Paul Greek Catholic Russian Orthodox Church Association". Their goal was to establish an Orthodox Christian parish in Buffalo, New York. This would be the first Orthodox Church on the Niagara Frontier and in the State of New York. A fund was established for the purpose of constructing a church. A wooden structure that would serve the parish for almost half a century was completed by the end of 1894.

Just like the city of Buffalo, Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church has experienced many peaks and valleys over the course of last 120 years. The parish was able to erect a magnificent new church building in the middle of Great Depression. It later experienced the heights of its membership in the years following the Second World War due in large part to the influx of immigrants from the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J83jy-UlC0



"One hundred twenty years is long time for any Church in the United States" - said Father Volodymyr Zablotskyy, the current Pastor/Rector at Sts. Peter and Paul, "There is no question in my mind that our church almost mirrors the history of Buffalo with its ebb and flow moments."

In the last few years Sts. Peter and Paul Church seems to be experiencing a slow, but positive growth cycle, again. "I attributed this upswing to the vision from the leadership of our Diocese of New York and New Jersey (Orthodox Church of America), in particular to His Grace Bishop Michael (Dahulich). Building up and supporting small parishes like ours is his priority.”, added Father Zablotskyy.

In recent years Sts. Peter and Paul Church has reach out to the community by offering a Soup Kitchen twice a month along with Holiday Food and Clothing Drives.

The parish family of Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church is looking forward to welcoming many parishioners, friends and neighbours to the celebration.

For detailed program of the events you can visit the following page on the official website of Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Buffalo, NY: http://www.peterandpauloca.com/120th-anniversary