A History of St. Andrew Orthodox Church, Lyndora
St. Andrew Orthodox Church was born from the faith and fortitude of men and women who crossed an ocean in search of a better life. Like so many Orthodox parishes throughout North America, its roots stretch back to the great wave of immigration that brought thousands from Eastern Europe to Pennsylvania in the early twentieth century. Most of the parish's founders came from the western reaches of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, drawn to America by the promise of both religious freedom and economic opportunity. Farmers in the Old World, they became miners and steelworkers in the new one — and they brought their faith with them.
In 1906, the Russian Mission sent Rev. Philip Sradanovich to tend to the Orthodox faithful of Lyndora. The community grew, and in 1914 the Russian Orthodox of Lyndora laid the cornerstone of the present church on Penn Avenue — a building that stands to this day as a testament to their sacrifice and devotion.
The names of those early founders survive in the records of parish meetings, a roll call of the men who built this community from the ground up: Ignatius Budrevish, Michael Savochka, Michael Moroz, Ivan Hollak, Sam Musko, Thomas Merlak, Theodore Blisak, Andronik Shajnovich, Wasil Fecich, Zenovy Prichodko, Yevdokim Gulevich, Harry Sukovach, Stephen Berdey, John Blisak, Ivan Pavlukovich, Luka Homich, Paul Voytulevich, Theodore Feloniuk, Mark Dubik, Theodore Hollock, Harry Kraustock, Klem Lokovich, Ivan Sverdeskie, Sergius Sawchuk, and Wasyl Turach.
The parish's early decades were not without hardship. The influenza epidemic of 1917–1919 claimed parishioners, and the economic depression that followed the First World War brought further strain. Yet through it all, the community held together — and the mortgage payments on the church were met. In 1934, the Russian Orthodox Youth Club was organized to support the parish both financially and through hands-on work projects.
Two years later, in 1936, the Sisterhood of the Altar was established to beautify the church and care for its liturgical objects. Over the next seven decades, the Sisterhood would grow into one of the parish's most beloved institutions, sustaining the community through its tireless fundraising — bake sales, candy making, and the pierogi making for which St. Andrew's became well known.
In 1940, Sunday school was established to pass the Orthodox faith on to the next generation. Beginning in the 1950s, the English language was gradually introduced into liturgical services, eventually taking the place of Church Slavonic as the parish embraced its American-born faithful.
A milestone of particular spiritual significance came in 1976, when the church altar was consecrated with relics of St. Herman, the Wonderworker of Alaska and America. That same year, Rev. Fr. Joseph Wargo was assigned to St. Andrew Orthodox Church. He would go on to serve the parish faithfully for forty years, until his retirement on October 9, 2016.
Our current pastor, Fr. Michael Sochka, has been a shepherd to this community for several years now — first as a supply priest, and then, as of August 1, 2026, as our full-time rector. Before coming to Western Pennsylvania, Fr. Michael served for twenty years as assistant chaplain of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship at Princeton University, bringing with him a wealth of pastoral experience and a deep commitment to Orthodox witness.
From its very beginnings, St. Andrew's has been committed to proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel — a mission carried forward by every generation that has called this parish home.
A History of Pastoral Ministry in Lyndora
Since its founding in the early years of the twentieth century, St. Andrew Orthodox Church has been served by a succession of devoted priests who labored in the vineyard of the Lord for the establishment and growth of this parish. Some served for many years, shaping generations of faithful; others came only briefly, yet contributed to the continuity of sacramental life in times of transition.
What follows is a historical remembrance of those who have stood at the holy altar of St. Andrew, offering the Divine Liturgy and shepherding the flock entrusted to their care.
Rev. Fr. Philip Christopher Sradanovich (1906–1911)
Among the earliest pastors of St. Andrew Orthodox Church was Rev. Fr. Philip Christopher Sradanovich, who served the parish during its formative years from 1906 to 1911.
Born in Serbia on July 26, 1881, and educated in Russia, Fr. Philip came to the United States on December 6, 1903. Prior to his assignment in Lyndora, he served in Wilmerding, Pennsylvania.
He was married to Vera Veceslavna, who was born in Russia in 1886. Fr. Philip later became a naturalized citizen on September 12, 1921, in Kansas City, Kansas.
He reposed in the Lord on July 4, 1952, in Butte, Montana, and was laid to rest at St. Sava’s Serbian Orthodox Monastery in Libertyville, Illinois.
Rev. Fr. Nikita Efimius Borissoff (1911)
Rev. Fr. Nikita Efimius Borissoff served the parish briefly in 1911, during a time of early development and transition.
Born in Russia on May 28, 1881, he immigrated to the United States in 1910. His later ministry carried him to several parishes, including Pueblo, Colorado (1912), Binghamton, New York (1915–1916), Cohoes, New York (1917), Union in Broome County, New York (1920), and Sioux City, Iowa (1925–1929).
He was married to Anna Borisoff (née Kozemchak), born November 10, 1896, who later reposed in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in November 1964.
Their children included Sophia H. Borisoff (born May 30, 1911, Pennsylvania; died 2005), who married George Thomas Schmidt on October 24, 1927, and Lula Borisoff (August 8, 1915 – March 4, 1984).
Fr. Nikita reposed on November 15, 1929.
Rev. Theodore Zaychenko (1911–1912)
Rev. Theodore Zaychenko served St. Andrew Orthodox Church from 1911 to 1912. Though only limited information has been preserved, he remains among the early pastors who sustained the parish during its first decade.
Rev. Andrew Solynaka (Solanka) (1912–1913)
Rev. Andrew Solynaka, also known as Solanka, served the parish from 1912 to 1913.
Born on September 24 in either 1871 or 1874 in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, he immigrated to the United States in 1890. By 1900, he was living in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania.
His ministry extended to numerous communities, including St. John the Baptist Church, Nanticoke, Pennsylvania; St. Nicholas Church, Brookside, Alabama; St. George Church, Trail Run, Ohio; St. John the Baptist, Edwardsville, Pennsylvania; St. Michael the Archangel Church, St. Louis, Missouri; and St. Nicholas Church, Flint, Michigan.
He married Annie Kiewesh of Austria on October 25, 1897, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. She reposed on December 5, 1918, and was buried in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Their children included Jessie, Sussie, Amiel, Elizabeth, Annie, Olga, Mary, and Mary, who was born on March 29, 1912, in Canada and reposed on April 19, 1912, in Masontown, Pennsylvania.
Rev. Andrew reposed on January 25, 1928, in South Bend, Indiana.
Rev. Hieromonk Ioanniky Keyko (1913–1914)
Rev. Hieromonk Ioanniky Keyko served from 1913 to 1914. His name stands among those who maintained the life of the parish during a period marked by frequent pastoral changes.
Rev. Fr. Basil Repella (1914)
Rev. Fr. Basil Repella served briefly in 1914.
Rev. Fr. Polikarp Cherniavsky (1914)
Rev. Fr. Polikarp Cherniavsky likewise served the parish in 1914.
Rev. Fr. Paul Limaroff (1914–1918)
Rev. Fr. Paul Limaroff served from 1914 to 1918, guiding the parish through the years of the First World War.
Rev. Fr. Alexy Gromtzeff (1918–1919)
Rev. Fr. Alexy Gromtzeff served from 1918 to 1919, during the period immediately following the Great War.
Very Rev. Archpriest Gregory Gleboff (1919–1922)
Very Rev. Archpriest Gregory Gleboff served from 1919 to 1922.
Born in Russia on November 18, 1882, he was married to Anna of Latvia, born November 24, 1882, who later became a naturalized citizen in 1938.
Their children included Anna, Gregory, Milly, Lidia (born in Canada on February 5, 1920), John (born November 26, 1921; reposed in Lyndora on December 6, 1921), Mary, Nicholas, and Wallace.
His pastorate marked a period of increasing stability in parish life.
Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Yacubovsky (1922–1935)
Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Yacubovsky served St. Andrew for thirteen years, from 1922 to 1935.
During his tenure, a notable and tragic incident occurred when he was stabbed on January 19, 1929, at 205 Penn Avenue in Lyndora. Despite this, his long service suggests a period of endurance and continued pastoral care for the community.
Very Rev. Archpriest Matthew Stepahin (1936–1941)
Very Rev. Archpriest Matthew Stepahin served from 1936 to 1941, during the closing years of the Great Depression.
Very Rev. Archpriest Gregory Stefchak (1941–1952)
Very Rev. Archpriest Gregory Stefchak served from 1941 to 1952, shepherding the parish through the years of World War II and beyond.
He had previously served at St. John the Baptist Church, Spring Valley, New York (1926–1931), and St. Nicholas Church, Cohoes, New York (1931).
His children included Sonia S. Sinkevich (1926–2004), Ann Fanelli (d. 2006), and Alexandra Stefchak.
Elevated to the dignity of Mitred Archpriest, he reposed on October 14, 1983, and was laid to rest at St. Tikhon’s Monastery Cemetery in South Canaan, Pennsylvania.
May his memory be eternal!
Rev. Fr. Michael Karas (1952–1963)
Rev. Fr. Michael Karas served from 1952 to 1963.
His ministry extended beyond Lyndora through missionary work, including service as Rector of Holy Trinity Church, McAdoo, Pennsylvania (1951), and later as founder of Holy Trinity Church, Randolph, New Jersey (1965), and St. Simeon Church, Titusville, Florida (1966).
He reposed in January 2005.
Rev. Fr. Michael Radyk (1963–1968)
Rev. Fr. Michael Radyk served from 1963 to 1968.
Rev. Hieromonk Pitirim (Stehnach) (1968–September 14, 1976)
Rev. Hieromonk Pitirim, born Peter Stehnach, served from 1968 to September 14, 1976.
He was born on August 15, 1928, in Conemaugh, Pennsylvania, the sixth of eight boys and one girl in his family. He graduated from East Mahoning High School in 1946 and served in the United States Navy from 1946 to 1956.
He was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on May 19, 1963, at St. John the Baptist Church in Black Lick, Pennsylvania. Before coming to Lyndora, he served at St. John the Theologian Church in Wappingers Falls, New York.
Very Rev. Archpriest Joseph Wargo (October 3, 1976 – October 9, 2016)
Very Rev. Archpriest Joseph Wargo served St. Andrew Orthodox Church faithfully for forty years.
Born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on December 30, 1973. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Youngstown State University in 1970 and a Master of Divinity from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in 1976.
Before arriving in Lyndora, he served at Annunciation Church in Brick Town, New Jersey, from 1973 to 1976.
He was married to Jane Stipitich of Campbell, Ohio, and together they were blessed with a daughter, Nadiezda.
His long pastorate spanned multiple generations and left an enduring mark on the life of the parish.
A Time of Transition and Stewardship (2016–2026)
Following the retirement of Fr. Joseph Wargo in October 2016, St. Andrew Orthodox Church entered a period without a permanently assigned priest.
During this time, the Very Rev. Archpriest William Evansky, as Dean of the Northwest Deanery of the Archdiocese of Western Pennsylvania, served the parish as locum tenens and parish administrator, beginning on October 10, 2016.
On April 7, 2017, Rev. Dn. (Seraphim) Wayne Truckley assumed responsibilities as Parish Administrator, helping to oversee the day-to-day life and stability of the parish during this transitional period.
Through the faithful labors of clergy, parish leadership, and devoted parishioners, the liturgical and communal life of St. Andrew continued steadily during these years. This period stands as a testimony not only to clerical service, but also to the steadfastness of the parish itself.
The Present Pastor: Archpriest Michael John Sochka (Assigned August 1, 2025)
On August 1, 2025, Archpriest Michael John Sochka was assigned as pastor of St. Andrew Orthodox Church.
In receiving this appointment, Fr. Michael enters into a long and sacred line of priests who have served this parish for more than a century. The witness of those who came before him—some remembered in great detail, others known to us only by name and years of service—remains an enduring source of inspiration.
Their faithfulness, sacrifices, and pastoral devotion continue to shape the life of St. Andrew to this day. It is in continuity with their labor, and in gratitude for their example, that the present pastor seeks to carry forward the work entrusted to him: to preach the Gospel, celebrate the Holy Mysteries, and shepherd the faithful in the life of Christ.
Remembering Our Spiritual Fathers
The history of St. Andrew Orthodox Church is inseparable from the priests who have served here. At this holy altar they offered the Divine Liturgy, baptized and buried, taught and counseled, and prayed with and for the faithful of this community.
Some served for many years, others only briefly; yet each contributed to the life of the parish and to the witness of Orthodoxy in this place.
May the Lord remember all His servants who have labored here, and may their memory be eternal.
Timeline
1906 Rev Philip Sredanovich sent by the Russian Mission to serve Russian, Serbian, Syrian, and Greek immigrants in the Butler area; services at a building near B&O RR Station in Butler but most Orthodox people lived in Lyndora; Fr Sredanovich relocated in Lyndora; services held on the 2nd floor of a private building/hall on corner of Chesapeake St and Bessemer Ave then on 1st floor of the same building
1908 one lot purchased on Main St, Lyndora from Kohler family for $700
1909 Fr Sredanovich himself started to build a wooden church 18’ X 36’
1909 June 17 New Castle Herald PA 17 June 1909 page 10 “Fr Sredanovich’s congregation worshiped in a hall in Lyndora until Easter Day on which day the first service was held in the new church on the corner of Francis (which became Main) and North Pacific avenues in the Kohler plan of lots. The church is not completed and is intended to be only a temporary place of worship. When the good times come again a new and larger edifice will be erected and the present building peace {sic}. The good pastor that the will be used for parochial school purposes.”
“This building is almost entirely the work of Fr Sredanovich. He designed it, and his hands with but little assistance, have constructed it thus far. Every day the pastor can be found plying the saw, the hatchet, or the paint brush with an earnestness and skill that command our admiration. He is certainly a great force for good n our foreign suburb, and may his work prosper.” For church location see 1911 sheet 38 and 1921 sheet 40 Sanborn Maps
1911 land purchased on Penn Ave and Lehigh St from Standard Steel Car Company; Keyko drafted the plans for the church, collected funds and directed construction
1911-1915 Parish President Thomas Merlak
1914 cornerstone laid for church on Penn Ave and Lehigh some of the first parishioners and founders:
Ignatius Budrevich
Michael Savochka
Michael Moroz
Ivan Hollak
Sam Musko
Thomas Meriak
Theodore Blisak
Andronik Shajnovich
Wasil Fecich
Zenovy Prichodko
Yevdokim Gulevich
Harry Sukovach
Stephen Berdey
John Blisak
Ivan Pavlukovich
Luka Homich
Paul Voytulevich
Theodore Feloniuk
Mark Dubic
Theodore Hollock
Harry Kraustock
Klem Lokovich
Ivan Sverdeskie
Sergius Sawchuk
Wasyl Turach
1915 blessing of the church on the Feast of Protection by Fr Limaroff
1916-1917 Parish President Andronik Shajnovich
1917 parish home and property adjoining acquired
1918 Parish President Ivan Galburda
1917-1919 flu epidemic took toll on parishioners and depression after WWI caused financial problems but mortgage payments met on time
1919-1920 Parish President Ivan Hollak
1921 Parish President Jacob Brich
1922 Parish President Andrew Brenko
1923 Parish President Ignatius Budrevich
1924 Parish President Andrew Brenko
1925 street and sidewalk paved; city assessment became an added burden
1925-1926 Parish President Nestor Shymelo
1927-1930 Parish President Anthony Buchta
1928 Parish incorporated
1931-1932 Parish President Nestor Shymelo
1933 Parish President Stephen Lenyk
1934 Jan 21 ROY Club founded and organized Fr Yakubovsky directed the organization of the club assisted the church, projects to remedy problems – church improvements, property cleaned and cared for, taxes paid, financial contributions; see detailed list in 65th Annniversary Book 1906-1971
1934-1935 Parish President Andrew Brenko
1936 Oct 14 Sisterhood of the Altar Original Church Charter Officers
President - Mary Fecich
Vice President - Agnes Salivonchik
Secretary - Stephania Pesocky
Treasurer - Eva Lenyk
Asst Treaurer - Mary Kuzelin
1936-1939 President of Sisterhood Mary Fecich
1936-1945 Parish President John Fecich
1939-1940 President of Sisterhood Stefania Pesocky
1940 Sisterhood purchased the gold-gilded Gospel Book
1940 March Sunday School organized by Fr Stepahin See 65th Anniversary Book 1906-1971 for detailed description
1940-1941 President of Sisterhood Sophia Fecich
1941-1942 President of Sisterhood Helen Smith
1942 St Basil Brotherhood lent funds without interest for mortgage to be paid; WWII
1943-1952 President of Sisterhood
1939-1945 WWII unemployment decreased, church became solvent, church treasury increased and bought War Bonds
1946-1947 Parish President Anthony Grennek
1948-1949 Parish President John Botzchea
1950 Parish President Anthony Grennek
1950s English gradually introduced in liturgy to replace Church Slavonic
1949-1950 ROY Club purchased pews and new crystal chandelier
1951-1952 Parish President Daniel Smith
1952-1953 President of Sisterhood Marge Fecich
1953 ROY Club Don Cossack Concert
1953-1954 Parish President John Fecich
1953-1956 President of Sisterhood Helen Jankovich
1955 envelop system of collection
1955-1974 Parish President Peter Fecich
1956-1958 President of Sisterhood Alice Thomas
1957 October ROY Club remodeled parish home, church interior and auditorium renovated including a modern kitchen
1958 Sept 1 acquisition and dedicatonof 3 bronze bells gifted by Mrs Keffalas and her children Dorothy, Alice, Elias, Evelyn, Pete, Spero, Alberta, and Petros
in memory of John L Keffalas, Petros L Keffalas, Alexander P Lemos
1958-1960 President of Sisterhood Ann Olenic
1960-1961 President of Sisterhood Marge Fecich
1961-1962 President of Sisterhood
1962-1963 President of Sisterhood Mary Loverick
1963-1964 President of Sisterhood Helen Buckowsky
!964-1965 President of Sisterhood Helen Jankovich
1965-1967 President of Sisterhood Ola Fedokovitz
1967-1969 President of Sisterhood Frances Fecich
1969-1970 President of Sisterhood Virginia Kork
1960s Sisterhood new floor covering and new carpeting
1970 bought Solocha house used for storage and church school classes
1970-1971 Sisterhood of the Altar Officers
President – Joy Nanchuk
Vice President – Ann Fedosick
Secretary - Mary Prenovitz
Treasurer – Mary Stepahin
1971 ROY Club iconastas painted and gold-leafed and church interior and exterior painted; priest vestments, altar boys’ dalmatics and altar vestments replaced
1971-1973 President of Sisterhood Ann Fedosick
1973-1974 President of Sisterhood Margaret Glagola
1974 John Botzchea transferred his North Side Cemetery ‘Deed with Covenant for Perpetual Care’ lot 81 sec 37 rev. to St Andrew’s for purpose of altar
North Side Cemetery Assn with St Andrew’s Orthodox Church
1974-1976 President of Sisterhood Mary Tincha
1976 cupolas installed
1976 Aug 26 carillon chimes installed a gift of Mrs Pete J Keffalas and sons John Pete Keffalas, William Pete Keffalas and Alexander Pete Keffalas in memory of parents and grandparents: John L Keffalas and Katherine Lemos Keffalas President of Sisterhood Mary Tincha
1974-1981 Parish President Steve Sinkevich
1976-1978 President of Sisterhood Frances Fecich
1978-1979 President of Sisterhood Mary Tincha
1979-1980 President of Sisterhood Ann Fedosick
1980-1981 President of Sisterhood Mary Tincha
1981-1982 President of Sisterhood Ann Fedosick
1982-1985 President of Sisterhood Helen Jankovich
1985-1986 Presidenet of Sisterhood Stella DeLess
1995 Community Center sold to local Vietnam Veterans
by 1996 – no specific dates given Solocha house was demolished and leveled for parking lot and parking lot retaining wall completed Church and parish sandblasted and cleaned; new soffit and fascia coverings installed; crumbling retaining wall at lower walk rebuilt; new light on the side of the church and replacement lights in front of church installed; ramp to by-pass steps installed and carpeted; sign identifying church installed and landscaped
Inside church old electric wiring above choir loft replaced, track lights installed in choir loft; kitchen in church hall remodeled and refurnished
Sisterhood of the Altar
Founded on October 14, 1936, the Sisterhood of the Altar began when Father Matthew Stepahin approached Mary Fecich requesting that she organize a women's group whose main function would be to provide and care for articles that would beautify the church. As the years went by, the Sisterhood became involved in a broad range of projects to serve the parish including dinners, bread sales, candy sales, nut roll sales, cookie sales, and most recently, peroghi sales which have enabled the Sisterhood to make substantial contributions to the parish.
The Sisterhood of the Altar celebrated their 70th year anniversary in 2006, which coincided with the 100th year anniversary of St. Andrew Orthodox Church. The Sisterhood continues to serve the parish in many ways and is the oldest active organization in Lyndora for the past 81 years.
The original item purchased by the Sisterhood for the parish was a gold-gilded Gospel book, purchased in 1940 for $145.40. Over the years, the Sisterhood has provided items such as carpeting, altar and liturgical covers, sanctuary candle globe sleeves and has donated money toward projects such as outside stair railings and the St. Andrew Orthodox Church sign that stands outside the main entrance of the church. Each year, the Sisterhood contributes toward Easter and Christmas flowers and on Mother's Day and Father's Day, they provide gifts for the parishioners. A portion of the funds raised by the Sisterhood are designated for the parish Sunday school program as well as for contributions to the Monastery of the Transfiguration in Ellwood City. In addition, the Sisterhood is also active outside the parish with the "Presents for Patients" program.
The presidents of the Sisterhood of the Altar are as follows:
| 1936 - 1939 | Mary Fecich |
| 1939 - 1940 | Stefania Pesocky |
| 1940 - 1941 | Sophia Fecich |
| 1941 - 1942 | Helen Smith |
| 1942- 1953 | No Records |
| 1952 - 1953 | Margie Fecich |
| 1953 - 1956 | Helen Jankovich |
| 1956 - 1958 | Alice Thomos |
| 1958 - 1960 | Ann Olenic |
| 1960 - 1961 | Marge Fecich |
| 1961 - 1962 | |
| 1962 - 1963 | Mary Loverick |
| 1963 - 1964 | Helen Buckowsky |
| 1964 - 1965 | Helen Jankovich |
| 1965 - 1967 | Olga Fedokovitz |
| 1967 - 1969 | Francis Fecich |
| 1969 - 1970 | Virginia Kork |
| 1970 - 1971 | Joy Nanchuk |
| 1971 - 1973 | Ann Fedosick |
| 1973 - 1974 | Peg Glagola |
| 1974 - 1976 | Mary Tincha |
| 1976 - 1978 | Francis Fecich |
| 1978 - 1979 | Mary Tincha |
| 1979 - 1980 | Ann Fedosick |
| 1980 - 1981 | Mary Tincha |
| 1981 - 1982 | Ann Fedosick |
| 1982 - 1985 | Heleb Jankovich |
| 1985 - 1987 | Stella Deless |
| 1987 - 1988 | Helen Buckowsky |
| 1988 - 1991 | Ann Ordy |
| 1992 - 1993 | Diane Signorino |
| 1993 - 1994 | Archpriest Joseph Wargo |
| 1994 - 1995 | Diane Signorino |
| 1995 - 1997 | Stella DeLess |
| 1997 - 1999 | Helen Jankovich |
| 1999 - 2001 | Helen Buckowsky |
| 2001 - 2003 | Pat Potyka |
| 2003 - 2007 | Betty Mularchik |
| 2007 - 2009 | Mary Ann Skero |
| 2009 -2011 | Shirley Gallagher |
| Susan Russo |