Our Mission
The mission of Holy Ghost Parish is to be, as Christ was, a vibrant living icon of God, the vision that inspires the life and ministry of this parish in Akron, Ohio, a church open to people of all ethnic backgrounds and social conditions. This vision calls us to live our faith with integrity so that we can be for each other and all others, an authentic medium of God’s presence. As a faith-filled people of an Eastern Christian Tradition, we strive to make the Liturgy the heartbeat of our community and the source of our vitality.”
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Our History
The first Ukrainian immigrants arrived in Akron, Ohio, circa 1900. Over 500 Ukrainians came here between 1912 and 1914, and more than 2000 between 1916 and 1918. As they settled down and raised families, they recognized a need for an organized social and religious life. In October 1915, the first meeting was called for that purpose and in November 1915 a decision was made to purchase lots to build a church on Washington and Abel Streets.
After World War II, the parish was strengthened by an influx of new immigrants from Europe. A larger church became necessary and in 1946 the parish purchased eight lots on Brown Street. In March 1952, the thirty-three year pastorate of Rev. Taras Durbak began. The new church construction was completed December 1961. Interior decorations include a sanctuary icon depicting Pentecost, the Descent of the Holy Ghost. After completion of the sanctuary, the iconostas was installed. Made of carved dark wood and gold plated, the iconostas has Royal and Deacon Doors, icons depicting the life of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the four Evangelists, St. Nicholas, St. Josaphat, St. Stephen, and the Archangel Michael. The exquisite altar linens were embroidered by ladies of the parish.
In 1985, Fr. Durbak retired and Fr. Wolodymyr Woloszczuk, the first in our parish to become a priest, became pastor. His pastorate was succeeded by Fr. Stephen Krupka, Fr. Peter Tomas, Fr. Ignatius Kury, Fr. Claudio Melnicki , Fr. Michael Kulick, and our present administrator, Fr. Vsevolod (Sal) Shevchuk.
After World War II, the parish was strengthened by an influx of new immigrants from Europe. A larger church became necessary and in 1946 the parish purchased eight lots on Brown Street. In March 1952, the thirty-three year pastorate of Rev. Taras Durbak began. The new church construction was completed December 1961. Interior decorations include a sanctuary icon depicting Pentecost, the Descent of the Holy Ghost. After completion of the sanctuary, the iconostas was installed. Made of carved dark wood and gold plated, the iconostas has Royal and Deacon Doors, icons depicting the life of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the four Evangelists, St. Nicholas, St. Josaphat, St. Stephen, and the Archangel Michael. The exquisite altar linens were embroidered by ladies of the parish.
In 1985, Fr. Durbak retired and Fr. Wolodymyr Woloszczuk, the first in our parish to become a priest, became pastor. His pastorate was succeeded by Fr. Stephen Krupka, Fr. Peter Tomas, Fr. Ignatius Kury, Fr. Claudio Melnicki , Fr. Michael Kulick, and our present administrator, Fr. Vsevolod (Sal) Shevchuk.
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We Celebrate
Our ancestors brought with them many beautiful, meaningful traditions, traditions which reflect their deep faith in God and respect for each other, both living and departed. Some examples follow.
Joyous occasions, birthdays, anniversaries, saint-days, births, accomplishments, whatever we humans celebrate, are recognized by the parish singing “Mnohaya Lita - Многая Літа" – wishing the recipient good health, long years, and, in the end, salvation. At funeral and memorial services the parish celebrates the lives of our loved ones and honors them by singing “Vichnaya Pam’yat - Вічная Память" - to their eternal memory – O Christ, give them rest among the saints - a very special beautiful, prayerful and tearful hymn.
We love to eat! Special dinners are prepared for Thanksgiving, St. Nicholas Day, Svyachene after Easter and other celebratory occasions. These dinners are prepared from the loving hands of dedicated parishioners – all the traditional dishes of our anscestors - pyrohi, kovbasa, holubtsi, haluski, borshch, paska bread, nut-rolls and much more. Doughnuts and coffee after Sunday Liturgy provide continuing occasions to meet fellow parishioners. All these and many other traditions are symbols of faith – that all that we have is from God and that we physically present these gifts to Him to be blessed in thanksgiving.
We invite you to come celebrate with us!
Joyous occasions, birthdays, anniversaries, saint-days, births, accomplishments, whatever we humans celebrate, are recognized by the parish singing “Mnohaya Lita - Многая Літа" – wishing the recipient good health, long years, and, in the end, salvation. At funeral and memorial services the parish celebrates the lives of our loved ones and honors them by singing “Vichnaya Pam’yat - Вічная Память" - to their eternal memory – O Christ, give them rest among the saints - a very special beautiful, prayerful and tearful hymn.
We love to eat! Special dinners are prepared for Thanksgiving, St. Nicholas Day, Svyachene after Easter and other celebratory occasions. These dinners are prepared from the loving hands of dedicated parishioners – all the traditional dishes of our anscestors - pyrohi, kovbasa, holubtsi, haluski, borshch, paska bread, nut-rolls and much more. Doughnuts and coffee after Sunday Liturgy provide continuing occasions to meet fellow parishioners. All these and many other traditions are symbols of faith – that all that we have is from God and that we physically present these gifts to Him to be blessed in thanksgiving.
We invite you to come celebrate with us!