www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Photo Gallery St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Sheppton, PA

Here's some pictures of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Sheppton, PA.

Any guess who the (famous) pastor was in the 1940's???

I attended Lenten Devotions sponsored by the local Holy Name Societies held here back in late February. There was a GREAT group of parishioners; it was wonderful to speak with them both about the history of their little slice of heaven and on a personal basis.

The people are very proud of their church building, and sang with much gusto during the service. This particular Sunday was the one where the Cross was adorned with red flowers and venerated - I'm drawing a blank on that day's name.

Scroll under the individual photos for commentary.

Enjoy!

I think that they were served by the famous Donora priest, and probably were "deconstructed" around the time of his pastorate at both churches.

Ung

I haven't been to St. Mary's in Hazleton (yet) but it appears that they at least tried to re-do the doors.

As for the Jim Honochick connection: On the wall of the Church, closest to the Theotokos of the Iconostas, is an icon of the Baptism of Christ. It appears to have been donated by this group: "Base Ball Team Sheppton, Greck A.C.R. 1918-1919. The fourth name (the team roster) is "Joseph Honochick."

I love this stuff!

This in indeed wonderful information. Although there were many emendations in the form of the iconostasis, the fact that it actually existed and wasn't transmogrified into a Latin style altar with a baldochinno (sp?) is a tribute to the tradition.

Where are the original founders of the parish from? Presov, Mukachevo, Lemko,....? This would have an impact on what they decided to do in terms of their worship space.

As for the NY Yankees,...... I'm with Schweich on this one. "Satanic" may be perceived by others as a bit strong, but I don't think so!! [Go Sox!] How do we start Honochik on the path to "Blessed"? :-)

Dr John

In Eastern Slovakia, most Greek Catholic Churches have also "modified" their ikonostases, they removed the deacon doors.
The Orthodox Church of Eastern Slovakia have chosen to be traditional and not modify the traditional full ikonostases.

Ung

I am having an Nostradamic vision: The pilgrims are chanting and queuing to enter the Shrine of Blessed Honochick of Sheppton.

You may send prayer requests to the Shrine of Saint Nestor (Chylak) of Olyphant, in Cooperstown, New York.

I'm sure St. Nestor will welcome Jim with open arms. He surely will appreciate all the support he can get, surrounded as he is by all those guys with bats, and all the fans shouting "kill the Ump!".