HISTORY OF THE BYZANTINE CATHOLIC-RUTHENIAN CHURCH (Link to Eparchy of Passaic website)

History of Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church

Holy Spirit Greek (Byzantine) Catholic Church was originally organized in 1903. It was named Saint Michael’s Greek Catholic Church and was located at 296 Clinton Street in Binghamton. However, by 1936 an unfortunate division occurred within the parish. Some members wanted to convert to the Orthodox faith while others desired to remain Greek Catholic. By 1936 problems escalated. Litigation over church ownership was not settled until 1939. Those who converted to the Orthodox Church joined the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church Diocese. This segment of the congregation was given possession of the church and property. The pastor of Saint Michael’s, the Reverend Michael Staurovsky and his parishioners, were determined to remain Greek Catholic. After the court decision, Father Michael and his parishioners were allowed to hold services at St. Joseph’s Lithuanian Catholic Church on Judson Avenue in Binghamton. Saint Joseph’s had been in existence since 1914 and graciously offered their church so Greek Catholic services would continue. Father Michael and his parishioners were not discouraged by the events that transpired. Instead of being down-cast at the loss of their church and property, they immediately set out to obtain a new church. The Mother’s Club was started in 1934 with the main function of assisting at church events. During World War II, these kind and dedicated women mailed numerous packages to servicemen. Even today, this tradition continues. Gifts are still sent to United States military personnel. The Mother’s Club of Holy Spirit Church is to be commended for their patriotism to those in the United States armed forces. During 1947 the Mother’s Club compiled their own cookbook. It is still in print and can be purchased from the church today. Numerous copies have been mailed all over the United States and even to other countries. The income derived from the sale of this cookbook is collected and utilized for various church needs.

By October of 1941, 32 acres of property were purchased. In 1941 Holy Spirit Church Holy Name Society was begun. The society was formed to assist the church with various services. To this day, the society still perform duties such as ushers and also continue the long tradition of standing guard on Good Friday throughout the night at the grave (Plaschanitza) of Christ. The Holy Name Society has continued to support Holy Spirit Church with fundraisers and offers many functions throughout the year. As time progressed another 65 acres of property were obtained in 1947. The second purchase of property was consecrated and dedicated for use as Holy Spirit cemetery. Other property had been purchased and the parcel at 360 Clinton Street, not far from their original church, was designated as the site for Holy Spirit. Construction of the new church began with a ground breaking ceremony and blessing service in 1950. Holy Spirit would be constructed of Indiana limestone and two majestic towers graced by two gold cupolas with three bar crosses. In the front of the church, above the entrance doors, is a breathtaking full-length stained glass window. When the sun gently rests upon the church, the blending of the limestone color, tiled roof and the golden cupolas are an impressive sight to behold. The church blueprints for construction followed Byzantine/Romanesque architecture while taking into account the surrounding landscape. After waiting so long to have their own house of worship, construction was finalized and all interior decorations were completed. On Palm Sunday of 1952, the first Divine Liturgy was offered by Father Michael Staurovsky. This church, built because their own church had been lost, is a genuine testament of the devotion and love for the Byzantine Catholic faith of its members and clergy.

Holy Spirit church began to experience growth and their membership numbers increased. In 1959, a new rectory was built. By 1974 the Holy Spirit Center was constructed with a modern kitchen, auditorium and classrooms. These classrooms were vital as they were dedicated specifically for teaching religious instruction to the parish children. During 1987, the Mother’s Club also revised their name to the Mother’s Club/Guild. They are known is the area and beyond for their various baking endeavors. Every year, these hard working members bake numerous nut, apricot, lekvar, poppy seed rolls and Paska (Easter Bread). The income derived from these sales is of great benefit to the church which helps with financial obligations. During 1990 the church was updated and interior mosaics, paintings and stenciling were added to the church interior.

The church interior is elegant. A perfect balance of color graces the iconostasis and draws visual attention to the altar which is a work of art. Adorned in mosaic, it has a cross in red and green with the letters IC XC NI KA, which translate to “Jesus Christ Conquers.” A gold cross is graced on each side by two golden fans. Above the baldacchino is a mosaic icon of the “Mother of God of the Sign.” Under the baldacchino (right over the altar proper) is a stained glass masterpiece depicting the Holy Spirit. An oval area that surrounds the outside altar is adorned with icons of Christ, the Virgin and the Saints. All pillars are in green marble and three graceful chandeliers’ illuminate the interior. The tretapod is delicately adorned with an inlaid gold and blue three bar crucifix flanked by two standing vigil lights. The color scheme of green, light green, gold and light brown all escalate towards the ceiling which has painted stars on it.

Always mindful of their origins, in October of 2008, a Carpatho-Rusyn dancing group was formed. These young folk dancers have performed for many church functions and events. Ever mindful of following their Byzantine Catholic faith and performing works of love and compassion, they perform at a local nursing home for the enjoyment of many residents. At present, Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic church is served by Father Peter Tomas and his family, Pani Michelle and their son Peter. Divine Liturgy is said on Saturday evenings at 4:30 p.m. and on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. A church that is friendly and inviting, Holy Spirit is a parish filled with great love and devotion to the Byzantine Catholic faith and for all who worship here. This church is a permanent monument to those who persevered through many trials to build a new church. Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church had a remarkable history, but, more important, has a future filled with an abundance of great promise. Guided by the traditions of the past and as they move forward with a strong focus into another decade, this church is as dynamic and welcoming as it was when first begun in 1903.