288 East 10th Street, New York, NY 10009
P: (212)254-6685 E: info@stnicholaschurchnyc.org
Rev. Fr. William Bennett
Divine Liturgy: Sunday 10am
P: (212)254-6685 E: info@stnicholaschurchnyc.org
Rev. Fr. William Bennett
Divine Liturgy: Sunday 10am
The villages of Jarabina and Litmanova located in the Bysoky Tatry Mtns of Czeckoslobakia were the chief hamlets from which the majority of the founders and parishioners of St. Nicholas came. Others came from the village of Kamienka and other towns located in the beautiful Beskid and Carpathian Mountains, and the cities of Presov, Bratislava, Uzhorod and Mukacevo. They were people of the land, so in an urban environment they found job opportunities as domestics, office cleaners, transit and restaurant workers. They were a hard-working, industrious people and businessmen sought them out. Even today the new arrivals are praised for being diligent and honest workers who can be depended upon for an honest day’s work.
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The First Steps
On May 27, 1924, John Vislocky , who became the Reverend Father Deacon, approached the late Metropolitan Platon, Exarch of the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church in America, about the possibility of organizing a
Carpatho-Russian Church in New York City. The Metropolitan referred John Vislocky to the late Carpatho-Russian Bishop Dzubaj. In the home of John Vanicky, a delicatessen owner, plans were outlined for a new Orthodox Church.
On September 1, 1925, Father Joseph J. Takach, and John V. Vislocky, Michael Russnak, John Vanicky, Michael Vanicky and Emil Sopoliga met as the founding fathers of the new parish to be named in honor of
the Blessed Virgin Mary. On September 6, 1925, in SS. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, 121 East
7th Street, where Father Chichila was pastor, the first Divine Liturgy was celebrated with a small group
of people in attendance. Following the Liturgy, the first parochial meeting was held, and John Vislocky was elected President, Michael Russnak, Secretary, and John Vanicky, Treasurer.
On September 25, 1925, the second Divine Liturgy was celebrated on 75h Street with Seminarian John Havriliak, Michael Evanyke, Michael Russnak, and Emil Sopoliga leading the plain chant. Upon the request of Father Takeach and the parish, Seminarian John Havriliak was asked to assume the cantorial and choir director duties of the new parish. The first choir rehearsal was held Thursday evening, September 24, 1925, at the Carpatho-Russian Center located on 50 Greenwich Street. At the first rehearsal, more men attended than women, and with the help of John Loboda and his violin, lessons began. Following this session, the SS. Cyril and Methodious Carpatho-Russian Choral Society was organized and the first members were: Michael Buchina, Vasil Buchina, Vasil Grab, Nicholas Jarina, Michael Kmech, Michael Kormanik, Andrew Kovalcik, Peter Krepasky, John Loboda, Stephen Loboda, John Minchik, John Nanko, Joseph Peles, Nicholas Russnak, Michael Russnak, Jr., Vasil Vanicky, and John V. Vislocky. At the second historical choir rehearsal on Tuesday evening, September 29, 1925, the following young women became members of the society: Anna Buchovich, Anna Krempasky, Catherine Mizeshko, Anna Vanicky, and Irene Weber. That same Evening the group went to Battery Park and rehearsed for hours.
“Karpatorusskig na Downtown Nju Jork” was the tile of a leaflet distributed to the large Carpatho-Russian settlement concentrated around Battery Park where the majestic Twin Towers of the World Trade Center
now stand. It called on individuals to unite and become parishioners of the new parish. Three weeks following the first Divine Liturgy, the fast growing parish moved to its present quarters at 288 East 10th Street.
Carpatho-Russian Church in New York City. The Metropolitan referred John Vislocky to the late Carpatho-Russian Bishop Dzubaj. In the home of John Vanicky, a delicatessen owner, plans were outlined for a new Orthodox Church.
On September 1, 1925, Father Joseph J. Takach, and John V. Vislocky, Michael Russnak, John Vanicky, Michael Vanicky and Emil Sopoliga met as the founding fathers of the new parish to be named in honor of
the Blessed Virgin Mary. On September 6, 1925, in SS. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, 121 East
7th Street, where Father Chichila was pastor, the first Divine Liturgy was celebrated with a small group
of people in attendance. Following the Liturgy, the first parochial meeting was held, and John Vislocky was elected President, Michael Russnak, Secretary, and John Vanicky, Treasurer.
On September 25, 1925, the second Divine Liturgy was celebrated on 75h Street with Seminarian John Havriliak, Michael Evanyke, Michael Russnak, and Emil Sopoliga leading the plain chant. Upon the request of Father Takeach and the parish, Seminarian John Havriliak was asked to assume the cantorial and choir director duties of the new parish. The first choir rehearsal was held Thursday evening, September 24, 1925, at the Carpatho-Russian Center located on 50 Greenwich Street. At the first rehearsal, more men attended than women, and with the help of John Loboda and his violin, lessons began. Following this session, the SS. Cyril and Methodious Carpatho-Russian Choral Society was organized and the first members were: Michael Buchina, Vasil Buchina, Vasil Grab, Nicholas Jarina, Michael Kmech, Michael Kormanik, Andrew Kovalcik, Peter Krepasky, John Loboda, Stephen Loboda, John Minchik, John Nanko, Joseph Peles, Nicholas Russnak, Michael Russnak, Jr., Vasil Vanicky, and John V. Vislocky. At the second historical choir rehearsal on Tuesday evening, September 29, 1925, the following young women became members of the society: Anna Buchovich, Anna Krempasky, Catherine Mizeshko, Anna Vanicky, and Irene Weber. That same Evening the group went to Battery Park and rehearsed for hours.
“Karpatorusskig na Downtown Nju Jork” was the tile of a leaflet distributed to the large Carpatho-Russian settlement concentrated around Battery Park where the majestic Twin Towers of the World Trade Center
now stand. It called on individuals to unite and become parishioners of the new parish. Three weeks following the first Divine Liturgy, the fast growing parish moved to its present quarters at 288 East 10th Street.
Moving to 10th StreetThe people rented the present church from the Episcopal Diocese of New York for $50 a month. One part of the huge building housed the Leonardo da Vinci Art School, and the church was known by the Episcopalians as St Mark’s Chapel of the Bouwerie. Later our people were able to rent the entire building for $100 a month. The church building had been built by the Rutherford Stuyvesant Family in 1884. Some of the board members were prominent New Yorkers and included: Hamilton Fish, former Governor of New York State and Secretary of State under President Grant; Henry B. Renwick; William Scott; Peter C. Schuyler; and Alfred Hl. Easton The first Divine Liturgy celebrated in the new church on 10th Street was on the holy day of the Feast of the Elevation of the Cross, September 27, 1925.
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The first Parochial School was established on the same day with John Havriliak as teacher. The first students in the new church school were: Anna Cheselka, John Ceselka, Anna Drapach, Terka Drapach, Anna Dyk, Rosalia Jurchinsky, Anna Kindya, Anna Kmech, Mary Kmech, Michael Kmech, Anna Krempasky, Peter Krempasky, John Loboda, Stephen Loboda, Catherine Mizechko, Catherine Rapach, Anna Russnak, Mary Russnak, Mary Salony, Ilona Vanicky, Michael Vanicky, Mary Vanicky, Peter Vanicky, John Vislocky, Matilda Vislocky, Irene Weber, and Michael Kindya.
On October 18, 1925, the choir sang for the first time on 10thStreet and had memberships of 36 people. On November 22, 1925, Seminarian John Havriliak was ordained a preist and assigned to his first parish in Crossingville, PA. In 1925 through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Konstantin Yanoscik, and Mr. and Mrs.
John Salony, the parish received a large Gospel Book.
At the parochial meeting on September 27, 1925, in addition to the officers mentioned above, the following were elected: Charles Buchina, Recording Secretary; Nicholas Minchik, President of Comptrollers; Peter Krempasky, and Charles Vira, Comptrollers. The first parish social was held on March 6, 1926, with great success. Despite the many financial problems of the time, the people united and the parish grew. The great Crash of 1929 brought economic hardships to the parishioners, but while mighty corporations collapsed, the Church on 10th Street struggled on because of the personal sacrifice of the people and the leadership of their
priests.
On October 18, 1925, the choir sang for the first time on 10thStreet and had memberships of 36 people. On November 22, 1925, Seminarian John Havriliak was ordained a preist and assigned to his first parish in Crossingville, PA. In 1925 through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Konstantin Yanoscik, and Mr. and Mrs.
John Salony, the parish received a large Gospel Book.
At the parochial meeting on September 27, 1925, in addition to the officers mentioned above, the following were elected: Charles Buchina, Recording Secretary; Nicholas Minchik, President of Comptrollers; Peter Krempasky, and Charles Vira, Comptrollers. The first parish social was held on March 6, 1926, with great success. Despite the many financial problems of the time, the people united and the parish grew. The great Crash of 1929 brought economic hardships to the parishioners, but while mighty corporations collapsed, the Church on 10th Street struggled on because of the personal sacrifice of the people and the leadership of their
priests.
Purchasing the Church Property
On January 29, 1937, the parish bought the 10thStreet church building from the Episcopal Diocese for $38,000, and the church was named after the patron of all our people: St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra. The
money came from two principal sources: personal loans and two mortgages. The first mortgage of $8,000 was granted by Morris McVeigh, and the second mortgage of $15,000 was held by St. Mark’s Church in the Bouwerie. The following parishioners made loans in the highest amounts: Vasil Simak, $1,600; Peter Herko $ 1,500; Joseph Kmech $ 1,000; Konstantine Yanoscik $1,000; Vasil Rusinak, $1,000; Vasil Kmech, $800; Vasil Drenchko, $600; Michael Nanko, $550; Mary Rusinak, $500; and Vasil Cheselka, $500.
During this time Father Basil Huha was pastor and John Teliho, Cantor and Choir Director. Officers for 1936 were: John Vanicky, President; Joseph Kindya, Financial Secretary; John Gaydos, Treasurer; John V. Vislocky, Recording Secretary and Sexton. Trustees were Michael Zadik, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Anna
Bogusky (Mrs. Miichael Bily), Secretary; John V. Vislocky, John Vanicky, Joseph Kindya, John Gaydos, Charles Simak, John Sikoryak, Peter Herko, Jr., Michael Karpiak, Charles Rusinak and Stephen Havriliak.
money came from two principal sources: personal loans and two mortgages. The first mortgage of $8,000 was granted by Morris McVeigh, and the second mortgage of $15,000 was held by St. Mark’s Church in the Bouwerie. The following parishioners made loans in the highest amounts: Vasil Simak, $1,600; Peter Herko $ 1,500; Joseph Kmech $ 1,000; Konstantine Yanoscik $1,000; Vasil Rusinak, $1,000; Vasil Kmech, $800; Vasil Drenchko, $600; Michael Nanko, $550; Mary Rusinak, $500; and Vasil Cheselka, $500.
During this time Father Basil Huha was pastor and John Teliho, Cantor and Choir Director. Officers for 1936 were: John Vanicky, President; Joseph Kindya, Financial Secretary; John Gaydos, Treasurer; John V. Vislocky, Recording Secretary and Sexton. Trustees were Michael Zadik, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Anna
Bogusky (Mrs. Miichael Bily), Secretary; John V. Vislocky, John Vanicky, Joseph Kindya, John Gaydos, Charles Simak, John Sikoryak, Peter Herko, Jr., Michael Karpiak, Charles Rusinak and Stephen Havriliak.
On August 24, 1938, parishioners from St. Nicholas
Parish joined other people from the surrounding area at the docks on the Hudson River, to bid bon voyage to the priest, Father Orestes P. Chornock from Bridgeport CT, who was sailing to Constantinople to be consecrated first Bishop of the newly founded American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Diocese. On September 18, 1938 in the Patriarchal Church of St. George in Constantinople, Father Chornock was consecrated Bishop. Returning to America, the new Bishop was greeted by the parishioners of St. Nicholas, and in their church he offered his first service of Thanksgiving as Bishop. Parishioners from St. Nicholas went to St. John’s Church, Bridgeport, CT to participate in the Bishop’s first Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on November 24, 1938. Bishop Chornock visited the parish on 10th Street frequently. On April 16, 1939, Father Stephen Skasko and his Pani, Susan Dzuback were married in the parish. |
The Diocesan Seminary was located in St. Nicholas Church. The first students were: Very Rev. Msgr. Stephen Dutko, Very Rev. Msgr. John Zeleniak, Very Rev. John Kossey, Fathers: John Hotrovich, John Matey, William Barany and Michael Markulin. Prefect of the Seminary was Father Michael Kanyuch. Later students included:
Very Rev. Msgr. Raphael Sotak, Very Rev. Msgr. Michael Sopoliga, Very Rev. Msgr. John I. Dolhy, Very Rev Msgr. Elias Kozar, and Vasil Buchko.
The parish became an ethnic center for our people in the Metropolitan area. A Carpatho-Russian American National Club was organized, language courses were given, and orchestra, choral and dance groups organized. Prof. D.M. Vergunm, a noted Carpatho-Russian scholar, poet and historian, had plans for the organization of a Carpatho-Russian National Museum to be located in the church building. The parish, during the pastorate of Father Joseph Milly and through the efforts of Vasil Hlinka, John Chobor, and Stefan Karafa, made plans to publish the works of prof. Nicholas Beskid on Carpatho-Russian history.
In 1940, the three beautiful bells of the parish were cast at the McShane Bell Foundry, Baltimore, MD. They were blessed, receiving the names of SS. Peter and Paul, St. Michael the Archangel, and St. Nicholas.
They were donated by Vasil and Mary Rusinak and Family.
Timeline 1945 - present
1945 Icons on side altars and Honor Roll of Servicemen painted by the late Peter Cheselka.
1948 Father Elias Kozar and Ann Yanoscik married, January 25.
1952 Marion Stegun elected National Miss ACRY
1953 Mary Hlinka elected National Miss ACRY
1954 10th Annual National ACRY Convention at St. Nicholas. John Petrick & Joseph Medvecky in charge
+ John E. Petrick, Jr. elected 1st President and 2nd Vice President of the National ACRY
+ Parish contributes $629.25 towards new Diocesan Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Johnstown, PA
+ $3,925 of Cathedral bonds purchased by parishioners.
+ One hundred and five Patrons listed from parish in Cathedral Dedication Book of 1954
1955 Charles Hlinka awarded “Distinguished Service to the Diocese Award”
+ National ACRY Bowling Tournament at St.
+ Nicholas and Hotel New Yorker. Basil Kmech, Chairman
+ Altar and Baldachino blessed by His Eminence, Metropolitan Orestes P. Chornock
1957 St. Nicholas Choir & St. Mary’s Choir of Bayonne, NJ sang at 3rd “Agape” or Holy
Communion Breakfast at St. John’s Church, Stratford, CT
+ Parish burns mortgage on Mother’s Day
+ Eastern Seaboard District ACRY First Convention at St. Nicholas, Nov 9-10. Helen Chobor & Mary
Zarichny, Co-Chairmen
1958 Seminarians from our Diocesan Seminary in Johnstown visit parish and among them is the pastor
Father Nicholas Smisko
1959 Fifth Eastern Seaboard District ACRY Holy Communion Breakfast at St. Nicholas
+ Father Andrew Hutnyan and Jean Derevjanik of St. Nicholas married, June 27.
+ Parishioners go by bus to Diocesan “Otpust” Pilgrimage to Diocesan See in Johnstown, PA
1962 Parish begins major renovations of interior of parish complex. Chairmen of the major projects were
John Petrick, Sr. and Andrey Benc.
1972 Very Rev. Msgr. Nicholas J. Woloshuk administered to needs of parish.
+ Very Rev. Nicholas R. Smisko appointed pastor of parish by His Excellency, Bishop John R.
Martin, D.D.
1973 Parish re-establishes Canonical ties with Diocese, June 1973
+ Parish delegates attend Sobor or Diocesan Council, Rye, NY, October
+ First Canonical visit to parish by the Most Rev. John R. Martin, D.D. along with blessing of
redecorated interior of the church, November 18, 1973. Rectory renovated.
1974 His Excellency, Bishop John R. Martin, visited parish on occasion of First “Distinguished
Diocesan Donor” Dinner at Waldorf Astoria.
+ Over $5,000 donated towards Diocesan Camp Project by parishioners, Sept. 29.
+ Parish Choir sings at 30thNational ACRY Convention in Stratford, CT
+ Parish Choir sings at Diocesan Pilgrimage in Johnstown, PA, Oct 13
+ Fr. Smisko establishes Annual Kermes, a harvest festival celebrated in true “krajovi” style music,
food & fellowship. Delicious food prepared, then and now, by Executive Chef George Chobor and his
wife, Justina
1975 St. Nicholas Parish commemorates Golden Jubilee, Nov. 23rd, at the Statler Hilton Hotel
+ Parish Hall kitchen renovated.
1977 Church bells were repaired and new steel beams and timbers were installed by the McSHane
Foundary, the original caster of the three bells.
+ Donated $1,500 to Diocesan Flood Relief Fund for Johnstown area.
+ Picnic held in Lemko Resort, Monroe, NY for the first of many.
1978 Loan of $20,000 made to Diocese for purchase of the Monastery of the Annunciation in Tuxedo
Park, N.Y.
+ Archimandrite Nicholas R. Smisko in charge of Monestary in addition to his duties at St. Nicholas.
1979 Donation of $6,000 given for monastery iconostas.
1980 ACRY Chapter #4 hosted 1980 Convention at the Biltmore Hotel. Highlight was musical “Salute to
Broadway” performed by Choir members. Twenty-one parishes attended, with a banquet of 400
people. Michael Kormanik and Robert Stack were Chairmen.
1981 Classroom renovated and dedicated in memory of Helen Vira, donated by Vira Family
+ Altar Society had first of many successful flea markets as a fund-raiser
1984 Six new icons installed on front panels of choir loft.
+ Episodes of television series “Kojak”, starring Telly Savalas was first of many television programs
and movies filmed in St. Nicholas Church
1987 Icons on the front of Altar blessed in memory of Pearl Sikoryak, donated by her family
+ Four large poles removed from #1 Hall making more room for plays and dances. A new floor
installed by Michael Bily.
+ Stephen Petrick elected President of the National Jr. ACRY
+ Fr. John P. Fencik served St. Nicholas Church and St. Mary’s in Bayonne
+ Church name simplified to St. Nicholas of Myra Orthodox Church.
1988 Louis I. Dolhy retired as Cantor and Choir Director after 36 years of devoted service, he
continues as Cantor Emeritus.
+ The choir club room was dedicated in his honor
+ Nicholas I. Timko installed as Cantor and Choir Director
1990 Bowling Tournament hosed by ACRY Chapter #4 under the chairmanship of William Korchak
and James Gidicsin at the Roosevelt Hotel.
+ Air conditioner installed in #1 Hall
+ Women of the singing group, “Vychodna Dolina” make a cassette recording of Slovak folk songs.
+ First of many wonderful picnics at Pickell Park in New Jersey.
1992 Church pews refurbished and entire floor of church proper carpeted.
+ Gift Shop opened under the supervision of Patricia Sikoryak
1993 Extensive redesign and renovation of church kitchen under professional direction of Leslie
Munich who donated over $25,000 worth of labor and equipment.
1994 First phase of repair of gutters and roof
+ Stephanie Salony elected first woman parish president
+ Fr. John J. Beskid assigned as pastor.
1995 Growth in parish with 25 children in Sunday School.
+ Dawn Sikoryak selected as Miss ACRY of 1996, at convention
+ New door put on vault under sidewalk to deter a dozen squatters. Only in NY!
+ Pirohi sale was undertaken by the Choir and was successful as well as fun!
+ Choir took Christmas carols and gifts to the children of St. Basil’s Academy in Garrison, NY
+ Opening of Pledge Fund Drive to support renovations in anticipation of 75th Jubilee in 2000.
1996 Christmas Day (Jan. 7) surprise blizzard strands parishioners in the homes of Brooklyn relatives
for days enjoying hospitality of Ignac & Debbie Derevjanik and Magda & Lubos Matlak
+ Assitant Cantor Robert P. Zizik was tonsured as a Reader by Bishop SMisko.
+ New York Blood Bank set up in Church Hall for after-Liturgy Blood drive
+ Tony Ceselka and Paul Sikoryak, Jr were made Acolytes.
1997 New boiler and windows for entire Church building installed.
+ Richard Vislocky installedcomputerized financial record keeping and credit card machine, bringing
parish records into the 20th century.
+ St. Nicholas goes “on-line” at Stnickofm@aol.com
+ A mini-bus of parishioners attends Elevation of Metropolitan Nicholas in Johnstown, PA
1998 Many parishioners attended Divine Liturgy celebrated by Patriarch Bartholomew at Madison Square
Garden.
+ New chandeliers installed and main chandelier rewired and dressed with new crystals
+ Church proper is painted, and paintings cleaned and replaced by John Tiedemann & Sons.
+ Blessing of newly painted church followed by an International Cocktail Hour in the Church Hall
prepared and served by George & Justina Chobor
+ Parish celebrates 15thanniversary of Ordination of Fr. Beskid; George &Justina Chobor again
prepare a Culinary Extravaganza
+ Fr. Beskid elevated to Very Reverend, and appointed Dean of the New York Deanery
1999 A donation of $50,000 is made by Mrs. Mary Nanko, which made possible the dream of an Iconastas
+ Parish established Hurricane Floyd Relief Fund for Holy Ghost Church in Manville, NJ; funds raised
presented to Very Rev. Protopresbyter Andrew Hutnyan at Parish Kermes
+ Gregory Benc, son of the Parish, ordained to Deacon in Christ the Savior Cathedral in Johnstown
+ Paul Sikoryak, Jr. was tonsured a Reader in St. Mary’s Church, Yonkers, NY
2000 Iconostas installed by Frank Cunius; Iconographer is Deacon Dimitri Leussis.
+ Convention hosted by ACRY Chapter #4 under the direction of Doreen Chobor, assisted by Helena
Gajdos, at the World Trade Center Marriott
+ Renovation of rectory begins
+ 75th Diamond Jubilee celebrated on November 12, 2000, with the blessing of the newly installed
iconostas by His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas. Banquet held at Financial Center Marriott Hotel.
A Museum Room setup in conjuction with the Banquet displays original historical memorabilia
defining the immigration experience of parishioners.
1948 Father Elias Kozar and Ann Yanoscik married, January 25.
1952 Marion Stegun elected National Miss ACRY
1953 Mary Hlinka elected National Miss ACRY
1954 10th Annual National ACRY Convention at St. Nicholas. John Petrick & Joseph Medvecky in charge
+ John E. Petrick, Jr. elected 1st President and 2nd Vice President of the National ACRY
+ Parish contributes $629.25 towards new Diocesan Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Johnstown, PA
+ $3,925 of Cathedral bonds purchased by parishioners.
+ One hundred and five Patrons listed from parish in Cathedral Dedication Book of 1954
1955 Charles Hlinka awarded “Distinguished Service to the Diocese Award”
+ National ACRY Bowling Tournament at St.
+ Nicholas and Hotel New Yorker. Basil Kmech, Chairman
+ Altar and Baldachino blessed by His Eminence, Metropolitan Orestes P. Chornock
1957 St. Nicholas Choir & St. Mary’s Choir of Bayonne, NJ sang at 3rd “Agape” or Holy
Communion Breakfast at St. John’s Church, Stratford, CT
+ Parish burns mortgage on Mother’s Day
+ Eastern Seaboard District ACRY First Convention at St. Nicholas, Nov 9-10. Helen Chobor & Mary
Zarichny, Co-Chairmen
1958 Seminarians from our Diocesan Seminary in Johnstown visit parish and among them is the pastor
Father Nicholas Smisko
1959 Fifth Eastern Seaboard District ACRY Holy Communion Breakfast at St. Nicholas
+ Father Andrew Hutnyan and Jean Derevjanik of St. Nicholas married, June 27.
+ Parishioners go by bus to Diocesan “Otpust” Pilgrimage to Diocesan See in Johnstown, PA
1962 Parish begins major renovations of interior of parish complex. Chairmen of the major projects were
John Petrick, Sr. and Andrey Benc.
1972 Very Rev. Msgr. Nicholas J. Woloshuk administered to needs of parish.
+ Very Rev. Nicholas R. Smisko appointed pastor of parish by His Excellency, Bishop John R.
Martin, D.D.
1973 Parish re-establishes Canonical ties with Diocese, June 1973
+ Parish delegates attend Sobor or Diocesan Council, Rye, NY, October
+ First Canonical visit to parish by the Most Rev. John R. Martin, D.D. along with blessing of
redecorated interior of the church, November 18, 1973. Rectory renovated.
1974 His Excellency, Bishop John R. Martin, visited parish on occasion of First “Distinguished
Diocesan Donor” Dinner at Waldorf Astoria.
+ Over $5,000 donated towards Diocesan Camp Project by parishioners, Sept. 29.
+ Parish Choir sings at 30thNational ACRY Convention in Stratford, CT
+ Parish Choir sings at Diocesan Pilgrimage in Johnstown, PA, Oct 13
+ Fr. Smisko establishes Annual Kermes, a harvest festival celebrated in true “krajovi” style music,
food & fellowship. Delicious food prepared, then and now, by Executive Chef George Chobor and his
wife, Justina
1975 St. Nicholas Parish commemorates Golden Jubilee, Nov. 23rd, at the Statler Hilton Hotel
+ Parish Hall kitchen renovated.
1977 Church bells were repaired and new steel beams and timbers were installed by the McSHane
Foundary, the original caster of the three bells.
+ Donated $1,500 to Diocesan Flood Relief Fund for Johnstown area.
+ Picnic held in Lemko Resort, Monroe, NY for the first of many.
1978 Loan of $20,000 made to Diocese for purchase of the Monastery of the Annunciation in Tuxedo
Park, N.Y.
+ Archimandrite Nicholas R. Smisko in charge of Monestary in addition to his duties at St. Nicholas.
1979 Donation of $6,000 given for monastery iconostas.
1980 ACRY Chapter #4 hosted 1980 Convention at the Biltmore Hotel. Highlight was musical “Salute to
Broadway” performed by Choir members. Twenty-one parishes attended, with a banquet of 400
people. Michael Kormanik and Robert Stack were Chairmen.
1981 Classroom renovated and dedicated in memory of Helen Vira, donated by Vira Family
+ Altar Society had first of many successful flea markets as a fund-raiser
1984 Six new icons installed on front panels of choir loft.
+ Episodes of television series “Kojak”, starring Telly Savalas was first of many television programs
and movies filmed in St. Nicholas Church
1987 Icons on the front of Altar blessed in memory of Pearl Sikoryak, donated by her family
+ Four large poles removed from #1 Hall making more room for plays and dances. A new floor
installed by Michael Bily.
+ Stephen Petrick elected President of the National Jr. ACRY
+ Fr. John P. Fencik served St. Nicholas Church and St. Mary’s in Bayonne
+ Church name simplified to St. Nicholas of Myra Orthodox Church.
1988 Louis I. Dolhy retired as Cantor and Choir Director after 36 years of devoted service, he
continues as Cantor Emeritus.
+ The choir club room was dedicated in his honor
+ Nicholas I. Timko installed as Cantor and Choir Director
1990 Bowling Tournament hosed by ACRY Chapter #4 under the chairmanship of William Korchak
and James Gidicsin at the Roosevelt Hotel.
+ Air conditioner installed in #1 Hall
+ Women of the singing group, “Vychodna Dolina” make a cassette recording of Slovak folk songs.
+ First of many wonderful picnics at Pickell Park in New Jersey.
1992 Church pews refurbished and entire floor of church proper carpeted.
+ Gift Shop opened under the supervision of Patricia Sikoryak
1993 Extensive redesign and renovation of church kitchen under professional direction of Leslie
Munich who donated over $25,000 worth of labor and equipment.
1994 First phase of repair of gutters and roof
+ Stephanie Salony elected first woman parish president
+ Fr. John J. Beskid assigned as pastor.
1995 Growth in parish with 25 children in Sunday School.
+ Dawn Sikoryak selected as Miss ACRY of 1996, at convention
+ New door put on vault under sidewalk to deter a dozen squatters. Only in NY!
+ Pirohi sale was undertaken by the Choir and was successful as well as fun!
+ Choir took Christmas carols and gifts to the children of St. Basil’s Academy in Garrison, NY
+ Opening of Pledge Fund Drive to support renovations in anticipation of 75th Jubilee in 2000.
1996 Christmas Day (Jan. 7) surprise blizzard strands parishioners in the homes of Brooklyn relatives
for days enjoying hospitality of Ignac & Debbie Derevjanik and Magda & Lubos Matlak
+ Assitant Cantor Robert P. Zizik was tonsured as a Reader by Bishop SMisko.
+ New York Blood Bank set up in Church Hall for after-Liturgy Blood drive
+ Tony Ceselka and Paul Sikoryak, Jr were made Acolytes.
1997 New boiler and windows for entire Church building installed.
+ Richard Vislocky installedcomputerized financial record keeping and credit card machine, bringing
parish records into the 20th century.
+ St. Nicholas goes “on-line” at Stnickofm@aol.com
+ A mini-bus of parishioners attends Elevation of Metropolitan Nicholas in Johnstown, PA
1998 Many parishioners attended Divine Liturgy celebrated by Patriarch Bartholomew at Madison Square
Garden.
+ New chandeliers installed and main chandelier rewired and dressed with new crystals
+ Church proper is painted, and paintings cleaned and replaced by John Tiedemann & Sons.
+ Blessing of newly painted church followed by an International Cocktail Hour in the Church Hall
prepared and served by George & Justina Chobor
+ Parish celebrates 15thanniversary of Ordination of Fr. Beskid; George &Justina Chobor again
prepare a Culinary Extravaganza
+ Fr. Beskid elevated to Very Reverend, and appointed Dean of the New York Deanery
1999 A donation of $50,000 is made by Mrs. Mary Nanko, which made possible the dream of an Iconastas
+ Parish established Hurricane Floyd Relief Fund for Holy Ghost Church in Manville, NJ; funds raised
presented to Very Rev. Protopresbyter Andrew Hutnyan at Parish Kermes
+ Gregory Benc, son of the Parish, ordained to Deacon in Christ the Savior Cathedral in Johnstown
+ Paul Sikoryak, Jr. was tonsured a Reader in St. Mary’s Church, Yonkers, NY
2000 Iconostas installed by Frank Cunius; Iconographer is Deacon Dimitri Leussis.
+ Convention hosted by ACRY Chapter #4 under the direction of Doreen Chobor, assisted by Helena
Gajdos, at the World Trade Center Marriott
+ Renovation of rectory begins
+ 75th Diamond Jubilee celebrated on November 12, 2000, with the blessing of the newly installed
iconostas by His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas. Banquet held at Financial Center Marriott Hotel.
A Museum Room setup in conjuction with the Banquet displays original historical memorabilia
defining the immigration experience of parishioners.