SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

OUR HISTORY

 

Father Peter Kohanik was ordained to the priesthood on October 26, 1902 upon completion of theological studies in Petrograd and at Simpheropole (Russia). He was rector of Russian churches in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Connecticut and established twelve parishes in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including our own. He remained Pastor in Passaic for 44 years and fell asleep in the Lord on May 20, 1969. Father Peter is always fondly remembered in our prayers.

Vechnaja Pamyat

Rt. Rev. Protopresbyter Peter G. Kohanik

The birth of the parish began in July 12, 1925. Father Kohanik of Whitestone, NY accepted the invitation to organize a new parish, with the blessing of Metropolitan Platon. The parishioners unanimously agreed to name the church in honor of St. John the Baptist. The parish acquired a church on Jackson Street in Passaic, NJ in November 1925.

The growth of the parish led to the need for a larger church. Groundbreaking for the current edifice on the corner of Lexington Avenue and Harrison Street in Passaic occurred on August 3, 1959. The cornerstone was blessed on September 18, 1960 and the church was consecrated on November 27, 1960. Work then began on the church school building on Harrison Street. It was dedicated on September 13, 1964.

Currently our active organizations include the Women’s Club, The Choir and a chapter of FOCA (Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America).  We are proud of our legacy and past accomplishments and look forward to the future. The fellowship of our parishioners is cherished and nurtured in the Brotherhood with Christ, and we pray that the Lord’s blessings will continue to guide our congregation. 


 

"If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also.

If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor."

John 12:26

 

Past Pastors:                        Fr. Peter Kohanik     -  1924 - 1969

                                                Fr. Dan Donovan     -  1969 - 1981

                                                Fr. Leonid Kuberski     -   1981 - 1989

                                                Fr. Dan Pavelchak     -   1989 - 1991

                                                Fr, James Mason     -   1991 - 1999

                                                Fr. Nicholas (Iuhos)     -   1999 - 2001

                                                Fr. Christopher Swanson     -   2001 - 2003

                                                Fr. Sophrony Royer     -   2003 - 2013

                                                Fr. Igor Kseniuk     -    2013 - 2019

                                                Fr. Maryan Chaykivsky     -     2019  -  Present

 

 

 

 


 

Be exalted, O Lord, in Your own strength!  We will sing and praise Your power.      Psalm 21:13

 

Special mention for Prof. Michael P. Hilko.  -  Prof. Hilko was a faithful and dedicated choir director at our parish for 42 years.  He started at St. John's in 1932 and continued as our choir director until his death in 1974.  May his memory be eternal.


CALENDAR

March 2024
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Canon of St. Andrew of Crete - 6:00 pm

Canon of St. Andrew of Crete - This is a long series of penitential verses based on Biblical themes, to each of which the people respond:  Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.