History of Saints Peter & Paul
1920s | Humble Beginnings
The story of Saints Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church began in late 1924, when a young seminarian, Deacon John Romack, was sent to Warren to see if a Byzantine parish could take root. On Christmas Day—January 7, 1925—the first Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the hall of St. Mary Roman Catholic Church. About thirty families gathered, and within weeks, sixteen of them officially formed a parish dedicated to Saints Peter & Paul.
Worship began humbly—in borrowed halls and a small, rented storeroom—but faith was strong. In 1926, the parish purchased the former Central School building, giving the growing community a permanent home.
1930s | Perseverance
The early years were marked by the hardships of the Great Depression. Visiting priests served the parish until Father Peter Molchany became the first resident pastor. Despite limited resources, the parish endured. In 1935, Father John Stim was appointed pastor and led the community through financial challenges, paying off debt, purchasing a rectory, and securing land for a cemetery.
1940s–1950s | Growth and New Life
A new era began in 1945 with the arrival of Father Sylvester Hladky, whose nearly six decades of service would shape the parish profoundly. As young families filled the neighborhood, plans were made for a new church. Ground was broken on East Market Street in 1950, and the church was blessed in 1952.
Seeing the needs of parish families, Father Hladky also helped establish Saints Peter and Paul School, staffed by Byzantine Benedictine Sisters. The school became a source of pride and faith formation for generations.
1960s–1980s | A Flourishing Parish
The parish continued to grow, adding classrooms and even a high school for a time. Father Hladky was honored with the title of Monsignor in 1965 and played a key role in establishing Queen of Heaven Convent—the first Byzantine Benedictine motherhouse in the world.
1990s–2000s | Renewal and Transition
In 1990, Infant of Prague Manor was built to serve senior parishioners. By the early 2000s, changing times brought new challenges. Under Father Robert Karl’s leadership, major renovations renewed both parish buildings and parish life. Though the school closed in 2005, the parish emerged spiritually stronger and more unified.
2010s | Faith in Changing Times
Successive pastors—Father Andrew Deskevich, Father Simeon Sibenik and Father Will—guided the parish through times of renewal, outreach, and healing. Ministries expanded, traditions were strengthened, and the parish welcomed parishioners from neighboring communities, becoming ever more united as one family.
Today | Looking Ahead with Hope
In August 2024, Saints Peter & Paul joyfully welcomed Father Miron Kerul Kmec, Jr., his wife Presbytera Sarah, and their four children. As the parish looks back on a century of faith, sacrifice, and grace, it looks forward with hope—trusting that the same Spirit who guided its beginnings continues to lead it today.