In October of 1935, Father John Stim was appointed pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Church. From the day of its founding until Father Stim was appointed, priests from Youngstown celebrated the Divine Services. During Father Stim’s 10-year pastorate, the church debt was liquidated, a rectory was purchased and land to be used for a parish cemetery was obtained.
Father Sylvester Hladky succeeded Father Stim in September 1945. At that time, the Mahoning Valley developed into a thriving industrial metropolis, and SS. Peter and Paul Parish grew as well. Many young families settled in the area and the need for a larger temple for worship became apparent. Prime land was purchased on the corner of East Market Street and Belvedere Avenue, NE. In addition, a two-acre tract of land was purchased across the street on Belvedere Avenue to be used as the proposed site for constructing a school at some later date. Ground was broken on 1 May 1950 for the new church and rectory.
On 18 December 1951 the first Divine Liturgy was celebrated, and the church was blessed on the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, 29 June 1952. In 1953 a home located on the corner of Willard Avenue and East Market Street was purchased for use as a convent for Sisters. In the fall of 1955, classes for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades were held at the Convent. Classes in the newly constructed SS. Peter and Paul School began in September 1957. The Byzantine Benedictine Sisters staffed the school. The school was in operation until its closing in June 2005 due to declining enrollment.
In 1990 the parishioners and the City of Warren saw another building phase with the construction of Infant of Prague Manor adjacent to SS. Peter and Paul Church. The Manor is a three-story, 46-unit apartment building for independent living for the elderly. The atmosphere makes for a quiet and peaceful home in which the residents are genuinely happy. In April 2004, Father Robert J. Karl was appointed pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Church. Upon his arrival, he found all of the buildings in the church complex in need of major repairs.
Remodeling began after the sale of the school in 2006. First, the old bus garage was converted into a Parish Social Hall, complete with a functional kitchen and restroom facilities. Second, in conformity with the Vatican II documents and explicit directives from the “Instruction for Applying the Liturgical Prescriptions of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches” issued in 1996 by the Vatican Congregation for the Eastern Churches to return to their authentic spiritual, liturgical and theological roots, renovations to the church were undertaken, transforming it into the present beautiful Byzantine place of worship. Third, work began to improve the dreadful condition of the rectory. But more importantly than the physical construction, a spiritual transformation began to develop among the faithful into a solid faith community. Religious education for youth was revamped; adult faith formation was started; parishioner involvement increased.
A new chapter in the life of the parish began on 28 January 2010. Due to health reasons, Father Bob Karl requested a transfer from this very active parish. His Eminence, Metropolitan Basil M. Schott subsequently appointed Father Andrew J. Deskevich as pastor. Building on the foundation laid by Father Bob, Father Andrew contributed his unique gifts and talents and encouraged the faithful to live out the Gospel message and to develop their relationship with God. Additional Byzantine Liturgical services are celebrated to enhance the spiritual life of the faithful. Eastern Christian Formation (ECF) classes continue to be offered for youth and adults.
A group of dedicated parishioners prepare food at the St. Vincent de Paul Meals Program at least two and sometime three times a month, serving over one hundred meals each time. The annual Parish Feast Day celebration, the summer Parish Family Picnic, the St. Nicholas Day Dinner and the monthly socials enrich the relationships of this Community of Faith. Certainly, God has and continues to bless this faithful Byzantine family!
The Rich History of Saints Peter & Paul Church
The 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.
The 1930s | Perseverance Through Hard Times
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.
The 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.
The 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.
The 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 and Father Simeon Sibenik—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 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.