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Proclamation recognizing and honoring Saint Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church on the occasion of the Church's 100th anniversary.
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WHEREAS, our country, founded on the precepts of freedom and liberty and rich in cultural diversity, is home to millions of citizens who appeal to a higher being for guidance, wisdom and assistance; and
WHEREAS, St. Nicholas was the first Greek Catholic church in Western Pennsylvania, having been erected in 1890; and
WHEREAS, Saint Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, formerly St. Nicholas Greek Catholic Church, was organized and founded in 1904; and
WHEREAS, on January 16, 1909, parishioners assembled for a meeting with the desire to have a parish and patrons more to their religious persuasions. They overwhelmingly agreed to name the parish Saint Peter & Paul Greek Catholic Church; and
WHEREAS, the edifice was a small frame building of unassuming proportions, located on an inaccessible, steep hillside overlooking the Monongahela River; and
WHEREAS, the groundbreaking for the present church took place on June 29, 1958. Bishop Nicholas Elko blessed the new site and turned the first spadeful of earth, planting the white cross on the spot where the main alter now stands; and
WHEREAS, Saint Peter & Paul Church undertook further renovations in 1958. Finally the grand edifice was completed and ready for the cornerstone laying and dedication. On November 29, 1959, Bishop Elko laid the cornerstone and blessed the new church in the traditional manner of the ancient Byzantine rite; and
WHEREAS, Allegheny County Council is proud to recognize Saint Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, celebrating its 100 years of service to the residents of this County through education, spiritual guidance, social service, nurturing, outreach and worship and does hereby wish all members of Saint Peter & Paul Church continued success and lifelong happiness;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council does hereby recognize and honor Saint Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church on the occasion of the Church's 100th anniversary, and wish the Church and its congregation continued blessings and express the pride Allegheny County takes in the Church's contributions and services to all citizens of Allegheny County.