Parish History
History of SS. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church
- 1915: SS Peter and Paul Established
Saints Peter and Paul was established in 1915, and the first Divine Liturgy was served on December 25th of that year. Fr. Naum Cere was the priest appointed to serve and the building was a rented facility at 4th and Sharswood Streets. Three years later, the community had gathered enough funds to purchase the church building at Hancock and Oxford Streets. The new building was renovated by the parishioners and was consecrated on January 12th, 1919 by then Archimandrite Theofan S. Noli.
In 1949, another transition took place. Our choir began to sing the responses in English thanks to the publication of the translation of then Bishop Theophan Noli.
In 1983, Fr. Antony Bassoline came to serve the parish for a six month period which became ten years. He was a fiery preacher, a scholarly theologian, and a talented linguist. It was Fr. Antony who shaped the Liturgical form we now use, blending the Slavonic typicon, used in our Liturgy of the Word, with the Byzantine typicon, used in the Liturgy of the Faithful
At the untimely falling asleep of Fr. Antony, the parish was blessed to be served by Fr. George Gregory, who had just retired. He, too, came for a period of months, and stayed for five years. And he too traveled a considerable distance, often when a more cautious man would not have come. Through his steadfastness the unity and stability of the parish was maintained. As Fr. George had so graciously agreed, when a priest became available for permanent appointment, he returned to retirement.
We received a great gift in the person of Fr. Stephen Siniari. Baptized at SS. Peter and Paul, his spiritual journey has been an extended and mission-oriented one. While Fr. Stephen continued his work of ministering to the needs of the poor and homeless, we rejoice at the work of the Lord in bringing Fr. Stephen and Prifteresha Margot home to us. Fr. Stephen suffered a massive heart attack on Oct. 26, 2012 and eventually had to reassess his capacity to serve while Fr. Gregory Hal DuDash assigned in retirement to the altar since 2000 stepped up to make the offering on a regular basis. While Fr. Stephen did return to full-time service he decided to retire in 2014 and moved to Florida.
- 1919 - 1951
In 1949, another transition took place. Our choir began to sing the responses in English thanks to the publication of the translation of then Bishop Theophan Noli.
- 1951 - 1958
- 1958 - 1969
- 1970 - 1974
- 1974 - 2014
In 1983, Fr. Antony Bassoline came to serve the parish for a six month period which became ten years. He was a fiery preacher, a scholarly theologian, and a talented linguist. It was Fr. Antony who shaped the Liturgical form we now use, blending the Slavonic typicon, used in our Liturgy of the Word, with the Byzantine typicon, used in the Liturgy of the Faithful
At the untimely falling asleep of Fr. Antony, the parish was blessed to be served by Fr. George Gregory, who had just retired. He, too, came for a period of months, and stayed for five years. And he too traveled a considerable distance, often when a more cautious man would not have come. Through his steadfastness the unity and stability of the parish was maintained. As Fr. George had so graciously agreed, when a priest became available for permanent appointment, he returned to retirement.
We received a great gift in the person of Fr. Stephen Siniari. Baptized at SS. Peter and Paul, his spiritual journey has been an extended and mission-oriented one. While Fr. Stephen continued his work of ministering to the needs of the poor and homeless, we rejoice at the work of the Lord in bringing Fr. Stephen and Prifteresha Margot home to us. Fr. Stephen suffered a massive heart attack on Oct. 26, 2012 and eventually had to reassess his capacity to serve while Fr. Gregory Hal DuDash assigned in retirement to the altar since 2000 stepped up to make the offering on a regular basis. While Fr. Stephen did return to full-time service he decided to retire in 2014 and moved to Florida.
2015 to Present
Fr. Gregory DuDash servied as the rector through most of 2015 while working with the council to identify candidates for the pastorate.
In December 2015 Rev. Nicholas Dellermann was assigned as rector of SS. Peter and Paul. Along with Prifteresha Katie and his six children he has made a strong presence with his powerful voice and passion for the faith. We look forward to his pastoral guidance for many years.
We have learned from each of our priests.
They have left us a legacy of love and spiritual growth
and have taught us to care for our fellow man.
They have left us a legacy of love and spiritual growth
and have taught us to care for our fellow man.