History of SS. Peter and Paul
Cemetery Chapel
In 1991, Msgr. Michael Nestor, then Pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Parish, had a dream to build a cemetery chapel to serve the spiritual needs of the parish pertaining to funeral services. Much discussion ensued regarding plans and ideas to bring his dream to fruition. When, however, Msgr. Nestor retired in 1994, no decisions had been rendered regarding concrete plans on the cemetery chapel. His dream still remained a dream.
Upon Msgr. Michael Nestor's retirement, his Excellency, Bishop Robert Moskal, assigned Rev. Michael Polosky as the new administrator of SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Parish. Fr. Polosky immediately revived Msgr. Nestor's dream of building a cemetery chapel and quickly formed a committee to address the viability of this project. The parish already had over forty thousand dollars designated for the chapel without any parish assessment.
The cemetery chapel committee, which consisted of Fr. Polosky, Walter Ilko, Peter Melnyk and Edward Rudakewich, immediately invited a young, enthusiastic architect from SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Parish, Mr. Steve Affeltranger, to be a part of the committee and to begin creating designs for the chapel.
Several years of long and tedious discussions and presentations of designs took place. The committee eventually agreed upon a design, which was presented to Bishop Robert M. Moskal, Eparch of the Diocese of St. Josaphat, for approval. Bishop Moskal, after many deliberations over a long period of time, finally gave his approval on May 8, 2001, to the design and gave his permission to construct the cemetery chapel on the site chosen in the parish cemetery. During these years of continuous discussions and deliberations, the parish intensified its fundraising efforts. As a result, the parish increased the cemetery fund to $93,000.00.
Rev. Canon Walter Wysochansky and Rev. Michael Polosky bless the ground and bricks with Altar Servers John and Julianne Celich attending.
(From left to right) Ed Rudakewich, Cemetery Committee Chairman, Canon Walter Wysochansky, Rev. Michael Polosky, Steve Affeltranger, Architect, Altar Servers and parishioners at the ground breaking for the chapel.
On Pentecost Sunday, June 3, 2001, Fr. Michael Polosky and the Parochial Vicar, Fr. Walter J. Wysochansky, broke ground and blessed the site where construction would soon begin. Cordes Homes, Inc. received the bid to construct the new chapel.
Msgr. Nestor's dream became a reality through the dedicated efforts of the parish family under the leadership of Fr. Michael Polosky. On, October 21, 2001, we, as a parish, thanked God for His many blessings, for that is when the new Cemetery Chapel of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Parish was blessed and dedicated to serve the needs of our parish, and especially to honor the repose of our loved ones for generations to come.
Phase One Beautification
Beautification of the chapel is in progress. Phase One is completed. The "Bunya," or Golden Dome, has been blessed and is in place on the anterior section of the roof. The landscaping has been completed. The stained glass round windows are in place: the anterior one above the entrance door is of the "Burning Bush," indicating that this is hallowed ground, and the posterior one of the "Dove," signifying the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Iconographer, Ihor Turczyn, was commissioned to beautify the inside walls of the chapel. Phase One includes the aesthetic painting of the walls and, especially, the presentation of the Icon of the Resurrection and the Icon of the Dormition of the Blessed Mother.
As one enters the chapel, one is overwhelmed by the awesome Icon of the Resurrection which encompasses the entire back wall of the chapel. Above it is the stained glass window of the Holy Spirit.
When we read the Bible, we find that none of the four Gospels written tell us exactly what happened at the time of Christ's resurrection. All that is said is that "Christ is risen!" Therefore, in being faithful to the Gospel stories, Byzantine art always presents what is recorded. In regard to the Resurrection, the Icons represent what happened either before or after the Resurrection. Thus we have either the "Descent into Hades" or the "Myrrh-bearing Women."
Mr. Turczyn chose to do the "Descent into Hades" for our chapel. Shown with a radiant halo, the symbol of glory, and wearing brilliant garments which illumine the darkness of Hades, Christ's appearance is not one of a captive, but He is in Hades as its conqueror. With His trampling of the gates of Hades and the evidence of scattered bolts, broken chains and keys, He has broken Death's hold over humankind.
Having broken the bonds of Death's power, Christ is seen holding Adam's hand and raising him and Eve from the grave. By freeing our first parents, Christ lets us know that He also frees those who put their faith in His coming to save them. The truth of this belief is shown by the presence of Kings, Solomon and David, with John the Baptist on Christ's right and people of the Old Covenant - Daniel, Moses, Abraham - standing on His left. Thus, with them, all humankind is raised. Thus we know that through the resurrection of Christ, we have been freed from sin and death and given New Life.
In looking above the Icon of the Resurrection, we see the Stained Glass Window of the Holy Spirit in the form of a Dove. At the time of the Resurrection, we were given the promise of New Life. Can we think of a better place for the Giver-of-Life to be than to be present at the Resurrection? This assures us that He also will be present to give us New Life when our time comes to fall asleep believing in the Lord.
As one turns to leave the chapel, one is again greeted by the breath-taking Icon of the Dormition situated above the doorway, encompassing half of the front wall and incorporating the stained glass window of the Burning Bush.
With the death and burial of the Mother of God, God shows us the completion of His plan for our salvation. When she said her "Yes" to God and the Holy Spirit overshadowed her, heaven and earth were joined together and all humankind was reborn.
In the Icon, Mr. Turczyn shows the Blessed Mother falling asleep in the Lord as she is lying on her deathbed. She is surrounded by the Apostles. Above her stands Christ in glory receiving her luminous soul into His arms as she falls asleep. Thus, in this Icon, we behold the "Mother of Life," the one who gave human life to the Son of God, now being transferred to eternal life by her Son, the Son of God, our Lord and Savior. It is only right that He Who dwelt in her virginal womb should take her to Himself in her falling asleep. The Angels, forming a border around Christ, are also present to welcome her. The Seraphim are also present.
Above the Icon is the Stained Glass Window of the "Burning Bush." Wherever God is, there is holy ground. What more hallowed ground is there then heaven itself, where our Savior will receive us when we fall asleep believing in Him? Our mortal flesh will rest in the consecrated ground of our cemetery until the time of Christ's second coming to await the reunion with our souls.
On Sunday, June 29, 2003, at 1 P.M., the Feast Day of our parish patrons, Saints Peter and Paul, the Icons and Stained Glass Windows were blessed. During an open house immediately following the blessing service, Mr. Ihor Turczyn, the iconographer, and Mr. Steven Affeltranger, the architect, were present to answer any questions. Afterwards our parish family rejoiced with a family-style picnic at the Ambridge Country Club pavilion.
The next phase of the beautification project is still in the planning stage. Yes, there is more to come!!!