Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Eli Bratich

FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT THE BUILDING

Architect: ✝John V. Tomich, A.I.A. Contractor: Campbell-Ellsworth Inc. Architectural Consultants: R. M. Gensert Associates of Pittsburgh and Cleveland HVAC: Dodson Engineering Inc., Pittsburgh, PA Electrical Design: Carl J. Long and Associates, Pittsburgh, PA Electrical Contractor: ✝Milan Drobac, Clairton, PA Acoustical: Christopher Jaffe Inc., Norwalk, CONN/San Francisco, CA Resident Site Engineers: ✝George Davic, Joseph Thurn Property size: 5 ½ acres Steel: 139 tons Concrete: 67,500 cubic feet Dome height: 86 feet Stainless steel Cross on dome: 11 feet Stainless steel Cross in belfry: 7 feet Bells: 62 feet Church width – nave: 56 feet Church width – apse: 88 feet Church length – nave: 86 feet Church length – overall: 130 feet, 8 inches First Floor seating: 450 First Balcony seating: 150 Second Balcony (choir loft): 100 Church floor area: 12,785 square feet Sunday School floor area: 7,065 square feet Total floor area: 19,415 square feet HVAC: Fully air-conditioned; boiler system Walls: One foot reinforced concrete Roof: Three-inch reinforced concrete covered Windows: Solar grey plate glass Iconastas: ✝Andrej Bicenko, New York, NY Altar furniture: Mr. Zaric, Belgrade, Serbia Holy Trinity

Many, many thanks to all who assisted in making this updated booklet come to Serbian Orthodox Cathedral fruition. George Topich who solicited help from Doreen Leech, John Senkinc, and Rosemary Ray began this undertaking. We also appreciate the financial assistance for printing/mailing provided by Drs. Nenad and Milena Janicijevic. It is our sincere hope that it becomes a keepsake for you and your family and a remembrance of our forefathers who worked and prayed so hard “A Historical Perspective…” for their “new” church. Hvala! ~ June 2020

FINAL-HTCInfoBook061820_printready.pdf 1 6/23/20 2:522:55 PM “Receive your princes, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, ye PRESIDENTS OF THE HOLY TRINITY EXECUTIVE BOARD everlasting door, and the King of Glory shall come in.” ✝Rade Opacic ...... 1963-1964 Psalm 24:9 ~ also read at the Consecration of the Church on May 2, 1971 ✝Nicholas R. Stone ...... 1965-1966 ✝Samuel Vignovic ...... 1967-1968 ✝Robert Rade Stone ...... 1969-1971 ✝Michael Milan ...... 1972-1973 ✝Samuel Vignovic ...... 1974-1975 ✝Michael Milan ...... 1976-1977 ✝John Verlinich ...... 1978 (Jan.-May) ✝Nicholas R. Stone ...... 1978 (June) ✝Nicholas Musulin ...... 1978 (July)-1980 (April) ✝Nicholas R. Stone ...... 1980 (May)-1982 George M. Topich ...... 1983-1984 Dusan Mamula, Robert Belich ...... 1985 Joseph Bozovich ...... 1986-1987 Eliot Maravich ...... 1988 ✝Anna Harkins ...... 1989-1993 Mark Zivkovich ...... 1994 Diane Grahovac ...... 1995 Eliot Maravich ...... 1996 Rudley Mrvos ...... 1997-2001 ✝Natalie Kunkel ...... 2002-2003 Rudley Mrvos ...... 2004 Greg Volitich ...... 2005 George M. Topich ...... 2006-2007 Milan Stanojevic ...... 2008 Darlene Defebo ...... 2009-2013 Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Eli Bratich ...... 2014-2015 450 Maxwell Drive Martin A. West ...... 2016-2018 Pittsburgh, PA 15236 Eli Bratich ...... 2019 Milan Stanojevic ...... 2020 - Phone: 412.882.3900 Fax: 412.882.6391 Email: [email protected] Website: www.htsoc.com In 1967 Louise Thoma Colteryahn donated two houses Dedication: This “updated” booklet is being offered, in the summer of 2020, as a memorial to our pioneers and 5.8 acres of land in Whitehall to build the Holy who labored so diligently to bring about our Church and in honor of those who continue to uphold our Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church. Mrs. Colteryahn Serbian Orthodox religion. Many years ago, it was originally created and published by ✝Audrey Stepanovich as a green informational booklet for the parishioners. This update is being requested a cross be erected on the property in memory “republished” to ensure that the knowledge of the history of our Church “lives on” through all generations. of her late husband William Carl. The 55 foot high memorial cross was dedicated in 1969. Milan Stanojevic, HTC Board President V. Rev. Stavrophor Rajko Kosic, Cathedral Dean

FINAL-HTCInfoBook061820_printready.pdf 2 6/23/20 2:522:55 PM THE “FIRSTS” AT HTC! Your Inheritance ...

FIRST BAPTISMS

May 2, 1971 Dale Matthew Dimirak Parents: Joseph & Carolyn Dimirak Kum: Frank M. Capan

July 18, 1971 Cara Violet Wuchenich Parents: Michael & Joyce Wuchenich Kum: Leonard Krieger

July 25, 1971 Adrienne Millie Maravich Parents: Samuel & Edna Maravich Kum: Michael Maravich

FIRST WEDDINGS

May 16, 1971 Lynn to Ronald Faccenda Kum: Lance Brenlove Kum: Lance Brenlove May 29, 1971 Emma Stefaniak to John Pjevac Kum: Milan Milkovich Kum: Milan Milkovich June 15, 1971 Karen Doyle to James Ruessle Kum: Walter Belich

FIRST FUNERALS

May 7, 1971 Elizabeth Yurjevich Mother of Helen Yurjevich

May 8, 1971 Anthony Lazaroff Husband of Patricia Lazaroff In 1961 the merging of

May 11, 1971 Michael Bobich St. George Church (1906) and St. Sava Church (1935) Father of Daniel Bobich created the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church.

FINAL-HTCInfoBook061820_printready.pdf 3 6/26/20 7:36 AM LAYING OF THE CORNERSTONE HOLY TRINITY PRIESTS KOLO

“In the Name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit …” ✝V. Rev. Milan Savich 1953-1979* The objective of the Kolo Srpskih Sestara ✝V. Rev. Zivojin Zdravkovic 1966-1973* (Circle of Serbian Sisters) of Holy Trinity THIS CHURCH is being founded in honor of the HOLY TRINITY, in the Borough of Rev. Alex Vukovich 1980-1981 Cathedral is to further the Serbian Orthodox Whitehall, Pittsburgh, County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States of ✝V. Rev. Dragan Filipovic 1982-2000 faith through continued support of our America, during the administration of the Honorable, RICHARD MILHAUS NIXON, President V. Rev. Rajko Kosic 2000-present Church-School Congregation. Needless to of the United States of America; at the time of His Holiness GERMAN, Patriarch of the Serbian *Served at St. George and St. Sava parishes, say, our Kolo ladies have spent countless Orthodox Church; in the Episcopacy of the Most Reverend DR. SAVA, Bishop of the Eastern respectively, before unification to Holy Trinity hours making and selling baked goods and American and Canadian Serbian Orthodox Diocese; during the Pastorates of the Very Reverend preparing meals. In addition, the Iconastis, ZIVOJIN ZDRAVKOVICH and the Reverend MILAN SAVICH; and during the administration furniture, altar boy robes, and furniture linens of ROBERT RADE STONE, Esq., President of the HOLY TRINITY SERBIAN ORTHODOX SUNDAY SCHOOL were provided by the Kolo. CHURCH of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on this, the 16th Day of November, in the Year of Our Lord, 1969: Church school consists of children from pre- school through high school seniors. A MEN’S CLUB THIS CHURCH is the First Serbian Orthodox Church to be built in the City of Pittsburgh and volunteer staff of dedicated teachers provides the First Serbian Orthodox Church to be Founded in the 750th Anniversary Year of the Serbian instruction, using materials recommended by The Holy Trinity Men’s Club was organized Orthodox Church. the Eastern Diocese. In addition, special January 25, 2008. At a later date, the Club instruction outside of that is often given on took the name Holy Trinity Nikola Tesla THIS CHURCH is being Founded by Americans of Serbian descent, who profess the Serbian holidays and special events. When possible, Men’s Club. Its purpose is to perpetuate the Orthodox Faith, who reside in the area of Pittsburgh, and who on the 4th Day of December 1961, supplemental funds are provided for enrolled teachings of the Serbian Orthodox Church did by consolidation of the members of the former, ST. GEORGE SERBIAN ORTHODOX children who attend summer church camp. through fellowship, to carry on the heritage CHURCH of Pittsburgh, Founded in the Year of Our Lord 1906 and ST. SAVA SERBIAN Many of the children sing with our church of the Serbian people, to teach the values of ORTHODOX CHURCH of Pittsburgh, Founded, in the Year of Our Lord 1936, form the choir, read the epistle, and serve as altar unification, to help those in need, to be present HOLY TRINITY SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH – SCHOOL CONGREGATION boys. The annual St. Sava Program is tolerant of others, to educate and develop our of Pittsburgh. organized by the church school. Our church youth, and to support the Church in its school aims to enhance its stature by holding various endeavors. THIS CHURCH is being founded with the cooperation of the HOLY TRINITY Circle of Serbian more activities and increasing participation in Sisters, the HOLY TRINITY Mothers’ Club, the HOLY TRINITY Church Choir, and the HOLY community service events. Furthermore, our TRINITY Sunday School. school is currently working with local JEDINSTVO Sunday schools from other Serbian churches THIS CHURCH held Ground Blessing Ceremonies upon premises, donated by the late LOUISE in the Pittsburgh area to enhance Ensemble Jedinstvo is compromised of ELIZABETH THOMA COLTERYAHN, on the 21st Day of July, in the Year of Our Lord 1968, relationships through joint activity. young people encompassing a diverse with the Most Reverend Bishop DR. SAVA officiating. representation of children not only from Holy Trinity Cathedral of Pittsburgh and other THIS CHURCH was designed by Mr. JOHN TOMICH Architect and constructed by CHOIR local parishes but also several children who CAMPBELL – ELLSWORTH, Building Contractors. Construction began the 15th Day of have emigrated here from the former September, in the Year of Our Lord 1969. Holy Trinity Cathedral Choir was formed by Yugoslavia. the union of the two Pittsburgh choirs, SSS O Lord our God, who didst plant Thy churches and Thine altars in all the earth, we humbly pray St. George and SSS Philip Visnich. In its present form, the ensemble evolved Thee, receive the works of our hands as living testimony of our love and faith in Thee and make from a small group of interested parents and this Church Thy Holy Dwelling Place. Bless it and fill it with Thine Divine Grace that it may Following the merger of St. George and St. children with a desire to learn the music, always be a citadel of our Orthodox Faith and a dispensary of salvation for all our people; Sava, the Serbian Singing Federation dance, and folklore of their Serbian heritage. illuminate it with Thy Heavenly Light that it may, as a shining beacon, guide this country to approved the consolidation in to the Holy Jedinstvo continues to progress as a every prosperity, spiritual well-being and peace, and grant that we may always glorify and Trinity Choir of Pittsburgh at the 1962 SSF performing troupe. praise Thine All-Holy Name … THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. AMEN! convention. In addition to faithfully singing Liturgical responses every Sunday, Holy THIS CHURCH SCROLL read, signed, and placed in the Cornerstone in the altar wall (Eastern Trinity Choir strives to preserve our rich wall) of this Church, during the Office of Founding of a Church this, the 16th Day of November, Serbian religious and secular musical and in the Year of our Lord, 1969. cultural heritage by hosting or participating in local and national Serbian Singing Federation functions.

SLAVA ROOMS BUS CONTENTS OF THE THE CONSECRATION CORNERSTONE Serbian Orthodox Christians uniquely When the churches merged and moved to On May 2, 1971, our new, large, and beautiful celebrate a family Patron Saint (Krsna Slava) Whitehall from the South Side, a bus was 1. SCROLL (written in Serbian and English) Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church was consecrated. to commemorate the day upon which their donated to the new parish. On May 8, 1972, 2. CHURCH BULLETINS (Church ancestors accepted Christianity. Instead of that bus started running to enable the Highlights): This holy ritual started with an all-night Vigil numbering various classrooms and offices in Southside parishioners to continue attending a. March 1967 Service on Saturday, May l, 1971, and culminated the school wing, the membership decided that Church in the new location. The original bus b. September 1968 in the Rite of Consecration and the first Holy each room would be dedicated in honor of a was replaced by another one at a later date. c. October 1969 Hierarchical Liturgy on Sunday, May 2. Many Patron Saint. There are nine classrooms and Many others contributed to the transportation 3. AMERICAN SRBOBRAN (Church parts of the Holy Rite of Consecration were unique four offices in the building. The rooms were project. Members who owned gas stations Highlights): for the occasion and included: Preparation of the named: provided gasoline; those who sold tires a. September 24, 1969 Holy Table, procession around the church while carrying the Holy Relics, placing of the Holy • Sv. Petka donated tires; garage owners donated their b. September 29, 1969 c. November 12, 1969 Relics in the Holy Table, vesting of the Holy • Sv. Nikola (St. Nicholas) mechanical services; and Holy Trinity Table, anointing of the Holy Table and of all four d. November 14, 1969 • Sv. Jovan (St. John) children sanded, cleaned, and painted the church walls in the sign of the cross with the Holy 4. CORNERSTONE RITUAL SERVICE • Sv. Stefan (St. Stephen) vehicle which later displayed the tri-colors of Oil, and the distribution to the congregation of the BOOK • Sv. Georgije (St. George) the Serbian flag. The bus service continued white garments worn by the Bishops during the 5. CORNERSTONE BLESSING BANQUET Consecration Ceremony. • Sv. Mihailo (St. Michael) through the early 80s. PROGRAM • Sv. Sava 6. CURRENT UNITED STATES OF Because the unification and building program • Sv. Pokrov (Protection of Blessed Virgin) extended over a span of time and four different AMERICA COINS • Sv. Ignjatije (St. Ignatius) 7. ANNOUNCEMENT OF 750th administrations, the membership unanimously • Sv. Ilija (St. Elijah) ANNIVERSARY OF THE SERBIAN decided that all past church presidents would serve • Sv. Luka (St. Luke) ORTHODOX CHURCH YEAR as Kumovi for the Consecration.

8. 1969 CHURCH CALENDAR • Sv. Demetrius Our past presidents were so honored, in their • Mala Gospojina 9. MEMBERSHIP LIST OF THE HOLY representative capacity, for their administrative • Clergy Office TRINITY SERBIAN EASTERN service to the Church and for their own personal • Choir Library ORTHODOX CHURCH devotion and leadership. Our first Honorary 10. CHURCH PLEDGE SOLICITOR'S BOOK CEMETERIES President, Mr. Rade Opacic who passed away 11. ROSTER OF PLEDGE SOLICITORS January 16, 1970, served from 1963 to 1964. The

12. FINANCIAL REPORTS (JULY, AUGUST, next two administrations were presided over by Holy Trinity Cathedral owns and manages DISTINGUISHED BUILDING and SEPTEMBER 1969) Past President Mr. Nicholas R. Stone who served two cemeteries. AWARD 13. NOTICE OF INVITATION TO VOTING from 1964 to 1966 and Past President Mr. Samuel

MEETING Vignovic who served from 1966 to 1968. In the The first, St. George, had its beginnings in name of all three, the two living Past Presidents, On October 14, 1972, the Pennsylvania 14. ARTICLES OF CONSOLIDATION, No. the early 1900s. It is located in the Carrick Mr. Stone and Mr. Vignovic, were honored as Society of Architects of the American 3111 January 1962 and Decree, dated Consecration Kumovi. Institute of Architects conferred the section of Pittsburgh at 790 Stewart Avenue December 4, 1961, approving Distinguished Building Award for 1971 on and is approximately 13 acres of land. As of CONSOLIDATION September 1, 2017, there were 2,876 baptized All three Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church John Tomich. He designed Holy Trinity 15. AMENDED DECREE, February 23, 1962, in America, their Graces, Dr. Sava, Dr. Firmilian Serbian Orthodox Church and received the souls interred here. amending December 4, 1961, Order and Gregory, participated in the consecration of the award “for excellence in architectural 16. ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT, No. 17 new church, assisted by twenty priests from across design.” The second cemetery is St. Sava. It is located January 1963 and Decree dated October 5, the United States and Canada. Taking part in the at 1450 Hamilton Road in Bethel Park. The 1962, changing name from Serbian Eastern services were the Reverend Fathers M. Mijatovich, property was purchased December 1, 1937, Orthodox Church-School Congregation to M. Markovina, V. Kovacevich, D. Klipa, R. Miljkovich, R. Purich, M. Trbuhovich, and is nearly 13 acres, including the adjacent HOLY TRINITY SERBIAN EASTERN PICNIC GROUNDS B. Skaljac, M. Popovich, V. Tomich, grounds. As of September 1, 2017, there were ORTHODOX CHURCH-SCHOOL 651 baptized souls interred here. M. Dobrota, S. Bulich, M. Raicevich, Private picnic grounds are maintained by the CONGREGATION OF PITTSBURGH V. Milinkovich, D. Malich, A. Micich, Church at its property located on Hamilton 17. PITTSBURGH PRESS NEWSPAPER, S. Prodanovich, S. Zivadinovich, Road in Bethel Park. In addition to serving November 16, 1969, Sunday Edition (first V. Sokolovich, N. Grgurevich, Z. Zdravkovic, and the internal needs of the Church and related PARKING FACILITY part) M. Savich, and Deacon N. Soraich. Serbian organizations, it is available for rental use by others for picnics, weddings, The parking lot, approximately 62,000 square and graduation parties. It encompasses more feet, was paved with asphalt and spaces were than 6 acres and has a large pavilion and marked to park 150 cars. separate kitchen.

BELLS “once-in-a-lifetime” Kum again. Also present

was Kum Werlinich’s lovely wife, Olga On April 4, 1971, the Bell Raising Werlinich, who wrote the original purchase Ceremonies were held. The bronze bells order for the bells. Officiating were His were forged by the McShane Bell Foundry in Grace Bishop Dr. Sava, assisted by our parish Baltimore, Maryland, in 1917. They were priests, V. Rev. Z. Zdravkovic and originally installed – fifty-four years prior – Fr. M. Savich, and V. Rev. V. Tomich and in the St. George Parish and on May 8, 1970, Protodeacon Grgurevich. were removed and sent to the Verdon Bell

HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE Company in Cincinnati, Ohio. After they were refurbished, the three bronze bells were HOLY TRINITY SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL OF PITTSBURGH HOLY TRINITY WINDOW returned to the new church site and installed

in the sixty-two feet high Church Belfry, in Above the main entrance doors and below the The Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was formed by the the center front of the Church within the canopy of our Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox consolidation of the previous two (2) Pittsburgh Serbian Orthodox Churches – St. George eyesight of all in attendance. Church is a high semi-circular window Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church of Pittsburgh and St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church School dedicated to the Holy Trinity. It covers Parish of Pittsburgh. When the bells were removed and inspected, approximately 130 square feet. The center

January 13, 1906 St. George Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on South inscribed in Serbian Cyrillic letters on the panel is 7 feet by 10 feet; the two side panels Side, 16th Street, was incorporated. sides were the names of three famous Serbian are 14 feet by 5 feet. towns, where five hundred years of Ottoman August 4, 1935 St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church-School Parish of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was Turkish occupation ended – PRIZREN, The Holy Trinity Icon was painted by our incorporated. SKOPLJE, and KUMANOVO – evidencing artist, Mr. Andrej Bicenko, and the the strong feeling and pride of the pioneer fabrication of the window was commissioned January 15, 1961 A letter sent by St. George Church to St. Sava Church as an open invitation to a Serbs in Pittsburgh in 1917. to the Hauser Art Glass Company of Winona, discussion of the unification of our churches. Minnesota, for reproduction in stained glass.

April 3, 1961 The first Unity Committee Meeting was held. Further inspection revealed that these bells weighed a total of 2,600 pounds. The This stained-glass window was a gift of the October 8, 1961 Members of both Churches voted for consolidation of the two churches. PRIZREN was 28 inches in diameter and Holy Trinity Church School Children who weighed 450 pounds; SKOPLJE, 32 inches in raised the funds by selling coffee and donuts December 4, 1961 An incorporation of the Consolidated Churches into the Serbian Orthodox Church of diameter, weighed 650; and the largest every Sunday after church services. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, took place. KUMANOVO, 41 inches in diameter, weighed 1,500 pounds. July 15, 1962 Members voted to change the name of the church to the Holy Trinity Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church-School Congregation of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Donations were received from former October 5, 1962 An amended Decree was signed changing the name to the Holy Trinity Serbian Pittsburghers and their relatives so that Eastern Orthodox Church-School Congregation of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. when the bells ring, they ring for all, welcoming and calling them back. February 17, 1967 Mrs. Louise Elizabeth Thoma Colteryahn (1886-1968) donated 5 ½ acres of ground and two houses on Clairton Boulevard, in Whitehall, Pennsylvania. Electrical installation permits the bells to ring automatically each day at 8:00 A.M., March 2, 1967 The Holy Trinity Church Building Committee was formed. 12:00 noon, and 6:00 P.M. Two control

The baptismal font was provided for the Cathedral by the ladies auxiliary March 16, 1969 The Colteryahn Memorial Cross Blessing was held, officiated by our parish priests, (Kolo Srpskih Sestara) with the financial assistance of other parishioners. V. Rev. Zdravkovic and Fr. Savich. This Memorial Cross stands 55 feet high. It is gold-plated and was manufactured in Greece. It has been in place since 2008. June 8, 1969 Church members approved the construction contract and financing.

June 13, 1969 The Construction Contract was signed with Campbell-Ellsworth Company.

September 15, 1969 Church construction began on the new Church.

November 16, 1969 The Holy Trinity Church Cornerstone Laying was celebrated, officiated by His Grace ICON FROM THE PATRIARCH Bishop Dr. Sava and assisted by our parish priests, V. Rev. Zdravkovic and Fr. Savich, with V. Tomich and Protodeacon Grgurevich. His Holiness Pavle gave this beautiful icon, located in the Cathedral’s right nave in the Christ’s Tomb structure, to Holy Trinity in 2001 during his visit January 17, 1971 Cross Blessing Ceremonies were held, officiated by our parish priests, V. Rev. for the 100th celebration of the Serb National Federation. The signature of Zdravkovic and Fr. Savich. The Wooden Cross was buried in the Altar Floor. This His Holiness appears on the back of the icon. Cross had been placed in the ground during our Ground Blessing Services in 1968.

February 28, 1971 Cross Blessing and Raising Ceremonies took place, officiated by His Grace Bishop Dr. Sava and assisted by our parish priests, V. Rev. Zdravkovic and Fr. Savich, with RELIGIOUS ARTICLES HOLY TABLE V. Rev. V. Tomich, Protodeacon Grgurevich, and Fr. Deacon Soraich.

April 4, 1971 Bell Blessing and Raising Ceremonies were held, officiated by His Grace Bishop In addition to the Iconostasis, the Holy The Holy Table, symbolic of the Tomb of Christ, was made of solid Italian marble and Dr. Sava and assisted by our parish priests, V. Rev. Zdravkovic and Fr. Savich, with Trinity Circle of Serbian Sisters (Kolo V. Rev. V. Tomich, and Protodeacon Grgurevich and Kum Samuel Werlinich. Srpskih Sestara) purchased the following designed to the specifications requested by His Grace Bishop Dr. Sava, Bishop of the necessary religious articles: May 2, 1971 The Dedication, Consecration, and First Divine Liturgy in the new Holy Trinity Eastern American and Canadian Diocese of Serbian Orthodox Church and School took place, officiated by His Grace Bishop • The throne of the Mother of God the Serbian Orthodox Church, and our local Dr. Sava, His Grace Bishop Dr. Firmilian, and His Grace Bishop Gregory, and parish priests, V. Rev. M. Savich and V. Rev. • The Bishop’s Throne assisted by our parish priests, V. Rev. Zdravkovic and Fr. Savich, and other Serbian Z. Zdravkovic. The Holy Table was blessed clergy from U.S. and Canada; with Kumovi Nicholas R. Stone and Samuel Vignovic. • Five seats (gornje mesto) behind the Holy on May 2, 1971, during our Consecration. Table for the Bishop and priests June 5, 1971 The First Holy Trinity Krsna Slava was celebrated, officiated by our parish priests, • Two cantors’ stands (pjevnicas) on each V. Rev. Savich and V. Rev. Zdravkovic, and assisted by V. Rev. V. Tomich. side of the church CROSSES • A square table (tetrapod) in the middle October 14, 1971 The Distinguished Building Award for 1971 was conferred by the Pennsylvania Society of Architects of the American Institute of Architects to the Holy Trinity of church used for weddings, parastoses, On February 28, 1971, the Cross Blessing etc. Serbian Orthodox Church and its designer, Architect John Tomich, “for excellence in and Raising ceremonies were held on the new Architectural Design.” • Two icon stands (one on each side of the church site. church) October 24, 1971 Iconostasis Blessing took place, officiated by His Grace Bishop Dr. Sava and assisted • Two small icon stands for the children The two Serbian Orthodox stainless-steel by our parish priests, V. Rev. Savich and V. Rev. Zdravkovic, with • The Gospel stand – Pulpit crosses were raised to their final and Fr. Deacon Stepanov and Kum Robert R. Stone.

permanent resting places. The first Cross, 11 The above religious items were carved by May 7, 1972 The First Anniversary of our Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church was celebrated, feet high, a gift of the Holy Trinity Church officiated by our parish priests, V. Rev. Savich and V. Rev. Zdravkovic, and assisted Mr. Zaric of Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Choir, was raised 86 feet to the top of the by Fr. Deacon Soraich. new Church Dome. June 10, 1984 Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church was elevated to a Cathedral, officiated by PEWS The second Cross, 7 feet high, a gift of the His Grace Bishop Christopher. The burning of the mortgage also took place. Holy Trinity Mother’s Club, was raised 62 Each Church pew is made of solid oak feet to the top of the Bell Tower. 2000-2001 Major beautification renovations were completed including a new blue ceiling, walls with a seven-inch Serbian Orthodox Cross faux-painted to resemble marble, and stenciling done in red and gold foil. carved on each end and having red Officiating were: His Grace Bishop Dr. Sava April 30, 2006 In honor of our 35th anniversary, the Blessing of the Frescoes took place on the cushion seats. The pews were donated by with our parish priests, V. Rev. Z. Zdravkovic Sunday of St. Thomas. families as individual Memorial Gifts. and Fr. M. Savich, with Protodeacon Grgurevich and Fr. Deacon Soraich assisting. June 2, 2012 The HTC annual Slava was celebrated, including the burning of the second mortgage. WALL ICONS

On the walls of the sanctuary and in the lobby are hung the following icons, starting at the front of the church and moving towards the back …

Side Walls of Sanctuary (On the Left) (On the Right) St. Luke St. Petka St. Gabriel St. Archangel Michael St. Peter of Cetinje St. Cosmas St. Budimir Sokolovic St. Damian St. George St. Sava Back Wall of Sanctuary (On the Left) (On the Right) Ignatius – God Bearer St. Nectarios of Pentapolis St. Aleran Aleksandar St. King Lazar Wall in Lobby Icon of Epiphany

FRESCOES

On the back wall of the altar, the following twenty-nine icons depict saints, apostles, and

evangelists. They were created by Belgrade artist Slobodan Zablacanski.

ICONOSTASIS (Top Row – L to R)

The Iconostasis (Icon Screen), the partition separating the altar from the nave, was carved by St. Matthew, St. Marina, The Annunciation, Archangel Michael, Mother of God, Mr. Zaric of Belgrade, Serbia. Archangel Gabriel, St. Anna and Joachim, St. Nedela, and St. Luke

The Icons on the Iconostasis were painted and created by artist, Mr. Andrej Bicenko, a noted (Middle Row – L to R)

Orthodox Iconographer. St. Gregory Palamas, St. Peter, St. Nicholas, St. Sava, Holy Trinity with Abraham and Sara, St. John the Baptist, St. Simeon, St. Petka, and St. Paul On the Royal Doors, the UPPER ICONS (LEFT TO RIGHT) are both The Annunciation; the MIDDLE ICONS (LEFT TO RIGHT) are St. Matthew and St. Mark; and the LOWER ICONS (Bottom Row – L to R) (LEFT TO RIGHT) are St. Luke and St. John. St. Mark, St. John of Shanghai, St. Sisoes, St. Demetrius, St. John Chrysostom, On the Iconostasis, the LOWER ICONS (LEFT TO RIGHT) are St. Sava; Archangel Michael; St. Gregory the Theologian, St. Basil the Great, St. George, St. Basil of Ostrog, Holy Trinity (Three Angels); Mother of God (Bogorodica) – Royal Doors – Our Savior, Jesus St. Nikolaj of Zicha, and St. John the Evangelist

Christ; St. John the Baptist; St. Archdeacon Stephen, First Martyr; and St. George, The Great Martyr.

Facing the Iconostasis, the UPPER ICONS (LEFT TO RIGHT) are Nativity; Transfiguration; Baptism of Christ; Pentecost (Duhovi) – Descent of the Holy Spirit; Last Supper (center); Ascension; Resurrection; Entrance into Jerusalem; and Elevation of the Precious Cross.

The Iconostasis was consecrated on October 24, 1971. His Grace Bishop Dr. Sava officiated with our parish priests, V. Rev. M. Savich and V. Rev. Z. Zdravkovic, and Fr. Deacon Stepanov assisting. Mr. Robert R. Stone, Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church Honorary President, was Kum.

The Iconostasis was a gift from the Holy Trinity Circle of Serbian Sisters (Kolo Srpskih Sestara).

WALL ICONS

On the walls of the sanctuary and in the lobby are hung the following icons, starting at the front of the church and moving towards the back …

FRESCOES

On the back wall of the altar, the following twenty-nine icons depict saints, apostles, and

evangelists. They were created by Belgrade artist Slobodan Zablacanski.

ICONOSTASIS (Top Row – L to R)

The Icons on the Iconostasis were painted and created by artist, Mr. Andrej Bicenko, a noted (Middle Row – L to R)

Christ; St. John the Baptist; St. Archdeacon Stephen, First Martyr; and St. George, The Great Martyr.

The Iconostasis was a gift from the Holy Trinity Circle of Serbian Sisters (Kolo Srpskih Sestara).

BAPTISMAL FONT

June 13, 1969 The Construction Contract was signed with Campbell-Ellsworth Company.

September 15, 1969 Church construction began on the new Church.

side of the church CROSSES • A square table (tetrapod) in the middle October 14, 1971 The Distinguished Building Award for 1971 was conferred by the Pennsylvania Society of Architects of the American Institute of Architects to the Holy Trinity of church used for weddings, parastoses, On February 28, 1971, the Cross Blessing etc. Serbian Orthodox Church and its designer, Architect John Tomich, “for excellence in and Raising ceremonies were held on the new Architectural Design.” • Two icon stands (one on each side of the church site. church) October 24, 1971 Iconostasis Blessing took place, officiated by His Grace Bishop Dr. Sava and assisted • Two small icon stands for the children The two Serbian Orthodox stainless-steel by our parish priests, V. Rev. Savich and V. Rev. Zdravkovic, with • The Gospel stand – Pulpit crosses were raised to their final and Fr. Deacon Stepanov and Kum Robert R. Stone.

BELLS “once-in-a-lifetime” Kum again. Also present

March 5, 1967 A testimonial banquet was held in honor of Mrs. Louise Elizabeth Thoma Colteryahn stations, one in the altar and the other at the with His Grace Bishop Dr. Firmilian, Chaplain Day Werts – Lutheran Pastor, and tutor’s station, work the bells manually. Rev. Bornhoeft – Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Pastor in attendance. At the original bell installation in 1917, Mr. March 23, 1967 Mr. John Tomich was selected as the Church Architect. Bozo Medakovich and Mr. Nikola Trbovich (both deceased), and Mr. Simo Werlinich July 21, 1968 The Ground Blessing and Breaking for the new Church took place, officiated by His were the principal contributors and Bell Grace Bishop Dr. Sava and assisted by our parish priests, V. Rev. Zdravkovic and Kumovi. In the name of the three Kumovi, Bishop Christopher presented this Fr. Savich, with Archimandrite Milutin, Yugoslavia, and V. Rev. V. Tomich, Mr. Simo Werlinich performed the proclamation to the congregation on Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. Mayor L. E. Powers of Whitehall was present. June 10, 1984, declaring our church to be a cathedral. It is hanging in the vestibule. SLAVA ROOMS BUS CONTENTS OF THE THE CONSECRATION CORNERSTONE Serbian Orthodox Christians uniquely When the churches merged and moved to On May 2, 1971, our new, large, and beautiful celebrate a family Patron Saint (Krsna Slava) Whitehall from the South Side, a bus was 1. SCROLL (written in Serbian and English) Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church was consecrated. to commemorate the day upon which their donated to the new parish. On May 8, 1972, 2. CHURCH BULLETINS (Church ancestors accepted Christianity. Instead of that bus started running to enable the Highlights): This holy ritual started with an all-night Vigil numbering various classrooms and offices in Southside parishioners to continue attending a. March 1967 Service on Saturday, May l, 1971, and culminated the school wing, the membership decided that Church in the new location. The original bus b. September 1968 in the Rite of Consecration and the first Holy each room would be dedicated in honor of a was replaced by another one at a later date. c. October 1969 Hierarchical Liturgy on Sunday, May 2. Many Patron Saint. There are nine classrooms and Many others contributed to the transportation 3. AMERICAN SRBOBRAN (Church parts of the Holy Rite of Consecration were unique four offices in the building. The rooms were project. Members who owned gas stations Highlights): for the occasion and included: Preparation of the named: provided gasoline; those who sold tires a. September 24, 1969 Holy Table, procession around the church while carrying the Holy Relics, placing of the Holy • Sv. Petka donated tires; garage owners donated their b. September 29, 1969 c. November 12, 1969 Relics in the Holy Table, vesting of the Holy • Sv. Nikola (St. Nicholas) mechanical services; and Holy Trinity Table, anointing of the Holy Table and of all four d. November 14, 1969 • Sv. Jovan (St. John) children sanded, cleaned, and painted the church walls in the sign of the cross with the Holy 4. CORNERSTONE RITUAL SERVICE • Sv. Stefan (St. Stephen) vehicle which later displayed the tri-colors of Oil, and the distribution to the congregation of the BOOK • Sv. Georgije (St. George) the Serbian flag. The bus service continued white garments worn by the Bishops during the 5. CORNERSTONE BLESSING BANQUET Consecration Ceremony. • Sv. Mihailo (St. Michael) through the early 80s. PROGRAM • Sv. Sava 6. CURRENT UNITED STATES OF Because the unification and building program • Sv. Pokrov (Protection of Blessed Virgin) extended over a span of time and four different AMERICA COINS • Sv. Ignjatije (St. Ignatius) 7. ANNOUNCEMENT OF 750th administrations, the membership unanimously • Sv. Ilija (St. Elijah) ANNIVERSARY OF THE SERBIAN decided that all past church presidents would serve • Sv. Luka (St. Luke) ORTHODOX CHURCH YEAR as Kumovi for the Consecration.

THE “FIRSTS” AT HTC! Your Inheritance ...

FIRST BAPTISMS

May 2, 1971 Dale Matthew Dimirak Parents: Joseph & Carolyn Dimirak Kum: Frank M. Capan

July 18, 1971 Cara Violet Wuchenich Parents: Michael & Joyce Wuchenich Kum: Leonard Krieger

July 25, 1971 Adrienne Millie Maravich Parents: Samuel & Edna Maravich Kum: Michael Maravich

FIRST WEDDINGS

FIRST FUNERALS

May 7, 1971 Elizabeth Yurjevich Mother of Helen Yurjevich

May 8, 1971 Anthony Lazaroff Husband of Patricia Lazaroff In 1961 the merging of

May 11, 1971 Michael Bobich St. George Church (1906) and St. Sava Church (1935) Father of Daniel Bobich created the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church.

FINAL-HTCInfoBook061820_printready.pdf 3 6/26/20 7:36 AM “Receive your princes, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, ye PRESIDENTS OF THE HOLY TRINITY EXECUTIVE BOARD everlasting door, and the King of Glory shall come in.” ✝Rade Opacic ...... 1963-1964 Psalm 24:9 ~ also read at the Consecration of the Church on May 2, 1971 ✝Nicholas R. Stone ...... 1965-1966 ✝Samuel Vignovic ...... 1967-1968 ✝Robert Rade Stone ...... 1969-1971 ✝Michael Milan ...... 1972-1973 ✝Samuel Vignovic ...... 1974-1975 ✝Michael Milan ...... 1976-1977 ✝John Verlinich ...... 1978 (Jan.-May) ✝Nicholas R. Stone ...... 1978 (June) ✝Nicholas Musulin ...... 1978 (July)-1980 (April) ✝Nicholas R. Stone ...... 1980 (May)-1982 George M. Topich ...... 1983-1984 Dusan Mamula, Robert Belich ...... 1985 Joseph Bozovich ...... 1986-1987 Eliot Maravich ...... 1988 ✝Anna Harkins ...... 1989-1993 Mark Zivkovich ...... 1994 Diane Grahovac ...... 1995 Eliot Maravich ...... 1996 Rudley Mrvos ...... 1997-2001 ✝Natalie Kunkel ...... 2002-2003 Rudley Mrvos ...... 2004 Greg Volitich ...... 2005 George M. Topich ...... 2006-2007 Milan Stanojevic ...... 2008 Darlene Defebo ...... 2009-2013 Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Eli Bratich ...... 2014-2015 450 Maxwell Drive Martin A. West ...... 2016-2018 Pittsburgh, PA 15236 Eli Bratich ...... 2019 Milan Stanojevic ...... 2020 - Phone: 412.882.3900 Fax: 412.882.6391 Email: [email protected] Website: www.htsoc.com In 1967 Louise Thoma Colteryahn donated two houses Dedication: This “updated” booklet is being offered, in the summer of 2020, as a memorial to our pioneers and 5.8 acres of land in Whitehall to build the Holy who labored so diligently to bring about our Church and in honor of those who continue to uphold our Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church. Mrs. Colteryahn Serbian Orthodox religion. Many years ago, it was originally created and published by ✝Audrey Stepanovich as a green informational booklet for the parishioners. This update is being requested a cross be erected on the property in memory “republished” to ensure that the knowledge of the history of our Church “lives on” through all generations. of her late husband William Carl. The 55 foot high memorial cross was dedicated in 1969. Milan Stanojevic, HTC Board President V. Rev. Stavrophor Rajko Kosic, Cathedral Dean

FINAL-HTCInfoBook061820_printready.pdf 2 6/23/20 2:522:55 PM FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT THE BUILDING

FINAL-HTCInfoBook061820_printready.pdf 1 6/23/20 2:522:55 PM