St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church

St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church is a close-knit Orthodox community in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, serving the Greater Johnstown area. Founded in 1904 by Lebanese immigrants, the church has a rich history of faith and service. Services are held every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in English, followed by fellowship. Learn more about the parish's history.

St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church is a vibrant Orthodox Christian community rooted in the traditions of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese. Located at 111 Alberta Ave in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the church was founded in 1904 by Lebanese immigrants who brought their faith with them from the Middle East. Over the past century, the parish has grown and evolved, maintaining a strong sense of community and spiritual purpose.

The parish has a long and storied history, marked by the founding of the church in 1904 by Bishop Raphael Hawaweeny and the subsequent leadership of numerous priests, including the current spiritual leader, Very Rev. Fr. Donald Shadid. Fr. Don's biography highlights his dedication to the parish and his many contributions to the Orthodox community.

Worship at St. Mary is conducted in English and follows the traditional Orthodox liturgy. On Sundays, the community gathers for Matins at 8:30 a.m. and Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m., followed by an Agape Fellowship. On Saturdays, Great Vespers are held at 5:00 p.m., though it is recommended to check the church calendar for specific dates.

The church building itself is a testament to the parish's commitment to beauty and tradition. Constructed in 1968, the current church was dedicated by Metropolitan Philip Saliba and has undergone numerous renovations and beautification projects over the years, including the addition of stained-glass windows and icons in the Byzantine style. More about the church building.

St. Mary is also known for its outreach and community involvement. The parish has a strong tradition of supporting other Orthodox communities and has contributed to the establishment of parishes in cities like Cleveland and Detroit. Additionally, the church is home to a school for children and offers various ministries and programs for all ages.

Newcomers are warmly welcomed at St. Mary, and the parish encourages visitors to attend services and participate in the community. Whether you're new to Orthodoxy or simply looking for a welcoming place of worship, St. Mary offers a rich spiritual experience rooted in tradition and a deep sense of belonging.

St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church in Johnstown, PA, offers a welcoming, tradition-rich environment for worship and community. First-time visitors may notice the Sunday services in English, followed by fellowship, alongside the parish’s century-old history rooted in Lebanese immigrant heritage. The church emphasizes both spiritual depth and a close-knit, family-oriented atmosphere.

Pros

• Welcomes newcomers with clear Sunday service times (8:30 AM Matins, 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy) and post-service fellowship.
• Offers English-language worship while maintaining traditional Orthodox liturgy and practices.
• Provides family-friendly ministries, including a children’s school and programs for all ages.
• Historic church building (founded 1904) with Byzantine-style renovations and community-focused outreach.
• Clearly listed service schedules and accessible contact information for visitors.
• Active community involvement, including support for other Orthodox parishes and local outreach.