St Mary's Holy Assumption Orthodox Church

St. Mary Orthodox Church is a vibrant Orthodox Christian community located at 105 S. 19th Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As part of the Orthodox tradition, the congregation follows the faith established by Christ and His Apostles. Services are conducted in English, and the church is known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse ethnic community. The church offers a food pantry, community outreach programs, and hosts events like the 'Get Stuffed With Love' Thanksgiving Dinner. Learn more.

St. Mary Orthodox Church, located at 105 S. 19th Street in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a community of Orthodox Christians from diverse ethnic backgrounds. The church was originally founded in 1916 as SS. Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church and was later renamed in honor of the Theotokos (Mother of God). The congregation follows the Orthodox faith as established by Christ and His Apostles, with services conducted in English.

The church is known for its welcoming atmosphere and active community outreach. It operates the St. Cyril of White Lake Food Pantry, which opens on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month to provide food assistance to those in need. The church also hosts the annual 'Get Stuffed With Love' Thanksgiving Dinner Program, a collaborative effort with local organizations and the Pittsburgh Police Department to feed the city's poor.

St. Mary Orthodox Church is equipped with modern facilities, including central air-conditioning, a closed-circuit television system in the Church Hall, and a stair glide system to assist handicapped and older individuals in accessing the Temple. The church has a rich history, having undergone several renovations and additions to its iconostasis and other sacred elements over the years.

The church offers regular services, including Divine Liturgy on Sundays at 10:00 AM and Great Vespers on Saturdays at 5:00 PM. The faithful are encouraged to attend Vespers the night before receiving Holy Communion and to observe the fasting regulations of the Church. The church also provides a detailed schedule of services and events on its website.

For those interested in learning more about the Orthodox faith, the church offers an extensive 'About Orthodoxy' section on its website, covering topics such as the history of the Orthodox Church, the role of the saints, and the significance of various religious practices. The church is also affiliated with the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), and its website includes links to the OCA and other Orthodox resources.

St. Mary Orthodox Church is committed to fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth among its members. The church's website includes a 'Contact Information' page with details on how to reach the parish, including an email address and phone number. The church is led by Hieromonk Patrick (Carpenter), who serves as the rector.

Visitors are always welcome at St. Mary Orthodox Church. The church encourages newcomers to participate in its services and to engage with the community. Whether you are seeking a place to worship, to learn more about the Orthodox faith, or to connect with a welcoming congregation, St. Mary Orthodox Church offers a warm and inclusive environment.

St. Mary's Holy Assumption Orthodox Church in Pittsburgh offers a welcoming, diverse community rooted in the Orthodox tradition. First-time visitors would likely notice the inclusive atmosphere, English-language services, and active outreach programs like the food pantry and Thanksgiving meal initiative. The church’s modern facilities and accessibility features enhance its inviting character.

Pros

• Welcoming atmosphere for newcomers emphasized in outreach and accessibility features
• English-language services with clear schedules for Divine Liturgy and Vespers
• Active community outreach through the St. Cyril Food Pantry and annual Thanksgiving meal program
• Modern facilities with central air, closed-circuit TV, and a stair glide system for accessibility
• Diverse, multilingual congregation with a rich historical background
• Comprehensive online resources explaining Orthodox faith practices and history