Saint Alexander Nevsky parish originated in the Woods Run section of Pittsburgh's north side in 1891. It was the first Orthodox Christian parish in the Pittsburgh area comprising many ethnic nationality groups. The first pastor of St Alexander Nevsky parish was Fr Victor Toth, brother of St Alexis Toth who was canonized by the Orthodox Church in America in 1994. When the Urban Redevelopment Authority took over the Woods Run area in the late 1960s, the parish relocated to Allison Park, the "North Hills" of Pittsburgh. The parish continues to be multi-national, but within the jurisdiction of the Orthodox Church in America. Fr Paul Suda, Matushka Mary, and their daughters arrived in 1969. Fr Paul continues as Dean and Pastor of the parish to this date. The new church building was dedicated in the fall of 1972. The iconostasis was designed by a parishioner, Mr Vladimir Drobashevsky, constructed by the Rudolph Rohn Company of Pittsburgh, and adorned with major icons and feast day icons in 1978. The second phase of beautification took place in 1984, and the final phase took place in 1996. Fr Alexander Jasiukowicz of Chicago and Florida was the iconographer for the church. The St Alexander Nevsky icon located on the confessional table, which was purchased by the combined donations of the parishioners, contains relics of St Alexander inside. The church became the Cathedral Parish for the Archdiocese of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania in 1981 during its 90th anniversary celebration. A 100th anniversary celebration was held in 1991. At the turn of the millennium, the parish undertook a major expansion to provide handicapped access, greater church school facilities, increased kitchen space, and office, library and storage space. The cathedral received a generous gift of new bells in 1999. The cathedral parish is blessed with a beautifully-adorned cathedral building. Fr Paul leads us in prayerful and spiritual services with concise and meaningful sermons. The choir provides beautiful responses and hymns under the direction of Mrs Lory Nescott or one of her assistants at all services. The church school program is thriving, and is now under the guidance of Ms Kyra Suda. Most importantly, as Fr Paul repeatedly emphasizes, there is a loving, caring, energetic, well-educated and faithful laity.
External links
- The Orthodox Church in America Official webpage of the
