SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Bridgeport, PA, Celebrates Its Centennial

In his homily, Archbishop Borys reflected on the parish’s legacy, saying, “For 100 years, the Word of God has been proclaimed here. For 100 years, people have been welcomed into this parish. We celebrate 100 years of pastoral care—baptisms, marriages, First Holy Communions, confessions, and the joy of community life.”

He invited everyone to reflect on their faith and how it shapes their lives, especially in light of eternal life: “Be ready for what awaits you. If you trust in eternity and in God, you will live differently, with less fear and more peace.” Archbishop Borys spoke about the challenges of modern society, adding, “We live in a world full of fear, often hidden behind aggression. But if we listen to the Lord’s Word, we can live with peace and joy.”

Given the celebration’s timing, the Archbishop also highlighted the meaning of the Holy Cross: “The Cross is a paradox—once a symbol of death, now through Jesus' sacrifice, it represents victory and life.”

Archbishop Borys also took a moment to thank Father Ronald Popivchak, who has led the parish for over 50 years: “For more than half a century, Father Ronald has extended a warm welcome to everyone. He is a joyful person, he is a joyful Christian, and you share that joy.”

Following the liturgy, the celebration continued in the parish school hall with a luncheon. The festive event featured performances by the parish school children and the Voloshky dance school. During the gathering, the Holy Family Council presented a generous donation of $100,000 to support the parish.