St. Michael Parish in Jenkintown Celebrates it's 50th Anniversary
Last week, the parish of St. Michael the Archangel in Jenkintown joyfully celebrated its 50th anniversary. The celebration spanned several days and included a variety of events — from a Parish Founding Remembrance Evening held at the cross erected in honor of Cardinal Josyf Slipyj’s visit, and overnight vigils, to the solemn Divine Liturgy presided over by Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, followed by a festive program in the parish catechetical center.
On Sunday, November 9, 2025, before the Divine Liturgy, the parish youth welcomed the Metropolitan in the traditional Ukrainian way — with bread and salt. Concelebrating the Divine Liturgy were Rev. Vasyl Kharuk, Rev. Ostap Mykytchyn, Rev. John Ciurpita, Rev. Raphael Strontsitskyy, Rev. Vasyl Sivinskyi and Deacon Ihor Demydas.
During the Liturgy, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak reflected on the deep spiritual meaning of the occasion, calling it “a victory of God and a triumph of light over evil.” He reminded the faithful that St. Michael the Archangel — the heavenly patron of the parish — stands as a protector and guide for all who seek to live in God’s truth. The Metropolitan added: “Spread your wings. St. Michael calls us to a great life — a life of freedom, joy, and fullness in God. Today we celebrate not only 50 years of the parish’s existence, but 50 years of God’s glory that has shaped generations.”
Following the Liturgy, the celebration continued in the parish hall, which gathered veterans, clergy of the Philadelphia Deanery, representatives of local communities and organizations, as well as parishioners. The festive program featured performances by the parish choir, soloists, duets, and musicians whose music filled the hall with gratitude and joy.
A highlight of the celebration was the premiere of By the Grace of God and the Will of the People, a documentary film by Taras Levytsky, created in honor of the parish’s 50th anniversary. The film tells the story of the parish’s first members, the challenges of its early years, the historic visit of Patriarch Josyf Slipyj, and how the community’s journey has grown into a living testimony of God’s presence.
At the conclusion, Metropolitan Borys shared his heartfelt words:
“It is deeply moving to watch this film, to see you, and to witness the fruits of what I saw here at St. Michael’s in the 1970s and 1980s and later. Together with you, I thank God for these blessings — for life, for community, for prayer, for growth and vitality. You have so much, and I wish you continued growth over the next 50 years — prayer, and the courage to go into the deep.”
Today, St. Michael Parish continues its active mission of service to the faithful, preserving the rich heritage of faith and culture that has defined it for half a century.
