Holy Trinity...Dragan Filipovic 1982-2000 V. Rev. Rajko Kosic 2000-present *Served at St. George and St. Sava parishes, respectively, before unification to hoursHoly Trinity SUNDAY

Architect: ✝John V. Tomich, A.I.A. Contractor: Campbell-Ellsworth Inc. Architectural Consultants: R. M. Gensert Associates of Pittsburgh and Cleveland HVAC: Dodson Engineering Inc., Pittsburgh, PA Electrical Design: Carl J. Long and Associates, Pittsburgh, PA Electrical Contractor: ✝Milan Drobac, Clairton, PA Acoustical: Christopher Jaffe Inc., Norwalk, CONN/San Francisco, CA Resident Site Engineers: ✝George Davic, Joseph Thurn Property size: 5 ½ acres Steel: 139 tons Concrete: 67,500 cubic feet Dome height: 86 feet Stainless steel Cross on dome: 11 feet Stainless steel Cross in belfry: 7 feet Bells: 62 feet Church width – nave: 56 feet Church width – apse: 88 feet Church length – nave: 86 feet Church length – overall: 130 feet, 8 inches First Floor seating: 450 First Balcony seating: 150 Second Balcony (choir loft): 100 Church floor area: 12,785 square feet Sunday School floor area: 7,065 square feet Total floor area: 19,415 square feet HVAC: Fully air-conditioned; boiler system Walls: One foot reinforced concrete Roof: Three-inch reinforced concrete covered Windows: Solar grey plate glass Iconastas: ✝Andrej Bicenko, New York, NY Altar furniture: Mr. Zaric, Belgrade, Serbia

Holy Trinity

Serbian Orthodox Cathedral

“A Historical Perspective…”

FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT THE BUILDING

Many, many thanks to all who assisted in making this updated booklet come to fruition. George Topich who solicited help from Doreen Leech, John Senkinc, and Rosemary Ray began this undertaking. We also appreciate the financial

assistance for printing/mailing provided by Drs. Nenad and Milena Janicijevic. It is our sincere hope that it becomes a keepsake for you and your family and a remembrance of our forefathers who worked and prayed so hard

for their “new” church. Hvala! ~ June 2020

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Dedication: This “updated” booklet is being offered, in the summer of 2020, as a memorial to our pioneers who labored so diligently to bring about our Church and in honor of those who continue to uphold our

Serbian Orthodox religion. Many years ago, it was originally created and published by ✝Audrey Stepanovich as a green informational booklet for the parishioners. This update is being

“republished” to ensure that the knowledge of the history of our Church “lives on” through all generations.

Milan Stanojevic, HTC Board President V. Rev. Stavrophor Rajko Kosic, Cathedral Dean

“Receive your princes, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting door, and the King of Glory shall come in.” Psalm 24:9 ~ also read at the Consecration of the Church on May 2, 1971

Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral 450 Maxwell Drive

Pittsburgh, PA 15236

Phone: 412.882.3900 Fax: 412.882.6391 Email: [email protected] Website: www.htsoc.com

PRESIDENTS OF THE HOLY TRINITY EXECUTIVE BOARD

✝Rade Opacic ......................................................................................... 1963-1964 ✝Nicholas R. Stone ............................................................................... 1965-1966 ✝Samuel Vignovic ................................................................................ 1967-1968 ✝Robert Rade Stone .............................................................................. 1969-1971 ✝Michael Milan .................................................................................... 1972-1973 ✝Samuel Vignovic ................................................................................ 1974-1975 ✝Michael Milan .................................................................................... 1976-1977 ✝John Verlinich .......................................................................... 1978 (Jan.-May) ✝Nicholas R. Stone ............................................................................. 1978 (June) ✝Nicholas Musulin ......................................................... 1978 (July)-1980 (April) ✝Nicholas R. Stone .................................................................... 1980 (May)-1982 George M. Topich .................................................................................. 1983-1984 Dusan Mamula, Robert Belich ......................................................................... 1985 Joseph Bozovich .................................................................................... 1986-1987 Eliot Maravich ................................................................................................ 1988 ✝Anna Harkins ...................................................................................... 1989-1993 Mark Zivkovich ............................................................................................... 1994 Diane Grahovac .............................................................................................. 1995 Eliot Maravich ................................................................................................ 1996 Rudley Mrvos ........................................................................................ 1997-2001 ✝Natalie Kunkel .................................................................................... 2002-2003 Rudley Mrvos ................................................................................................. 2004 Greg Volitich .................................................................................................. 2005 George M. Topich .................................................................................. 2006-2007 Milan Stanojevic ............................................................................................. 2008 Darlene Defebo ...................................................................................... 2009-2013 Eli Bratich .............................................................................................. 2014-2015 Martin A. West ...................................................................................... 2016-2018 Eli Bratich ....................................................................................................... 2019 Milan Stanojevic ........................................................................................... 2020 -

In 1967 Louise Thoma Colteryahn donated two houses and 5.8 acres of land in Whitehall to build the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church. Mrs. Colteryahn requested a cross be erected on the property in memory of her late husband William Carl. The 55 foot high memorial cross was dedicated in 1969.


In 1961 the merging of St. George Church (1906) and St. Sava Church (1935)

created the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church.

Your Inheritance ... THE “FIRSTS” AT HTC!

FIRST BAPTISMS May 2, 1971 Dale Matthew Dimirak Parents: Joseph & Carolyn Dimirak Kum: Frank M. Capan July 18, 1971 Cara Violet Wuchenich Parents: Michael & Joyce Wuchenich Kum: Leonard Krieger July 25, 1971 Adrienne Millie Maravich Parents: Samuel & Edna Maravich

Kum: Michael Maravich

FIRST WEDDINGS May 16, 1971 Lynn to Ronald Faccenda Kum: Lance Brenlove

Kum: Lance Brenlove May 29, 1971 Emma Stefaniak to John Pjevac Kum: Milan Milkovich

Kum: Milan Milkovich June 15, 1971 Karen Doyle to James Ruessle Kum: Walter Belich

FIRST FUNERALS May 7, 1971 Elizabeth Yurjevich Mother of Helen Yurjevich May 8, 1971 Anthony Lazaroff Husband of Patricia Lazaroff May 11, 1971 Michael Bobich Father of Daniel Bobich

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LAYING OF THE CORNERSTONE

“In the Name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit …” THIS CHURCH is being founded in honor of the HOLY TRINITY, in the Borough of Whitehall, Pittsburgh, County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States of America, during the administration of the Honorable, RICHARD MILHAUS NIXON, President of the United States of America; at the time of His Holiness GERMAN, Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church; in the Episcopacy of the Most Reverend DR. SAVA, Bishop of the Eastern American and Canadian Serbian Orthodox Diocese; during the Pastorates of the Very Reverend ZIVOJIN ZDRAVKOVICH and the Reverend MILAN SAVICH; and during the administration of ROBERT RADE STONE, Esq., President of the HOLY TRINITY SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on this, the 16th Day of November, in the Year of Our Lord, 1969:

THIS CHURCH is the First Serbian Orthodox Church to be built in the City of Pittsburgh and the First Serbian Orthodox Church to be Founded in the 750th Anniversary Year of the Serbian Orthodox Church. THIS CHURCH is being Founded by Americans of Serbian descent, who profess the Serbian Orthodox Faith, who reside in the area of Pittsburgh, and who on the 4th Day of December 1961, did by consolidation of the members of the former, ST. GEORGE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH of Pittsburgh, Founded in the Year of Our Lord 1906 and ST. SAVA SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH of Pittsburgh, Founded, in the Year of Our Lord 1936, form the present HOLY TRINITY SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH – SCHOOL CONGREGATION of Pittsburgh. THIS CHURCH is being founded with the cooperation of the HOLY TRINITY Circle of Serbian Sisters, the HOLY TRINITY Mothers’ Club, the HOLY TRINITY Church Choir, and the HOLY TRINITY Sunday School. THIS CHURCH held Ground Blessing Ceremonies upon premises, donated by the late LOUISE ELIZABETH THOMA COLTERYAHN, on the 21st Day of July, in the Year of Our Lord 1968, with the Most Reverend Bishop DR. SAVA officiating. THIS CHURCH was designed by Mr. JOHN TOMICH Architect and constructed by CAMPBELL – ELLSWORTH, Building Contractors. Construction began the 15th Day of September, in the Year of Our Lord 1969. O Lord our God, who didst plant Thy churches and Thine altars in all the earth, we humbly pray Thee, receive the works of our hands as living testimony of our love and faith in Thee and make this Church Thy Holy Dwelling Place. Bless it and fill it with Thine Divine Grace that it may always be a citadel of our Orthodox Faith and a dispensary of salvation for all our people; illuminate it with Thy Heavenly Light that it may, as a shining beacon, guide this country to every prosperity, spiritual well-being and peace, and grant that we may always glorify and praise Thine All-Holy Name … THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. AMEN! THIS CHURCH SCROLL read, signed, and placed in the Cornerstone in the altar wall (Eastern wall) of this Church, during the Office of Founding of a Church this, the 16th Day of November, in the Year of our Lord, 1969.

HOLY TRINITY PRIESTS ✝V. Rev. Milan Savich 1953-1979* ✝V. Rev. Zivojin Zdravkovic 1966-1973* Rev. Alex Vukovich 1980-1981 ✝V. Rev. Dragan Filipovic 1982-2000 V. Rev. Rajko Kosic 2000-present

*Served at St. George and St. Sava parishes, respectively, before unification to Holy Trinity

SUNDAY SCHOOL Church school consists of children from pre-school through high school seniors. A volunteer staff of dedicated teachers provides instruction, using materials recommended by the Eastern Diocese. In addition, special instruction outside of that is often given on holidays and special events. When possible, supplemental funds are provided for enrolled children who attend summer church camp. Many of the children sing with our church choir, read the epistle, and serve as altar boys. The annual St. Sava Program is organized by the church school. Our church school aims to enhance its stature by holding more activities and increasing participation in community service events. Furthermore, our school is currently working with local Sunday schools from other Serbian churches in the Pittsburgh area to enhance relationships through joint activity. CHOIR Holy Trinity Cathedral Choir was formed by the union of the two Pittsburgh choirs, SSS St. George and SSS Philip Visnich. Following the merger of St. George and St. Sava, the Serbian Singing Federation approved the consolidation in to the Holy Trinity Choir of Pittsburgh at the 1962 SSF convention. In addition to faithfully singing Liturgical responses every Sunday, Holy Trinity Choir strives to preserve our rich Serbian religious and secular musical and cultural heritage by hosting or participating in local and national Serbian Singing Federation functions.

KOLO The objective of the Kolo Srpskih Sestara (Circle of Serbian Sisters) of Holy Trinity Cathedral is to further the Serbian Orthodox faith through continued support of our Church-School Congregation. Needless to say, our Kolo ladies have spent countless hours making and selling baked goods and preparing meals. In addition, the Iconastis, furniture, altar boy robes, and furniture linens were provided by the Kolo. MEN’S CLUB The Holy Trinity Men’s Club was organized January 25, 2008. At a later date, the Club took the name Holy Trinity Nikola Tesla Men’s Club. Its purpose is to perpetuate the teachings of the Serbian Orthodox Church through fellowship, to carry on the heritage of the Serbian people, to teach the values of unification, to help those in need, to be tolerant of others, to educate and develop our youth, and to support the Church in its various endeavors. JEDINSTVO Ensemble Jedinstvo is compromised of young people encompassing a diverse representation of children not only from Holy Trinity Cathedral of Pittsburgh and other local parishes but also several children who have emigrated here from the former Yugoslavia. In its present form, the ensemble evolved from a small group of interested parents and children with a desire to learn the music, dance, and folklore of their Serbian heritage. Jedinstvo continues to progress as a performing troupe.

SLAVA ROOMS Serbian Orthodox Christians uniquely celebrate a family Patron Saint (Krsna Slava) to commemorate the day upon which their ancestors accepted Christianity. Instead of numbering various classrooms and offices in the school wing, the membership decided that each room would be dedicated in honor of a Patron Saint. There are nine classrooms and four offices in the building. The rooms were named: • Sv. Petka • Sv. Nikola (St. Nicholas) • Sv. Jovan (St. John) • Sv. Stefan (St. Stephen) • Sv. Georgije (St. George) • Sv. Mihailo (St. Michael) • Sv. Sava • Sv. Pokrov (Protection of Blessed Virgin) • Sv. Ignjatije (St. Ignatius) • Sv. Ilija (St. Elijah) • Sv. Luka (St. Luke) • Sv. Demetrius • Mala Gospojina • Clergy Office • Choir Library DISTINGUISHED BUILDING AWARD On October 14, 1972, the Pennsylvania Society of Architects of the American Institute of Architects conferred the Distinguished Building Award for 1971 on John Tomich. He designed Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church and received the award “for excellence in architectural design.” PICNIC GROUNDS Private picnic grounds are maintained by the Church at its property located on Hamilton Road in Bethel Park. In addition to serving the internal needs of the Church and related Serbian organizations, it is available for rental use by others for picnics, weddings, and graduation parties. It encompasses more than 6 acres and has a large pavilion and separate kitchen.

BUS When the churches merged and moved to Whitehall from the South Side, a bus was donated to the new parish. On May 8, 1972, that bus started running to enable the Southside parishioners to continue attending Church in the new location. The original bus was replaced by another one at a later date. Many others contributed to the transportation project. Members who owned gas stations provided gasoline; those who sold tires donated tires; garage owners donated their mechanical services; and Holy Trinity children sanded, cleaned, and painted the vehicle which later displayed the tri-colors of the Serbian flag. The bus service continued through the early 80s. CEMETERIES Holy Trinity Cathedral owns and manages two cemeteries. The first, St. George, had its beginnings in the early 1900s. It is located in the Carrick section of Pittsburgh at 790 Stewart Avenue and is approximately 13 acres of land. As of September 1, 2017, there were 2,876 baptized souls interred here. The second cemetery is St. Sava. It is located at 1450 Hamilton Road in Bethel Park. The property was purchased December 1, 1937, and is nearly 13 acres, including the adjacent grounds. As of September 1, 2017, there were 651 baptized souls interred here. PARKING FACILITY The parking lot, approximately 62,000 square feet, was paved with asphalt and spaces were marked to park 150 cars.

CONTENTS OF THE CORNERSTONE

1. SCROLL (written in Serbian and English) 2. CHURCH BULLETINS (Church

Highlights): a. March 1967 b. September 1968 c. October 1969

3. AMERICAN SRBOBRAN (Church Highlights): a. September 24, 1969 b. September 29, 1969 c. November 12, 1969 d. November 14, 1969

4. CORNERSTONE RITUAL SERVICE BOOK

5. CORNERSTONE BLESSING BANQUET PROGRAM

6. CURRENT UNITED STATES OF AMERICA COINS

7. ANNOUNCEMENT OF 750th ANNIVERSARY OF THE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH YEAR

8. 1969 CHURCH CALENDAR 9. MEMBERSHIP LIST OF THE HOLY

TRINITY SERBIAN EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH

10. CHURCH PLEDGE SOLICITOR'S BOOK 11. ROSTER OF PLEDGE SOLICITORS 12. FINANCIAL REPORTS (JULY, AUGUST,

and SEPTEMBER 1969) 13. NOTICE OF INVITATION TO VOTING

MEETING 14. ARTICLES OF CONSOLIDATION, No.

3111 January 1962 and Decree, dated December 4, 1961, approving CONSOLIDATION

15. AMENDED DECREE, February 23, 1962, amending December 4, 1961, Order

16. ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT, No. 17 January 1963 and Decree dated October 5, 1962, changing name from Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church-School Congregation to HOLY TRINITY SERBIAN EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH-SCHOOL CONGREGATION OF PITTSBURGH

17. PITTSBURGH PRESS NEWSPAPER, November 16, 1969, Sunday Edition (first part)

THE CONSECRATION On May 2, 1971, our new, large, and beautiful Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church was consecrated. This holy ritual started with an all-night Vigil Service on Saturday, May l, 1971, and culminated in the Rite of Consecration and the first Holy Hierarchical Liturgy on Sunday, May 2. Many parts of the Holy Rite of Consecration were unique for the occasion and included: Preparation of the Holy Table, procession around the church while carrying the Holy Relics, placing of the Holy Relics in the Holy Table, vesting of the Holy Table, anointing of the Holy Table and of all four church walls in the sign of the cross with the Holy Oil, and the distribution to the congregation of the white garments worn by the Bishops during the Consecration Ceremony. Because the unification and building program extended over a span of time and four different administrations, the membership unanimously decided that all past church presidents would serve as Kumovi for the Consecration. Our past presidents were so honored, in their representative capacity, for their administrative service to the Church and for their own personal devotion and leadership. Our first Honorary President, Mr. Rade Opacic who passed away January 16, 1970, served from 1963 to 1964. The next two administrations were presided over by Past President Mr. Nicholas R. Stone who served from 1964 to 1966 and Past President Mr. Samuel Vignovic who served from 1966 to 1968. In the name of all three, the two living Past Presidents, Mr. Stone and Mr. Vignovic, were honored as Consecration Kumovi. All three Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church in America, their Graces, Dr. Sava, Dr. Firmilian and Gregory, participated in the consecration of the new church, assisted by twenty priests from across the United States and Canada. Taking part in the services were the Reverend Fathers M. Mijatovich, M. Markovina, V. Kovacevich, D. Klipa, R. Miljkovich, R. Purich, M. Trbuhovich, B. Skaljac, M. Popovich, V. Tomich, M. Dobrota, S. Bulich, M. Raicevich, V. Milinkovich, D. Malich, A. Micich, S. Prodanovich, S. Zivadinovich, V. Sokolovich, N. Grgurevich, Z. Zdravkovic, and M. Savich, and Deacon N. Soraich.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE HOLY TRINITY SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL OF PITTSBURGH The Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was formed by the consolidation of the previous two (2) Pittsburgh Serbian Orthodox Churches – St. George Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church of Pittsburgh and St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church School Parish of Pittsburgh. January 13, 1906 St. George Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on South

Side, 16th Street, was incorporated. August 4, 1935 St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church-School Parish of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was

incorporated. January 15, 1961 A letter sent by St. George Church to St. Sava Church as an open invitation to a

discussion of the unification of our churches. April 3, 1961 The first Unity Committee Meeting was held. October 8, 1961 Members of both Churches voted for consolidation of the two churches. December 4, 1961 An incorporation of the Consolidated Churches into the Serbian Orthodox Church of

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, took place. July 15, 1962 Members voted to change the name of the church to the Holy Trinity Serbian Eastern

Orthodox Church-School Congregation of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. October 5, 1962 An amended Decree was signed changing the name to the Holy Trinity Serbian

Eastern Orthodox Church-School Congregation of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. February 17, 1967 Mrs. Louise Elizabeth Thoma Colteryahn (1886-1968) donated 5 ½ acres of ground

and two houses on Clairton Boulevard, in Whitehall, Pennsylvania. March 2, 1967 The Holy Trinity Church Building Committee was formed. March 5, 1967 A testimonial banquet was held in honor of Mrs. Louise Elizabeth Thoma Colteryahn

with His Grace Bishop Dr. Firmilian, Chaplain Day Werts – Lutheran Pastor, and Rev. Bornhoeft – Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Pastor in attendance.

March 23, 1967 Mr. John Tomich was selected as the Church Architect. July 21, 1968 The Ground Blessing and Breaking for the new Church took place, officiated by His

Grace Bishop Dr. Sava and assisted by our parish priests, V. Rev. Zdravkovic and Fr. Savich, with Archimandrite Milutin, Yugoslavia, and V. Rev. V. Tomich, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. Mayor L. E. Powers of Whitehall was present.

BELLS On April 4, 1971, the Bell Raising Ceremonies were held. The bronze bells were forged by the McShane Bell Foundry in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1917. They were originally installed – fifty-four years prior – in the St. George Parish and on May 8, 1970, were removed and sent to the Verdon Bell Company in Cincinnati, Ohio. After they were refurbished, the three bronze bells were returned to the new church site and installed in the sixty-two feet high Church Belfry, in the center front of the Church within the eyesight of all in attendance. When the bells were removed and inspected, inscribed in Serbian Cyrillic letters on the sides were the names of three famous Serbian towns, where five hundred years of Ottoman Turkish occupation ended – PRIZREN, SKOPLJE, and KUMANOVO – evidencing the strong feeling and pride of the pioneer Serbs in Pittsburgh in 1917. Further inspection revealed that these bells weighed a total of 2,600 pounds. The PRIZREN was 28 inches in diameter and weighed 450 pounds; SKOPLJE, 32 inches in diameter, weighed 650; and the largest KUMANOVO, 41 inches in diameter, weighed 1,500 pounds. Donations were received from former Pittsburghers and their relatives so that when the bells ring, they ring for all, welcoming and calling them back. Electrical installation permits the bells to ring automatically each day at 8:00 A.M., 12:00 noon, and 6:00 P.M. Two control stations, one in the altar and the other at the tutor’s station, work the bells manually. At the original bell installation in 1917, Mr. Bozo Medakovich and Mr. Nikola Trbovich (both deceased), and Mr. Simo Werlinich were the principal contributors and Bell Kumovi. In the name of the three Kumovi, Mr. Simo Werlinich performed the

“once-in-a-lifetime” Kum again. Also present was Kum Werlinich’s lovely wife, Olga Werlinich, who wrote the original purchase order for the bells. Officiating were His Grace Bishop Dr. Sava, assisted by our parish priests, V. Rev. Z. Zdravkovic and Fr. M. Savich, and V. Rev. V. Tomich and Protodeacon Grgurevich. HOLY TRINITY WINDOW Above the main entrance doors and below the canopy of our Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church is a high semi-circular window dedicated to the Holy Trinity. It covers approximately 130 square feet. The center panel is 7 feet by 10 feet; the two side panels are 14 feet by 5 feet. The Holy Trinity Icon was painted by our artist, Mr. Andrej Bicenko, and the fabrication of the window was commissioned to the Hauser Art Glass Company of Winona, Minnesota, for reproduction in stained glass. This stained-glass window was a gift of the Holy Trinity Church School Children who raised the funds by selling coffee and donuts every Sunday after church services.

Bishop Christopher presented this proclamation to the congregation on

June 10, 1984, declaring our church to be a cathedral. It is hanging in the vestibule.

BAPTISMAL FONT The baptismal font was provided for the Cathedral by the ladies auxiliary (Kolo Srpskih Sestara) with the financial assistance of other parishioners. It is gold-plated and was manufactured in Greece. It has been in place since 2008.

ICON FROM THE PATRIARCH

His Holiness Pavle gave this beautiful icon, located in the Cathedral’s right nave in the Christ’s Tomb structure, to Holy Trinity in 2001 during his visit for the 100th celebration of the Serb National Federation. The signature of His Holiness appears on the back of the icon.

March 16, 1969 The Colteryahn Memorial Cross Blessing was held, officiated by our parish priests,

V. Rev. Zdravkovic and Fr. Savich. This Memorial Cross stands 55 feet high. June 8, 1969 Church members approved the construction contract and financing. June 13, 1969 The Construction Contract was signed with Campbell-Ellsworth Company. September 15, 1969 Church construction began on the new Church. November 16, 1969 The Holy Trinity Church Cornerstone Laying was celebrated, officiated by His Grace

Bishop Dr. Sava and assisted by our parish priests, V. Rev. Zdravkovic and Fr. Savich, with V. Tomich and Protodeacon Grgurevich.

January 17, 1971 Cross Blessing Ceremonies were held, officiated by our parish priests, V. Rev.

Zdravkovic and Fr. Savich. The Wooden Cross was buried in the Altar Floor. This Cross had been placed in the ground during our Ground Blessing Services in 1968.

February 28, 1971 Cross Blessing and Raising Ceremonies took place, officiated by His Grace Bishop

Dr. Sava and assisted by our parish priests, V. Rev. Zdravkovic and Fr. Savich, with V. Rev. V. Tomich, Protodeacon Grgurevich, and Fr. Deacon Soraich.

April 4, 1971 Bell Blessing and Raising Ceremonies were held, officiated by His Grace Bishop

Dr. Sava and assisted by our parish priests, V. Rev. Zdravkovic and Fr. Savich, with V. Rev. V. Tomich, and Protodeacon Grgurevich and Kum Samuel Werlinich.

May 2, 1971 The Dedication, Consecration, and First Divine Liturgy in the new Holy Trinity

Serbian Orthodox Church and School took place, officiated by His Grace Bishop Dr. Sava, His Grace Bishop Dr. Firmilian, and His Grace Bishop Gregory, and assisted by our parish priests, V. Rev. Zdravkovic and Fr. Savich, and other Serbian clergy from U.S. and Canada; with Kumovi Nicholas R. Stone and Samuel Vignovic.

June 5, 1971 The First Holy Trinity Krsna Slava was celebrated, officiated by our parish priests,

V. Rev. Savich and V. Rev. Zdravkovic, and assisted by V. Rev. V. Tomich. October 14, 1971 The Distinguished Building Award for 1971 was conferred by the Pennsylvania

Society of Architects of the American Institute of Architects to the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church and its designer, Architect John Tomich, “for excellence in Architectural Design.”

October 24, 1971 Iconostasis Blessing took place, officiated by His Grace Bishop Dr. Sava and assisted

by our parish priests, V. Rev. Savich and V. Rev. Zdravkovic, with Fr. Deacon Stepanov and Kum Robert R. Stone.

May 7, 1972 The First Anniversary of our Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church was celebrated,

officiated by our parish priests, V. Rev. Savich and V. Rev. Zdravkovic, and assisted by Fr. Deacon Soraich.

June 10, 1984 Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church was elevated to a Cathedral, officiated by

His Grace Bishop Christopher. The burning of the mortgage also took place. 2000-2001 Major beautification renovations were completed including a new blue ceiling, walls

faux-painted to resemble marble, and stenciling done in red and gold foil. April 30, 2006 In honor of our 35th anniversary, the Blessing of the Frescoes took place on the

Sunday of St. Thomas. June 2, 2012 The HTC annual Slava was celebrated, including the burning of the second mortgage.

RELIGIOUS ARTICLES In addition to the Iconostasis, the Holy Trinity Circle of Serbian Sisters (Kolo Srpskih Sestara) purchased the following necessary religious articles: • The throne of the Mother of God • The Bishop’s Throne • Five seats (gornje mesto) behind the Holy

Table for the Bishop and priests • Two cantors’ stands (pjevnicas) on each

side of the church • A square table (tetrapod) in the middle

of church used for weddings, parastoses, etc.

• Two icon stands (one on each side of the church)

• Two small icon stands for the children • The Gospel stand – Pulpit The above religious items were carved by Mr. Zaric of Belgrade, Yugoslavia. PEWS Each Church pew is made of solid oak with a seven-inch Serbian Orthodox Cross carved on each end and having red cushion seats. The pews were donated by families as individual Memorial Gifts.

HOLY TABLE The Holy Table, symbolic of the Tomb of Christ, was made of solid Italian marble and designed to the specifications requested by His Grace Bishop Dr. Sava, Bishop of the Eastern American and Canadian Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and our local parish priests, V. Rev. M. Savich and V. Rev. Z. Zdravkovic. The Holy Table was blessed on May 2, 1971, during our Consecration. CROSSES On February 28, 1971, the Cross Blessing and Raising ceremonies were held on the new church site.

The two Serbian Orthodox stainless-steel crosses were raised to their final and permanent resting places. The first Cross, 11 feet high, a gift of the Holy Trinity Church Choir, was raised 86 feet to the top of the new Church Dome.

The second Cross, 7 feet high, a gift of the Holy Trinity Mother’s Club, was raised 62 feet to the top of the Bell Tower. Officiating were: His Grace Bishop Dr. Sava with our parish priests, V. Rev. Z. Zdravkovic and Fr. M. Savich, with Protodeacon Grgurevich and Fr. Deacon Soraich assisting.

ICONOSTASIS The Iconostasis (Icon Screen), the partition separating the altar from the nave, was carved by Mr. Zaric of Belgrade, Serbia. The Icons on the Iconostasis were painted and created by artist, Mr. Andrej Bicenko, a noted Orthodox Iconographer. On the Royal Doors, the UPPER ICONS (LEFT TO RIGHT) are both The Annunciation; the MIDDLE ICONS (LEFT TO RIGHT) are St. Matthew and St. Mark; and the LOWER ICONS (LEFT TO RIGHT) are St. Luke and St. John. On the Iconostasis, the LOWER ICONS (LEFT TO RIGHT) are St. Sava; Archangel Michael; Holy Trinity (Three Angels); Mother of God (Bogorodica) – Royal Doors – Our Savior, Jesus Christ; St. John the Baptist; St. Archdeacon Stephen, First Martyr; and St. George, The Great Martyr. Facing the Iconostasis, the UPPER ICONS (LEFT TO RIGHT) are Nativity; Transfiguration; Baptism of Christ; Pentecost (Duhovi) – Descent of the Holy Spirit; Last Supper (center); Ascension; Resurrection; Entrance into Jerusalem; and Elevation of the Precious Cross. The Iconostasis was consecrated on October 24, 1971. His Grace Bishop Dr. Sava officiated with our parish priests, V. Rev. M. Savich and V. Rev. Z. Zdravkovic, and Fr. Deacon Stepanov assisting. Mr. Robert R. Stone, Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church Honorary President, was Kum. The Iconostasis was a gift from the Holy Trinity Circle of Serbian Sisters (Kolo Srpskih Sestara).

WALL ICONS On the walls of the sanctuary and in the lobby are hung the following icons, starting at the front of the church and moving towards the back …

Side Walls of Sanctuary

(On the Left) (On the Right) St. Luke St. Petka St. Gabriel St. Archangel Michael St. Peter of Cetinje St. Cosmas St. Budimir Sokolovic St. Damian St. George St. Sava

Back Wall of Sanctuary (On the Left) (On the Right) Ignatius – God Bearer St. Nectarios of Pentapolis St. Aleran Aleksandar St. King Lazar

Wall in Lobby Icon of Epiphany

FRESCOES On the back wall of the altar, the following twenty-nine icons depict saints, apostles, and evangelists. They were created by Belgrade artist Slobodan Zablacanski.

(Top Row – L to R)

St. Matthew, St. Marina, The Annunciation, Archangel Michael, Mother of God,

Archangel Gabriel, St. Anna and Joachim, St. Nedela, and St. Luke

(Middle Row – L to R)

St. Gregory Palamas, St. Peter, St. Nicholas, St. Sava, Holy Trinity with Abraham and Sara, St. John the Baptist, St. Simeon, St. Petka, and St. Paul

(Bottom Row – L to R)

St. Mark, St. John of Shanghai, St. Sisoes, St. Demetrius, St. John Chrysostom, St. Gregory the Theologian, St. Basil the Great, St. George, St. Basil of Ostrog,

St. Nikolaj of Zicha, and St. John the Evangelist

BAPTISMAL FONT The baptismal font was provided for the Cathedral by the ladies auxiliary (Kolo Srpskih Sestara) with the financial assistance of other parishioners. It is gold-plated and was manufactured in Greece. It has been in place since 2008.

ICON FROM THE PATRIARCH

His Holiness Pavle gave this beautiful icon, located in the Cathedral’s right nave in the Christ’s Tomb structure, to Holy Trinity in 2001 during his visit for the 100th celebration of the Serb National Federation. The signature of His Holiness appears on the back of the icon.

March 16, 1969 The Colteryahn Memorial Cross Blessing was held, officiated by our parish priests,

V. Rev. Zdravkovic and Fr. Savich. This Memorial Cross stands 55 feet high. June 8, 1969 Church members approved the construction contract and financing. June 13, 1969 The Construction Contract was signed with Campbell-Ellsworth Company. September 15, 1969 Church construction began on the new Church. November 16, 1969 The Holy Trinity Church Cornerstone Laying was celebrated, officiated by His Grace

Bishop Dr. Sava and assisted by our parish priests, V. Rev. Zdravkovic and Fr. Savich, with V. Tomich and Protodeacon Grgurevich.

January 17, 1971 Cross Blessing Ceremonies were held, officiated by our parish priests, V. Rev.

Zdravkovic and Fr. Savich. The Wooden Cross was buried in the Altar Floor. This Cross had been placed in the ground during our Ground Blessing Services in 1968.

February 28, 1971 Cross Blessing and Raising Ceremonies took place, officiated by His Grace Bishop

Dr. Sava and assisted by our parish priests, V. Rev. Zdravkovic and Fr. Savich, with V. Rev. V. Tomich, Protodeacon Grgurevich, and Fr. Deacon Soraich.

April 4, 1971 Bell Blessing and Raising Ceremonies were held, officiated by His Grace Bishop

Dr. Sava and assisted by our parish priests, V. Rev. Zdravkovic and Fr. Savich, with V. Rev. V. Tomich, and Protodeacon Grgurevich and Kum Samuel Werlinich.

May 2, 1971 The Dedication, Consecration, and First Divine Liturgy in the new Holy Trinity

Serbian Orthodox Church and School took place, officiated by His Grace Bishop Dr. Sava, His Grace Bishop Dr. Firmilian, and His Grace Bishop Gregory, and assisted by our parish priests, V. Rev. Zdravkovic and Fr. Savich, and other Serbian clergy from U.S. and Canada; with Kumovi Nicholas R. Stone and Samuel Vignovic.

June 5, 1971 The First Holy Trinity Krsna Slava was celebrated, officiated by our parish priests,

V. Rev. Savich and V. Rev. Zdravkovic, and assisted by V. Rev. V. Tomich. October 14, 1971 The Distinguished Building Award for 1971 was conferred by the Pennsylvania

Society of Architects of the American Institute of Architects to the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church and its designer, Architect John Tomich, “for excellence in Architectural Design.”

October 24, 1971 Iconostasis Blessing took place, officiated by His Grace Bishop Dr. Sava and assisted

by our parish priests, V. Rev. Savich and V. Rev. Zdravkovic, with Fr. Deacon Stepanov and Kum Robert R. Stone.

May 7, 1972 The First Anniversary of our Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church was celebrated,

officiated by our parish priests, V. Rev. Savich and V. Rev. Zdravkovic, and assisted by Fr. Deacon Soraich.

June 10, 1984 Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church was elevated to a Cathedral, officiated by

His Grace Bishop Christopher. The burning of the mortgage also took place. 2000-2001 Major beautification renovations were completed including a new blue ceiling, walls

faux-painted to resemble marble, and stenciling done in red and gold foil. April 30, 2006 In honor of our 35th anniversary, the Blessing of the Frescoes took place on the

Sunday of St. Thomas. June 2, 2012 The HTC annual Slava was celebrated, including the burning of the second mortgage.

RELIGIOUS ARTICLES In addition to the Iconostasis, the Holy Trinity Circle of Serbian Sisters (Kolo Srpskih Sestara) purchased the following necessary religious articles: • The throne of the Mother of God • The Bishop’s Throne • Five seats (gornje mesto) behind the Holy

Table for the Bishop and priests • Two cantors’ stands (pjevnicas) on each

side of the church • A square table (tetrapod) in the middle

of church used for weddings, parastoses, etc.

• Two icon stands (one on each side of the church)

• Two small icon stands for the children • The Gospel stand – Pulpit The above religious items were carved by Mr. Zaric of Belgrade, Yugoslavia. PEWS Each Church pew is made of solid oak with a seven-inch Serbian Orthodox Cross carved on each end and having red cushion seats. The pews were donated by families as individual Memorial Gifts.

HOLY TABLE The Holy Table, symbolic of the Tomb of Christ, was made of solid Italian marble and designed to the specifications requested by His Grace Bishop Dr. Sava, Bishop of the Eastern American and Canadian Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and our local parish priests, V. Rev. M. Savich and V. Rev. Z. Zdravkovic. The Holy Table was blessed on May 2, 1971, during our Consecration. CROSSES On February 28, 1971, the Cross Blessing and Raising ceremonies were held on the new church site.

The two Serbian Orthodox stainless-steel crosses were raised to their final and permanent resting places. The first Cross, 11 feet high, a gift of the Holy Trinity Church Choir, was raised 86 feet to the top of the new Church Dome.

The second Cross, 7 feet high, a gift of the Holy Trinity Mother’s Club, was raised 62 feet to the top of the Bell Tower. Officiating were: His Grace Bishop Dr. Sava with our parish priests, V. Rev. Z. Zdravkovic and Fr. M. Savich, with Protodeacon Grgurevich and Fr. Deacon Soraich assisting.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE HOLY TRINITY SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL OF PITTSBURGH The Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was formed by the consolidation of the previous two (2) Pittsburgh Serbian Orthodox Churches – St. George Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church of Pittsburgh and St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church School Parish of Pittsburgh. January 13, 1906 St. George Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on South

Side, 16th Street, was incorporated. August 4, 1935 St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church-School Parish of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was

incorporated. January 15, 1961 A letter sent by St. George Church to St. Sava Church as an open invitation to a

discussion of the unification of our churches. April 3, 1961 The first Unity Committee Meeting was held. October 8, 1961 Members of both Churches voted for consolidation of the two churches. December 4, 1961 An incorporation of the Consolidated Churches into the Serbian Orthodox Church of

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, took place. July 15, 1962 Members voted to change the name of the church to the Holy Trinity Serbian Eastern

Orthodox Church-School Congregation of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. October 5, 1962 An amended Decree was signed changing the name to the Holy Trinity Serbian

Eastern Orthodox Church-School Congregation of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. February 17, 1967 Mrs. Louise Elizabeth Thoma Colteryahn (1886-1968) donated 5 ½ acres of ground

and two houses on Clairton Boulevard, in Whitehall, Pennsylvania. March 2, 1967 The Holy Trinity Church Building Committee was formed. March 5, 1967 A testimonial banquet was held in honor of Mrs. Louise Elizabeth Thoma Colteryahn

with His Grace Bishop Dr. Firmilian, Chaplain Day Werts – Lutheran Pastor, and Rev. Bornhoeft – Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Pastor in attendance.

March 23, 1967 Mr. John Tomich was selected as the Church Architect. July 21, 1968 The Ground Blessing and Breaking for the new Church took place, officiated by His

Grace Bishop Dr. Sava and assisted by our parish priests, V. Rev. Zdravkovic and Fr. Savich, with Archimandrite Milutin, Yugoslavia, and V. Rev. V. Tomich, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. Mayor L. E. Powers of Whitehall was present.

BELLS On April 4, 1971, the Bell Raising Ceremonies were held. The bronze bells were forged by the McShane Bell Foundry in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1917. They were originally installed – fifty-four years prior – in the St. George Parish and on May 8, 1970, were removed and sent to the Verdon Bell Company in Cincinnati, Ohio. After they were refurbished, the three bronze bells were returned to the new church site and installed in the sixty-two feet high Church Belfry, in the center front of the Church within the eyesight of all in attendance. When the bells were removed and inspected, inscribed in Serbian Cyrillic letters on the sides were the names of three famous Serbian towns, where five hundred years of Ottoman Turkish occupation ended – PRIZREN, SKOPLJE, and KUMANOVO – evidencing the strong feeling and pride of the pioneer Serbs in Pittsburgh in 1917. Further inspection revealed that these bells weighed a total of 2,600 pounds. The PRIZREN was 28 inches in diameter and weighed 450 pounds; SKOPLJE, 32 inches in diameter, weighed 650; and the largest KUMANOVO, 41 inches in diameter, weighed 1,500 pounds. Donations were received from former Pittsburghers and their relatives so that when the bells ring, they ring for all, welcoming and calling them back. Electrical installation permits the bells to ring automatically each day at 8:00 A.M., 12:00 noon, and 6:00 P.M. Two control stations, one in the altar and the other at the tutor’s station, work the bells manually. At the original bell installation in 1917, Mr. Bozo Medakovich and Mr. Nikola Trbovich (both deceased), and Mr. Simo Werlinich were the principal contributors and Bell Kumovi. In the name of the three Kumovi, Mr. Simo Werlinich performed the

“once-in-a-lifetime” Kum again. Also present was Kum Werlinich’s lovely wife, Olga Werlinich, who wrote the original purchase order for the bells. Officiating were His Grace Bishop Dr. Sava, assisted by our parish priests, V. Rev. Z. Zdravkovic and Fr. M. Savich, and V. Rev. V. Tomich and Protodeacon Grgurevich. HOLY TRINITY WINDOW Above the main entrance doors and below the canopy of our Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church is a high semi-circular window dedicated to the Holy Trinity. It covers approximately 130 square feet. The center panel is 7 feet by 10 feet; the two side panels are 14 feet by 5 feet. The Holy Trinity Icon was painted by our artist, Mr. Andrej Bicenko, and the fabrication of the window was commissioned to the Hauser Art Glass Company of Winona, Minnesota, for reproduction in stained glass. This stained-glass window was a gift of the Holy Trinity Church School Children who raised the funds by selling coffee and donuts every Sunday after church services.

Bishop Christopher presented this proclamation to the congregation on

June 10, 1984, declaring our church to be a cathedral. It is hanging in the vestibule.

SLAVA ROOMS Serbian Orthodox Christians uniquely celebrate a family Patron Saint (Krsna Slava) to commemorate the day upon which their ancestors accepted Christianity. Instead of numbering various classrooms and offices in the school wing, the membership decided that each room would be dedicated in honor of a Patron Saint. There are nine classrooms and four offices in the building. The rooms were named: • Sv. Petka • Sv. Nikola (St. Nicholas) • Sv. Jovan (St. John) • Sv. Stefan (St. Stephen) • Sv. Georgije (St. George) • Sv. Mihailo (St. Michael) • Sv. Sava • Sv. Pokrov (Protection of Blessed Virgin) • Sv. Ignjatije (St. Ignatius) • Sv. Ilija (St. Elijah) • Sv. Luka (St. Luke) • Sv. Demetrius • Mala Gospojina • Clergy Office • Choir Library DISTINGUISHED BUILDING AWARD On October 14, 1972, the Pennsylvania Society of Architects of the American Institute of Architects conferred the Distinguished Building Award for 1971 on John Tomich. He designed Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church and received the award “for excellence in architectural design.” PICNIC GROUNDS Private picnic grounds are maintained by the Church at its property located on Hamilton Road in Bethel Park. In addition to serving the internal needs of the Church and related Serbian organizations, it is available for rental use by others for picnics, weddings, and graduation parties. It encompasses more than 6 acres and has a large pavilion and separate kitchen.

BUS When the churches merged and moved to Whitehall from the South Side, a bus was donated to the new parish. On May 8, 1972, that bus started running to enable the Southside parishioners to continue attending Church in the new location. The original bus was replaced by another one at a later date. Many others contributed to the transportation project. Members who owned gas stations provided gasoline; those who sold tires donated tires; garage owners donated their mechanical services; and Holy Trinity children sanded, cleaned, and painted the vehicle which later displayed the tri-colors of the Serbian flag. The bus service continued through the early 80s. CEMETERIES Holy Trinity Cathedral owns and manages two cemeteries. The first, St. George, had its beginnings in the early 1900s. It is located in the Carrick section of Pittsburgh at 790 Stewart Avenue and is approximately 13 acres of land. As of September 1, 2017, there were 2,876 baptized souls interred here. The second cemetery is St. Sava. It is located at 1450 Hamilton Road in Bethel Park. The property was purchased December 1, 1937, and is nearly 13 acres, including the adjacent grounds. As of September 1, 2017, there were 651 baptized souls interred here. PARKING FACILITY The parking lot, approximately 62,000 square feet, was paved with asphalt and spaces were marked to park 150 cars.

CONTENTS OF THE CORNERSTONE

1. SCROLL (written in Serbian and English) 2. CHURCH BULLETINS (Church

Highlights): a. March 1967 b. September 1968 c. October 1969

3. AMERICAN SRBOBRAN (Church Highlights): a. September 24, 1969 b. September 29, 1969 c. November 12, 1969 d. November 14, 1969

4. CORNERSTONE RITUAL SERVICE BOOK

5. CORNERSTONE BLESSING BANQUET PROGRAM

6. CURRENT UNITED STATES OF AMERICA COINS

7. ANNOUNCEMENT OF 750th ANNIVERSARY OF THE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH YEAR

8. 1969 CHURCH CALENDAR 9. MEMBERSHIP LIST OF THE HOLY

TRINITY SERBIAN EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH

10. CHURCH PLEDGE SOLICITOR'S BOOK 11. ROSTER OF PLEDGE SOLICITORS 12. FINANCIAL REPORTS (JULY, AUGUST,

and SEPTEMBER 1969) 13. NOTICE OF INVITATION TO VOTING

MEETING 14. ARTICLES OF CONSOLIDATION, No.

3111 January 1962 and Decree, dated December 4, 1961, approving CONSOLIDATION

15. AMENDED DECREE, February 23, 1962, amending December 4, 1961, Order

16. ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT, No. 17 January 1963 and Decree dated October 5, 1962, changing name from Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church-School Congregation to HOLY TRINITY SERBIAN EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH-SCHOOL CONGREGATION OF PITTSBURGH

17. PITTSBURGH PRESS NEWSPAPER, November 16, 1969, Sunday Edition (first part)

THE CONSECRATION On May 2, 1971, our new, large, and beautiful Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church was consecrated. This holy ritual started with an all-night Vigil Service on Saturday, May l, 1971, and culminated in the Rite of Consecration and the first Holy Hierarchical Liturgy on Sunday, May 2. Many parts of the Holy Rite of Consecration were unique for the occasion and included: Preparation of the Holy Table, procession around the church while carrying the Holy Relics, placing of the Holy Relics in the Holy Table, vesting of the Holy Table, anointing of the Holy Table and of all four church walls in the sign of the cross with the Holy Oil, and the distribution to the congregation of the white garments worn by the Bishops during the Consecration Ceremony. Because the unification and building program extended over a span of time and four different administrations, the membership unanimously decided that all past church presidents would serve as Kumovi for the Consecration. Our past presidents were so honored, in their representative capacity, for their administrative service to the Church and for their own personal devotion and leadership. Our first Honorary President, Mr. Rade Opacic who passed away January 16, 1970, served from 1963 to 1964. The next two administrations were presided over by Past President Mr. Nicholas R. Stone who served from 1964 to 1966 and Past President Mr. Samuel Vignovic who served from 1966 to 1968. In the name of all three, the two living Past Presidents, Mr. Stone and Mr. Vignovic, were honored as Consecration Kumovi. All three Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church in America, their Graces, Dr. Sava, Dr. Firmilian and Gregory, participated in the consecration of the new church, assisted by twenty priests from across the United States and Canada. Taking part in the services were the Reverend Fathers M. Mijatovich, M. Markovina, V. Kovacevich, D. Klipa, R. Miljkovich, R. Purich, M. Trbuhovich, B. Skaljac, M. Popovich, V. Tomich, M. Dobrota, S. Bulich, M. Raicevich, V. Milinkovich, D. Malich, A. Micich, S. Prodanovich, S. Zivadinovich, V. Sokolovich, N. Grgurevich, Z. Zdravkovic, and M. Savich, and Deacon N. Soraich.

LAYING OF THE CORNERSTONE

“In the Name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit …” THIS CHURCH is being founded in honor of the HOLY TRINITY, in the Borough of Whitehall, Pittsburgh, County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States of America, during the administration of the Honorable, RICHARD MILHAUS NIXON, President of the United States of America; at the time of His Holiness GERMAN, Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church; in the Episcopacy of the Most Reverend DR. SAVA, Bishop of the Eastern American and Canadian Serbian Orthodox Diocese; during the Pastorates of the Very Reverend ZIVOJIN ZDRAVKOVICH and the Reverend MILAN SAVICH; and during the administration of ROBERT RADE STONE, Esq., President of the HOLY TRINITY SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on this, the 16th Day of November, in the Year of Our Lord, 1969:

THIS CHURCH is the First Serbian Orthodox Church to be built in the City of Pittsburgh and the First Serbian Orthodox Church to be Founded in the 750th Anniversary Year of the Serbian Orthodox Church. THIS CHURCH is being Founded by Americans of Serbian descent, who profess the Serbian Orthodox Faith, who reside in the area of Pittsburgh, and who on the 4th Day of December 1961, did by consolidation of the members of the former, ST. GEORGE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH of Pittsburgh, Founded in the Year of Our Lord 1906 and ST. SAVA SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH of Pittsburgh, Founded, in the Year of Our Lord 1936, form the present HOLY TRINITY SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH – SCHOOL CONGREGATION of Pittsburgh. THIS CHURCH is being founded with the cooperation of the HOLY TRINITY Circle of Serbian Sisters, the HOLY TRINITY Mothers’ Club, the HOLY TRINITY Church Choir, and the HOLY TRINITY Sunday School. THIS CHURCH held Ground Blessing Ceremonies upon premises, donated by the late LOUISE ELIZABETH THOMA COLTERYAHN, on the 21st Day of July, in the Year of Our Lord 1968, with the Most Reverend Bishop DR. SAVA officiating. THIS CHURCH was designed by Mr. JOHN TOMICH Architect and constructed by CAMPBELL – ELLSWORTH, Building Contractors. Construction began the 15th Day of September, in the Year of Our Lord 1969. O Lord our God, who didst plant Thy churches and Thine altars in all the earth, we humbly pray Thee, receive the works of our hands as living testimony of our love and faith in Thee and make this Church Thy Holy Dwelling Place. Bless it and fill it with Thine Divine Grace that it may always be a citadel of our Orthodox Faith and a dispensary of salvation for all our people; illuminate it with Thy Heavenly Light that it may, as a shining beacon, guide this country to every prosperity, spiritual well-being and peace, and grant that we may always glorify and praise Thine All-Holy Name … THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. AMEN! THIS CHURCH SCROLL read, signed, and placed in the Cornerstone in the altar wall (Eastern wall) of this Church, during the Office of Founding of a Church this, the 16th Day of November, in the Year of our Lord, 1969.

HOLY TRINITY PRIESTS ✝V. Rev. Milan Savich 1953-1979* ✝V. Rev. Zivojin Zdravkovic 1966-1973* Rev. Alex Vukovich 1980-1981 ✝V. Rev. Dragan Filipovic 1982-2000 V. Rev. Rajko Kosic 2000-present

*Served at St. George and St. Sava parishes, respectively, before unification to Holy Trinity

SUNDAY SCHOOL Church school consists of children from pre-school through high school seniors. A volunteer staff of dedicated teachers provides instruction, using materials recommended by the Eastern Diocese. In addition, special instruction outside of that is often given on holidays and special events. When possible, supplemental funds are provided for enrolled children who attend summer church camp. Many of the children sing with our church choir, read the epistle, and serve as altar boys. The annual St. Sava Program is organized by the church school. Our church school aims to enhance its stature by holding more activities and increasing participation in community service events. Furthermore, our school is currently working with local Sunday schools from other Serbian churches in the Pittsburgh area to enhance relationships through joint activity. CHOIR Holy Trinity Cathedral Choir was formed by the union of the two Pittsburgh choirs, SSS St. George and SSS Philip Visnich. Following the merger of St. George and St. Sava, the Serbian Singing Federation approved the consolidation in to the Holy Trinity Choir of Pittsburgh at the 1962 SSF convention. In addition to faithfully singing Liturgical responses every Sunday, Holy Trinity Choir strives to preserve our rich Serbian religious and secular musical and cultural heritage by hosting or participating in local and national Serbian Singing Federation functions.

KOLO The objective of the Kolo Srpskih Sestara (Circle of Serbian Sisters) of Holy Trinity Cathedral is to further the Serbian Orthodox faith through continued support of our Church-School Congregation. Needless to say, our Kolo ladies have spent countless hours making and selling baked goods and preparing meals. In addition, the Iconastis, furniture, altar boy robes, and furniture linens were provided by the Kolo. MEN’S CLUB The Holy Trinity Men’s Club was organized January 25, 2008. At a later date, the Club took the name Holy Trinity Nikola Tesla Men’s Club. Its purpose is to perpetuate the teachings of the Serbian Orthodox Church through fellowship, to carry on the heritage of the Serbian people, to teach the values of unification, to help those in need, to be tolerant of others, to educate and develop our youth, and to support the Church in its various endeavors. JEDINSTVO Ensemble Jedinstvo is compromised of young people encompassing a diverse representation of children not only from Holy Trinity Cathedral of Pittsburgh and other local parishes but also several children who have emigrated here from the former Yugoslavia. In its present form, the ensemble evolved from a small group of interested parents and children with a desire to learn the music, dance, and folklore of their Serbian heritage. Jedinstvo continues to progress as a performing troupe.

In 1961 the merging of St. George Church (1906) and St. Sava Church (1935)

created the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church.

Your Inheritance ... THE “FIRSTS” AT HTC!

FIRST BAPTISMS May 2, 1971 Dale Matthew Dimirak Parents: Joseph & Carolyn Dimirak Kum: Frank M. Capan July 18, 1971 Cara Violet Wuchenich Parents: Michael & Joyce Wuchenich Kum: Leonard Krieger July 25, 1971 Adrienne Millie Maravich Parents: Samuel & Edna Maravich

Kum: Michael Maravich

FIRST WEDDINGS May 16, 1971 Lynn to Ronald Faccenda Kum: Lance Brenlove

Kum: Lance Brenlove May 29, 1971 Emma Stefaniak to John Pjevac Kum: Milan Milkovich

Kum: Milan Milkovich June 15, 1971 Karen Doyle to James Ruessle Kum: Walter Belich

FIRST FUNERALS May 7, 1971 Elizabeth Yurjevich Mother of Helen Yurjevich May 8, 1971 Anthony Lazaroff Husband of Patricia Lazaroff May 11, 1971 Michael Bobich Father of Daniel Bobich

FINAL-HTCInfoBook061820_printready.pdf 3 6/26/20 7:36 AM

Dedication: This “updated” booklet is being offered, in the summer of 2020, as a memorial to our pioneers who labored so diligently to bring about our Church and in honor of those who continue to uphold our

Serbian Orthodox religion. Many years ago, it was originally created and published by ✝Audrey Stepanovich as a green informational booklet for the parishioners. This update is being

“republished” to ensure that the knowledge of the history of our Church “lives on” through all generations.

Milan Stanojevic, HTC Board President V. Rev. Stavrophor Rajko Kosic, Cathedral Dean

“Receive your princes, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting door, and the King of Glory shall come in.” Psalm 24:9 ~ also read at the Consecration of the Church on May 2, 1971

Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral 450 Maxwell Drive

Pittsburgh, PA 15236

Phone: 412.882.3900 Fax: 412.882.6391 Email: [email protected] Website: www.htsoc.com

PRESIDENTS OF THE HOLY TRINITY EXECUTIVE BOARD

✝Rade Opacic ......................................................................................... 1963-1964 ✝Nicholas R. Stone ............................................................................... 1965-1966 ✝Samuel Vignovic ................................................................................ 1967-1968 ✝Robert Rade Stone .............................................................................. 1969-1971 ✝Michael Milan .................................................................................... 1972-1973 ✝Samuel Vignovic ................................................................................ 1974-1975 ✝Michael Milan .................................................................................... 1976-1977 ✝John Verlinich .......................................................................... 1978 (Jan.-May) ✝Nicholas R. Stone ............................................................................. 1978 (June) ✝Nicholas Musulin ......................................................... 1978 (July)-1980 (April) ✝Nicholas R. Stone .................................................................... 1980 (May)-1982 George M. Topich .................................................................................. 1983-1984 Dusan Mamula, Robert Belich ......................................................................... 1985 Joseph Bozovich .................................................................................... 1986-1987 Eliot Maravich ................................................................................................ 1988 ✝Anna Harkins ...................................................................................... 1989-1993 Mark Zivkovich ............................................................................................... 1994 Diane Grahovac .............................................................................................. 1995 Eliot Maravich ................................................................................................ 1996 Rudley Mrvos ........................................................................................ 1997-2001 ✝Natalie Kunkel .................................................................................... 2002-2003 Rudley Mrvos ................................................................................................. 2004 Greg Volitich .................................................................................................. 2005 George M. Topich .................................................................................. 2006-2007 Milan Stanojevic ............................................................................................. 2008 Darlene Defebo ...................................................................................... 2009-2013 Eli Bratich .............................................................................................. 2014-2015 Martin A. West ...................................................................................... 2016-2018 Eli Bratich ....................................................................................................... 2019 Milan Stanojevic ........................................................................................... 2020 -

In 1967 Louise Thoma Colteryahn donated two houses and 5.8 acres of land in Whitehall to build the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church. Mrs. Colteryahn requested a cross be erected on the property in memory of her late husband William Carl. The 55 foot high memorial cross was dedicated in 1969.


Architect: ✝John V. Tomich, A.I.A. Contractor: Campbell-Ellsworth Inc. Architectural Consultants: R. M. Gensert Associates of Pittsburgh and Cleveland HVAC: Dodson Engineering Inc., Pittsburgh, PA Electrical Design: Carl J. Long and Associates, Pittsburgh, PA Electrical Contractor: ✝Milan Drobac, Clairton, PA Acoustical: Christopher Jaffe Inc., Norwalk, CONN/San Francisco, CA Resident Site Engineers: ✝George Davic, Joseph Thurn Property size: 5 ½ acres Steel: 139 tons Concrete: 67,500 cubic feet Dome height: 86 feet Stainless steel Cross on dome: 11 feet Stainless steel Cross in belfry: 7 feet Bells: 62 feet Church width – nave: 56 feet Church width – apse: 88 feet Church length – nave: 86 feet Church length – overall: 130 feet, 8 inches First Floor seating: 450 First Balcony seating: 150 Second Balcony (choir loft): 100 Church floor area: 12,785 square feet Sunday School floor area: 7,065 square feet Total floor area: 19,415 square feet HVAC: Fully air-conditioned; boiler system Walls: One foot reinforced concrete Roof: Three-inch reinforced concrete covered Windows: Solar grey plate glass Iconastas: ✝Andrej Bicenko, New York, NY Altar furniture: Mr. Zaric, Belgrade, Serbia

Holy Trinity

Serbian Orthodox Cathedral

“A Historical Perspective…”

FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT THE BUILDING

Many, many thanks to all who assisted in making this updated booklet come to fruition. George Topich who solicited help from Doreen Leech, John Senkinc, and Rosemary Ray began this undertaking. We also appreciate the financial

assistance for printing/mailing provided by Drs. Nenad and Milena Janicijevic. It is our sincere hope that it becomes a keepsake for you and your family and a remembrance of our forefathers who worked and prayed so hard

for their “new” church. Hvala! ~ June 2020


Documents

Holy Trinity...Dragan Filipovic 1982-2000 V. Rev. Rajko Kosic 2000-present *Served at St. George and St. Sava parishes, respectively, before unification to hoursHoly Trinity SUNDAY