The Odyssey

 For historical purposes, it was really in 1912 when a small group of determined Woodlawn Serbs (later to be named Aliquippa) came together and launched a common undertaking. They organized in a joint and dedicated effort to create a HOUSE OF WORSHIP for themselves and their Serbian Community. They recognized early that the catalyst for their very survival and progress rested in a house of reverence with its deep spiritual impact and bond of unity.

    This initial "home" was to be the foundation for the preservation of their identity, faith, and hope for the future. Moreover, it would provide their families with a sense of security, stability and a community presence. This daunting endeavor became the mandate and mission of: Marko Maravich, Ilija Gvoic, Mihailo Stepanovich, Mitcha Rebich, and Nikola Vujnovich- the original charter members.

    This small group, in June of 1912 banded together to draft a certificate of incorporation. As they deliberated, it is believed, a strange and startling phenomenon occurred-overhead. A fiery, golden chariot driven by six white stallions streaked across the heavens above them. A blazing streamer then proclaimed the presence of the celestial pilot, none other than Sveti Ilija! Bringing his chargers to a halt, Elijah hovered over the small cluster of planners.

        "My" - he observed, as he looked down. " Those are the children of my Christian faith, the sons of Serbian Orthodoxy. I shall direct them, support them, and anoint them with the elixir of the saints. Thus will I assure the success of their venture and dreams for the future. From this day forward, I shall be declared the Patron Saint of the Woodlawn Serbian Orthodox Parish."

        So with Elijah's mystical guidance and critical scrutiny, the legal details and documents were cleared and presented toe the County Court to be approved and ratified.

        On May 12, 1912, the original Church Charter was notarized and presented toe the court. It contained elements of both historical and dubious interest. The First Board of Trustees was recognized and approved by the court. These included: Nikola Mamula, Nikola Cico, Jovo Carich, Stojan Smiljunj, and Stanko Suica. St Elijah proclaimed their event as the " Year of United Serbs"!

    From that slogan, Elijah with his quick wit and wry humor coined the now universal Western Pennsylvania localism "YUNS". This was conclusive evidence that Elijah had found friends, a home, and a common dialogue.

        From that point on, St. Elijah authorized the approval and acceptance of the articles of Inc. ratified by the court on July 3, 1912. Richard Holt was the presiding judge, and his somewhat dubious familiarity with "Serbian" was quite evident. The name "Servian" was inserted exclusively in the charter, and accepted by the judge. IN the interest of harmony and diplomacy, St. Elijah withheld his displeasure. Later hid indiscretion, and as atonement, the judge was directed to groom and horses, quarter them, feed and pasture them and "sanitize" the stalls. St. Elijah's judgment was swift and decisive.

        A somewhat peculiar provision was inserted in the charter. It stipulated that the yearly revenue of the corporation was not to exceed $20,000.00. Except for tax purposes, the reason for this limit was never adequately determined. St. Elijah voiced his objections toe the dollar exchange rate, and insisted on the use of "dinars". This would give the corporation an expanded income and apply an ethnic flavor to the charter. The court overruled Elijah's proposal. But shortly thereafter, and for some strange reason, the judge was stricken with a severe and stubborn case of hiccups and hives. The twin maladies immobilized both his tongue and his gavel. The judge was quick to recognize both his errors and the presence of a weird and unseen power. Ever since, Judge Holt held the Serbs in highest regard and deepest respect.

        With the charter in place, St. Elijah turned his attention to the "House of Worship". Activity was accelerated and the first church was assembled on Hopewell Avenue. It was a small frame building purchased (by bidding) from the Presbyterian congregation. In a charitable gesture, J&L Steel Corporation donated a parcel of land for the church. A short while later (in 1913), a storm and strong winds demolished the feeble structure. Despair, panic and desperation set in. An urgent appeal was flashed into space paging Sveti Ilija with a huge S.O.S Banner- " Save Our Serbs". The message came through loud and clear. St. Elijah's response was quick and productive. He convened the Board of Trustees and the Restoration Council. A fund drive was immediately instituted and the "YUNS" committee went to work. Elijah authorized the use of his chariot and horses to transport volunteers, make collections, recruit workers and promote public relations. The Campaign was a rousing and overwhelming success. Construction was completed ahead of schedule. In mid-July, the church of 1914 was officially dedicated and consecrated on Hopewell Avenue. St. Elijah conferred his abundant blessings on the completed project. He unveiled the plaque, which bore the caption: St Elijah Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church 1914. This new house of worship would grant his parish a renewed sense of accomplishment, pride, and dignity. The Serbs had arrived and a dream had become a reality. Following this successful venture, St. Elijah turned his attention to several proposals for his adopted family. He encouraged them to preserve their Orthodox faith, promote their culture and prize their heritage. With his closing blessings, St. Elijah the " Gromovnik" (the Thunderer) mounted his chariot and departed into the celestial heavens. He had completed the first leg of his miraculous odyssey.

        Picking up Elijah's challenges, the church uprava went into action. The parish grew to 700 families. Supportive groups, clubs and fraternals were organized and pressed into service. Over the next 25 years (1914-1939) the membership contributed their talent, energy and resources.

        On November 12, 1939, the Parish observed its Silver Jubilee-its 25th Anniversary. The event was held in the Slovak Hall in West Aliquippa- admission-25 cents. Notables present: His Grace Dr Damaskin-Bishop of the Serbian Eastern Orthodox Diocese; Louis Christopher-Gary, Indiana, Editor of Serb Reflector Magazine; Simo Verlinich, President of the Serb National Federation; Tode Loverich, President of the St. Elijah Church School Congregation; Peter Bizic Sr, Jubilee Chairman; Jubilee Chorus, The St. Elijah Church Choir under the direction of Boris Dobrovoljski sang the 10th Rukovet.

        At this time The St. Elijah Parish embraced all of Beaver County-and portions of Alleghany County. The boundaries are predominantly the same today, except for Midland and its surrounding area. That group formed its separate parish.

        During this interval, the following clubs and organizations emerged: Serbian School, Sveta Petka Kolo Srpskih Sestara-KCC (1932). Sokols- St. Elijah Basketball Champions (1936). Svemir Club Social Organization (1930) Girls Softball (1931) Fruska Gora (1932) KCC Mala Gosponja-Ambridge (1935) Church Cemetery purchased (1936)  SNF Fraternals (1930-1940). Other groups, clubs and committees  were organized informally and proved a valuable asset to the growth and services of the church. The Serbian Club (Golub) was the hub and center of social activities. And most significantly, the Svemir Club and Fruska Gora emerged and became the vaunted and irrepressible St. Elijah Church Choir. (1932)

        The second leg of Elijah's leadership and Odyssey was brought into focus at the 50th Golden Anniversary Event (1914-1969). Father Vlastimir Tomich was selected as parish priest in 1949. The picnic grounds were purchased in 1945. Lots for the new church were bought in 1946. At the close of World War II, in 1945, a spirited group of service men and volunteers came together and formed the St. Elijah Young Men's Club. They chose to serve as an arm and adjunct to the church body. They organized and sponsored the Social Games and have been operational ever since. This group has provided a continuing and invaluable source of revenue and income for the parish over the years. Their time and services are priceless and merit our deepest appreciation. The  St. Elijah  Mother's Club came together in 1951. Ground was broken for the new church in 1954. In 1956 the construction was completed and ready for services. The last service in the church on Hopewell Avenue was held on Sunday June 3, 1956. The burning of the church mortgage was held in Sunday, August 3, 1958. On July 13, 1963 Bishop Stefan Lastavica was consecrated as Bishop in the St. Elijah Church- the first such ceremonial of Diocesan rank in the United States. Bishop Lastavica passed away in 1966, and Father Tomich in 1977. Both are buries in the St. Elijah Cemetery.

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        The third stage of St. Elijah's Odyssey brought us to our 75th anniversary - (1914-1989). It included our progress and activity primarily from 1964-1989-(25 years). To expedite the agenda for that period, St. Elijah with cell phone beeping, sped over the Heavenly freeway with astonishing speed. His plans and priorities saw the addition of the following:

1. The beginning of the children's Summer Day Camp- 1969.

2. St. Elijah Senior Youth Group was established 1970.

3. The St. Elijah Center groundbreaking in 1971.

4. Very Rev. Stevan Stepanov was chosen Parish Pastor-1973.

5. The Center was dedicated September 23, 1973.

6. The KCC Choir and the Junior Choir had their beginnings in 1973.

7. The Enthronement of the Rt. Rev. Christopher August 13, 1978.

8. The St. Elijah Choir observed its Golden Anniversary (50th) September 1980.

9. Center Mortgage Burning November 1, 1981.

10. Groundbreaking for the Resurrection Chapel 1986.

11. Silver Anniversary (25 years) of Very. Rev. Stevan Stepanov Priesthood Banquet held on April 17,1988.

12. Dedication of the Resurrection Chapel July 17, 1988.

13. St. Elijah Cornerstone's Men Club became a valued and productive organization. No limits to teh time, support and resources that this organization provided.

14. The dedicated, productive, active, and tireless KCC members and their volunteers continue their "noodle magic and kitchen brigade". Timelessly and unselfishly, they offer their efforts, energy and concern to teh well being of our parish and parish home.

     Accomplishments over the past years:

1. The continuance of our Slavas and an update of our status and circumstances.

2. The maintenance, replacement and renovation of our parish facilities and physical plant.

3. The cooperation and commitment of all related organizations to support the church in both its spiritual and material needs.

4. The Serbian Food Festivals became an annual enterprise and proved both productive and profitable.

5. Real estate was purchased to expand and secure our boundaries.

6. Proto Stavrofor Stepanov was feted, recognized and honored for 25 years of continued Parish Stewardship (1973-1998) on November 7, 1998.

7. The entire church interior was painted, repaired, and renovated. The choir loft was refurbished. The roof, cupolas, crosses painted 24kt gold, and exterior stone re-pointed, and sealed with weatherproofing in 2003-2004.

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        Since 1930 the St. Elijah Choir has sustained its choral commitment vocally, spiritually, physically, and financially. The choir loft is their inner sanctum and secondary residence. In truth, and unassumingly, they are the ambassadors of goodwill for the St. Elijah Parish wherever their travels may lead them.

        The Altar Boys are a source of pride and joy to both Proto Stevan and teh church parish. They are our investment in the future and the projected custodians of our faith and expectations for the years ahead. It is our sincerest hope that they will take the torch, fill the void and prove worthy of the trust they will inherit!

        Our tutors are here each and every Sunday, holiday, funeral, pararstos and weddings to provide related services in an orderly and efficient manner. Candle care is their regular routine. Offerings are taken with quiet and courtesy.

        The St. Elijah Mother's Club has and always will be the source for the needs of the parish and especially the activities of the children. The St. Sava Day Celebration, Vrbica, and Church Day Camp are three of the main activities that this organization oversees. They are also responsible for the purchase of the Church School books and materials for Sunday school each year. They work in close harmony with the priest and Sunday School teachers.

        St. Elijah has fulfilled his missionary odyssey with his precious blessings to bring us our success and prosperity. His sainted presence form 1912 to this moment has sustained us spiritually, and enabled us to realize our hopes and expectations. We shall continue to implore his silent guidance and concern as we terminate our first century of growth and development. May this treasured relationship persist as we greet the second century in 2014.

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SUMMARY   

        So now we turn our attention to the official governing body of the St. Elijah Church- the uprava and its administrative family. They along with the sage counsel and input of Proto Stevan have managed our parish with care, vigilance, and wisdom. The welfare and solvency of our assets is evidence of their dedication and diligence. We commend them for served us with a generous offering of their time, effort, and deliberations. We are grateful for their sense of responsibility, duty, and concern.

        We take heart and encouragement that our status and circumstances will prosper, and continue to remain healthy and progressive. In tandem we must also foster the same strength of faith, Christian brother-hood and confidence in our Orthodox heritage. We pray that our current uprava and their successors will continue to provide us with competency, courage and leadership.

        A grateful congregation extends its abundant appreciation to the officers and trustees, and special accolades to Proto Stevan on his commitment to his stewardship and pastoral ministry. We are fortunate that we can share the dividends of his calling.

        Sveti Ilija concurs whole-heartedly with these sentiments, and promises to sustain us with his blessings and spiritual  guidance.

            May  his chariot and stallions continue to thunder across the heavens throughout eternity!

        We extend to Proto Stevan, Protinica Ana their children Ivana and Marko and their respective spouses Tony and Melinda along with the pride of their family grandsons Alexander and Dimetri, our unbounded Best Wishes for every blessing that our benefactor and Patron-Sveti Ilija, can bestow from above.    

ZIVELI!

CONCLUSION

        An abbreviated and compressed history can not account for and identify all the individuals, past, present, who have struggled, sacrificed and labored so hard in the best interests of the St. Elijah Church. The chronicle of this Parish is a product of many years of the combined efforts of all the church pastors, presidents, officers, trustees, committees and volunteers who strived to create, sustain and improve the St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church Parish. To all of them we extend our deepest respect and gratitude. To our pioneers and veterans we offer a solemn "Vjecnaja Pamjat". To our current and future parish "care takers", we issue a robust "Good Luck" and Mnogaja Ljeta. And Sveti Ilija confers his protective blessings and commends us with his Kudos, garlands and bouquets! In return we shall always exalt him, glorify and venerate him. We can do no less for our "GROMOVNIK" and "CHARIOTEER" - AMEN!           

Lazo Maravich