Michaels parishioners came to this great Nation from Eastern Europe between 1860 and 1870. with the hope of finding a better way of life. Upon their arrival. they first settled in Massachusetts and Vermont. some years later they settled in Pennslyvania. which was. and remains. the home of many Ukrainians. Joseph Zoliak was the first immigrant to settle in the Shenandoah area of Pennsylvaniathe present home of St. Michaels. The first settlers wanted a church of their own where they could worship in their "mother tongue" according to their own rites and beliefs. Their prayers were answered on October 24. 1884. when the Reverend John Walainsky was appointed as the first Greek Catholic priest in America. His first service was held on December 18. 1884. at Kern Hall in Shenandoah. By 1885. the newly settled immigrants were able to purchase two buildings on the north side of Centre Street in Shenandoah. Father Walainsky blessed the first Greek Catholic Church on this site on November 21. 1886. During the following years. the congregation grew rapidly. and soon there was a need for a larger church.
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