History of St. Michael Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church

Early Beginnings

St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church in Rossford, Ohio, traces its roots to the growing Ukrainian immigrant community that settled in northwest Ohio during the early twentieth century. Seeking to preserve their faith, language, traditions, and cultural identity, parishioners came together to establish a church community that would serve both their spiritual and social needs.

In 1912, the parish erected its first church building, a modest wooden structure that became the heart of the Ukrainian Catholic community in the area. Though simple in appearance, the church represented the determination and sacrifice of the founding families who worked hard to create a permanent place of worship for future generations.

St. Michael Rossford Original Church

The original wood church in 1917

Growth of the Parish

As the parish continued to grow, the original wooden church became too small and outdated to meet the needs of the congregation. In 1948, St. Michael’s replaced the original structure with a larger and more modern brick church building. The new church became both a spiritual home and a cultural center for Ukrainian Catholics throughout the region.

For decades, the church served as a gathering place where parishioners celebrated Divine Liturgies, religious holidays, weddings, baptisms, and community events. The parish also became known for preserving Ukrainian customs and traditions through fellowship, food, music, and education.

The newly built church in 1949

Renovation and Renewal

By the 1980s, the church building required significant repairs and improvements. Parishioners undertook a major renovation project in honor of the Millennium of Christianity in Ukraine, commemorating the Christianization of Kyivan Rus in 988.

The renovation transformed both the interior and exterior of the church. Improvements included:

  • A new entrance door and enlarged narthex

  • A shrine addition

  • Refurbished pews

  • New stained-glass windows

  • A hand-carved iconostasis with icons

  • New altars and tabernacle

  • New embroidered altar cloths

  • New carpeting throughout the church

The parish also improved other church properties during this period. The rectory was completely refurbished, the church basement kitchen was remodeled, air conditioning was installed, and the church hall basement and storage areas were renovated. Parishioners also purchased and fenced additional parking property adjacent to the church hall.

Celebrating the 75th Anniversary

In 1988, St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church celebrated its 75th anniversary along with the Millennium of Christianity in Ukraine. The celebration was marked by a Pontifical Divine Liturgy celebrated by Bishop Robert Moskal of the Diocese of St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio.

The anniversary celebration brought together clergy, parishioners, former pastors, and guests from across the region. The event highlighted the enduring faith and dedication of the parish community and recognized the many generations who contributed to the life of the church.

Bishop Robert Moskal of the Diocese of St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio.

Parish Life and Traditions

Throughout its history, St. Michael’s parishioners have supported church life through countless volunteer efforts, cultural activities, and community gatherings. The parish became known for events such as festivals, fish fries, Monte Carlo nights, garage sales, ethnic dinners, Malanka celebrations, and holiday baking traditions.

Parishioners regularly gathered to make pyrohy, bake paskas for Easter, and prepare cookies for Christmas celebrations. These activities not only helped support the parish financially, but also strengthened the bonds between families and preserved cherished Ukrainian traditions.

The church also fostered spiritual and educational growth through choir programs, catechism classes for children and adults, Ukrainian language instruction, embroidery classes, and pysanky decorating workshops.

Legacy of Faith

Over the years, St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church has remained a symbol of faith, perseverance, and cultural heritage. Through periods of growth, renovation, and renewal, the parish has continued to serve as a spiritual home for generations of Ukrainian Greek Catholics in northwest Ohio.

The story of St. Michael’s is ultimately a story of community — of people working together, worshiping together, and preserving their faith and traditions for future generations. The dedication, sacrifice, and love shared by the parishioners have shaped the church into more than a building; it has become a lasting center of spiritual life and Ukrainian Greek Catholic identity.

Today, St. Michael Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church continues to serve as a vibrant center of faith, worship, and Ukrainian heritage in northwest Ohio. Located in Rossford and part of the Eparchy of Saint Josaphat in Parma, the parish welcomes worshippers of all backgrounds while preserving the traditions of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Weekly Divine Liturgies, religious celebrations, community events, and cultural traditions remain at the heart of parish life. Under the leadership of Very Rev. Mitred Archpriest Father Steven Paliwoda, the church continues its mission of spiritual growth, fellowship, and witness to the Byzantine Catholic faith. More than a century after its founding, St. Michael’s remains a close-knit and active parish community dedicated to honoring its Ukrainian roots while serving future generations with faith, hospitality, and devotion.