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Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel

The Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel in Passaic, New Jersey, is the principal church of the Ruthenian Greek Catholic Eparchy of Passaic. Established as a parish in 1890, its current edifice was constructed between 1902 and 1905, later becoming the cathedral upon the establishment of the eparchy in 1963.

Key Facts

  • The parish of St. Michael the Archangel was founded in 1890.
  • The current cathedral building was constructed from 1902 to 1905.
  • It became the cathedral for the Eparchy of Passaic when the eparchy was established in 1963.
  • St. Michael's School was established in 1953 in a former public school building.
  • A Cathedral Chapel and Social Center was dedicated in West Paterson in 1987.
Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel
Construction Period
1902-1905
Patron Saint
Saint Michael the Archangel
Century Built
City
Passaic
Website
Official Cathedral Site
Established Year
1890

About Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel

Overview

The Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel is the mother church of the Eparchy of Passaic, a diocese within the Ruthenian Greek Catholic Church in the United States. Located in Passaic, New Jersey, the cathedral serves as the spiritual and administrative center for the eparchy.

History and Development

The origins of the parish trace back to the late 19th century with the immigration of Eastern Europeans to the Passaic area, beginning in 1877. Father Alexander Dzubay initiated ministry to Byzantine Catholics in 1880, leading to the formal establishment of St. Michael the Archangel parish in 1890. The first resident pastor, Father Nicephor Chanath, oversaw the purchase of a former Evangelical Mission Chapel in 1891.

The current edifice of the cathedral was constructed between 1902 and 1905. Further development of the parish grounds occurred with the acquisition of property in 1917 for St. Michael's Cemetery. In 1953, St. Michael's School was established in a former public school building, commencing classes in September of that year.

Elevation to Cathedral Status

A significant milestone in the history of St. Michael's Church was its designation as the cathedral for the newly established Eparchy of Passaic on July 31, 1963. This elevated the church to the principal cathedral of the Ruthenian Greek Catholic Church in the region. In 1985, construction began on a separate Cathedral Chapel of St. Michael and Social Center in West Paterson, which was dedicated on May 31, 1987.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the parish of St. Michael the Archangel established?

The parish of St. Michael the Archangel was established in 1890. This followed the arrival of Eastern European immigrants to the Passaic area starting in 1877 and the ministry of Father Alexander Dzubay to Byzantine Catholics beginning in 1880.

When was the current cathedral building constructed?

Construction on the present church building for the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel began in 1902 and was completed in 1905. It is located in Passaic, New Jersey.

When did St. Michael's Church become a cathedral?

St. Michael's Church in Passaic, New Jersey, became the cathedral in 1963. This was upon the establishment of the Eparchy of Passaic on July 31, 1963.

What other facilities are associated with St. Michael the Archangel?

St. Michael's has several associated facilities. St. Michael's Cemetery was established on property acquired in 1917. St. Michael's School began classes in 1953. Additionally, a Cathedral Chapel of St. Michael and Social Center was built in West Paterson and dedicated in 1987.