About us

St. Mary’s, a Wonderful Spiritual Home

St. Mary’s Romanian Byzantine Catholic Church in McKeesport, Pennsylvania is a parish of the Romanian Catholic Diocese based in Canton, Ohio. The Diocese supervises twenty-one communities (parishes, missions and monasteries) in North America. Our Bishop is John Michael Botean, who governs the Diocese from St. George Cathedral in Canton. He is the second bishop of the Diocese, which was created in 1987. Prior to the establishment of a Diocese, these Romanian parishes, mainly in the Mid-West and Eastern United States, were supervised by Latin Dioceses.  

St. Mary’s is a wonderful place to call one’s spiritual home! It is rooted deeply in the historical experience of the greater Pittsburgh area. Originally constructed before the Civil War, it is, in many ways, an impressive example of Christianity at its best. Purchased from the Methodist Church in 1918, its interior was converted to meet the needs of its new Byzantine Catholic community in terms of worship and religious education. 

St. Mary’s is a Church made up of people who are interested in others. It is a community that cares about all people and prays for them. St. Mary’s truly has a heart! It is blessed by many big-hearted people, who support the other members of the parish with love and compassion. If a member has a challenge in life, the others are quick to offer assistance, whether it is prayers for a difficulty in life, encouragement or a ride home after Divine Liturgy, our main form of worship. All of this is also true for those who visit us. We welcome all of our guests as friends.

The parishioners are devout people who want more than a way to fulfil a Sunday obligation. Their participation in worship is full and active and is an example for all churches everywhere. The spiritual life of the community is strong and is enhanced by the Church’s beautiful interior. Inside, it can only be described as a Church of murals. There is not a wall in our Church which is not adorned with a beautiful image from the Bible. The spiritual nature of the interior of St. Mary’s naturally lifts up one’s heart to God and encourages prayer. In addition, our beautiful Divine Liturgy offers a unique way to praise God. Our Patronal Feast is the Annunciation, which occurs on March 25th. This is foundational, since at the Angel Gabriel’s salutation, “Hail Full of Grace,” the story of salvation was begun.

St. Mary’s, as an architectural structure, is truly unique! It is a self-contained building, with the Church being on the first floor and the residence on the second. Having been remodeled, both inside and out, in 1959, its current silhouette in the neighborhood adds much to the surrounding buildings. It is complemented by a beautiful patio and garden area, often used for fellowship.

For all of these reasons, you are cordially invited to visit our Church. You would find such an experience to be spiritually exhilarating! Please come and be our guest on a Sunday morning. We are located at 318 26th Street in McKeesport and the Divine Liturgy is at 10:00 am. Unfortunately, given the rules relating to the pandemic, a mask is required, and we are also social distancing. However, we will gladly welcome you to join us.