Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Trenton (New Jersey)

Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Trenton, New Jersey, is an esteemed, century-old spiritual and cultural beacon of the Eastern Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA (Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople). Located at 824 Adeline Street in the historic state capital of New Jersey, the parish was incorporated in 1919 and has faithfully preserved the authentic liturgical traditions, choral heritage, and patriotic consciousness of the Ukrainian people across more than a century of continuous service.

Founding Era in New Jersey’s Capital (1919–1939)

The parish’s roots trace to the immediate aftermath of World War I, when hundreds of Ukrainian immigrants arrived in Trenton to labor in the city’s renowned pottery kilns, wire mills, and iron foundries. In the early months of 1919, Father Popil visited the area to organize the pious community. Later that year, the church council called Reverend Volodymyr Kaskiv to serve as the first permanent pastor. The parish was formally incorporated in the State of New Jersey on November 20, 1919.

Under Father Kaskiv’s energetic guidance, property was acquired on Woodland Street and converted into a church and community hall, while dedicated acreage was purchased for a parish cemetery. An impassioned patriot, Father Kaskiv was deeply involved in organizing the national church structures and published DNIPRO, a pioneering Ukrainian religious weekly. Around the same time, choir master Michael Palazey organized the parish choir, establishing a rich musical tradition that remains a hallmark of Holy Trinity to this day.

The Zaparyniuk Pastoral Era and Construction of the Present Church

On August 15, 1939, Reverend Father Michael Zaparyniuk Sr. was assigned to the parish. Recognizing that the congregation had outgrown its original quarters, Father Zaparyniuk initiated an ambitious building program on Adeline Street, erecting a pastoral residence, social hall, and the present church temple.

On November 23, 1952, the stately new brick church was solemnly dedicated by His Beatitude Metropolitan John Theodorovych and His Eminence Archbishop Mstyslav (later Patriarch of Kyiv and all Ukraine). The dedication sparked a vibrant revival in parish life, including the launch of a thriving Sunday Church School. Following Father Michael Sr.’s falling asleep in the Lord in 1958, his son, Father Michael Zaparyniuk Jr., assumed the pastorate from 1959 to 1968, expanding parish facilities and purchasing the church parking complex.

Architectural Character and Sacred Artistry

Holy Trinity Church presents a classic American mid-century brick exterior enriched by traditional Eastern Christian ecclesiastical styling:

• Triple Arched Brick Portals: The front facade features three monumental rounded stone arches framing the main entryways, welcoming worshipers from Adeline Street into the narthex.
• Twin Belfries & Cupolas: Rising above the roofline are twin brick bell towers surmounted by stylized cupolas and Orthodox crosses. Extensive renovations to the bell towers and roof were completed for the parish’s centennial.
• Triumphal Arch & Millennium Fresco: The nave opens toward the altar through a majestic rounded triumphal arch decorated with intricate circular gold-and-teal ornamental medallions. In 1988, pastor Protopresbyter Bohdan Zelechiwsky (who served the parish for over 31 years) commissioned a monumental mural celebrating the Millennium of Christianity in Kyivan Rus-Ukraine.
• Carved Wooden Iconostasis: The sanctuary is enclosed by a warm oak iconostasis featuring the Holy Royal Doors, the patronal icon of the Holy Trinity, Christ the Teacher, and the Mother of God, lovingly draped with hand-embroidered Ukrainian rushnyky.

Centennial Jubilee and Contemporary Parish Life

In 2019, Holy Trinity Parish celebrated its historic 100th Centennial Anniversary under the leadership of Anniversary Chairperson Cynthia Michalak. Generous donations funded complete renovations of the church exterior, bell towers, and church hall interior, as well as new classrooms for the Sunday School.

Today, the parish is pastored by Reverend Father Roman Marchyshak, assisted by Deacon Father Valentine Oliinyk, with Parish Board President Kostyantyn Bobyk and Choir Director Taras Pavlovskyi. The parish maintains bilingual Divine Liturgies in Ukrainian and English, warmly welcoming descendants of founding pioneers alongside new immigrants who have made Central New Jersey their home.

Wartime Solidarity: Daily Prayer and Medical Aid for Ukraine

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Holy Trinity Parish established an exemplary ministry of prayer and concrete action. Every day at 3:00 PM, the parish family unites in the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us sinners and protect Ukraine.”

Under Father Roman Marchyshak’s leadership, the parish community directly procures, packs, and finances the international shipment of vital medical supplies, surgical instruments, and trauma wound care kits shipped straight to military field hospitals across Ukraine where soldiers’ lives are saved daily.

Chronological Milestones of Holy Trinity Parish

Parish Information & Contacts