St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Woonsocket (Rhode Island)

St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, is the historic mother church of Ukrainian Orthodoxy in the Ocean State and one of the most culturally distinguished Ukrainian parishes in New England. Located at 74 Harris Avenue in the heart of the Blackstone River Valley, the parish traces its pioneer origins to 1903 and consecrated its monumental fieldstone Ukrainian Cossack Baroque temple in 1942. It belongs to the Eastern Eparchy (New England Deanery) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA under the canonical jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Over a Century of Faith and Cultural Resilience (1903–Present)

Ukrainian immigration to the textile manufacturing center of Woonsocket began in the late 1890s and early 1900s, primarily by pioneers hailing from the Skalat and Husiatyn regions of Western Ukraine (Galicia/Podillia). By 1903, the immigrants organized their first community religious gatherings, formally incorporating the parish with a state charter on January 5, 1909. In 1926, embracing the historic national revival of the Ukrainian Orthodox Autocephalous Church under Metropolitan John Theodorovich, the parish committed itself to indigenous Ukrainian church autonomy and liturgical worship in the native tongue.

In 1939, under the leadership of Father Demetro Leschishin, the parish acquired the landmark Cavedon estate at 74 Harris Avenue. The cornerstone was solemnly laid in October 1941, and in October 1942, Archbishop John Theodorovich led the official consecration and door-opening rites before an assembly of over six hundred faithful. Through dedication and frugality, the congregation cleared its entire construction mortgage by July 1946.

Sacred Architecture and Masterpiece Iconography

The temple at 74 Harris Avenue represents a singular architectural triumph that merges New England stonework with classical Ukrainian Cossack Baroque design:

• Fieldstone Masonry & Twin Baroque Towers: The exterior is built of rough-hewn New England granite and fieldstone, flanked by twin monumental square towers crowned with octagonal belfry arches, golden Cossack baroque cupolas, and Ukrainian three-bar crosses.
• Curved Pediment & Rose Window: A high curved baroque gable pediment surmounts the central nave, pierced by a circular rose window of cobalt glass and flanked by decorative stone finials.
• Masterpiece Murals by Osinchuk and Kholodny Jr.: In 1954, the parish commissioned two of Ukraine’s greatest twentieth-century sacred artists—Mychaylo Osinchuk and Petro Kholodny Jr.—to write the monumental apse frescoes, including the celestial communion of the Apostles (The Holy Eucharist) with Christ the Great High Priest, and the icons of the iconostas. This priceless artistic heritage was meticulously conserved and refreshed in 1991 by iconographer Mila Mina.
• Triumphant Restoration After the 2012 Fire: On November 21, 2012, the parish suffered a devastating second-alarm fire. Under the spiritual guidance of Metropolitan Antony and parish leadership, the congregation mobilized an extraordinary restoration campaign, painstakingly renewing the sacred interior, wood furnishings, and electrical systems.

Cultural Citadel: Koshetz, Hayvoronsky, and Musical Heritage

St. Michael’s has long served as a prominent beacon of Ukrainian music and fine arts across New England. The parish’s famed Bojan Choir, founded in the late 1920s, had the rare historical honor of being directed and mentored by world-renowned Ukrainian composers, including Maestro Oleksander Koshetz and Mykhaylo Hayvoronsky. In 1948, the congregation established the Bandura Male Chorus, which performed across New England and broadcast traditional Christmas carols on Rhode Island radio.

The parish also gave birth to the Odessa Ukrainian Dancers of Rhode Island (first organized in 1930 and revitalized in 1967) and maintained an active parish Ukrainian school (Ridna Shkola) with over 200 enrolled youth during its peak decades.

Humanitarian Mission and Relief for Ukraine

Amid the brutal war against Ukraine, St. Michael Parish has mobilized as an active philanthropic bridge in Rhode Island. Through recurring parish food drives, cultural bazaars, and designated fundraisers, the congregation contributes regularly to the UOC of the USA Humanitarian Relief Fund, procuring tactical emergency medical kits, trauma wound dressings, and winter relief supplies for civilian victims and wounded soldiers.

Chronological Milestones of St. Michael Parish

Parish Information & Contacts