Some Highlights in Saint Vladimir Parish History:
1908 – August 10 – “The Ruthenian Greek Catholic Church Congregation of Saint Wolodymir of Scranton, Pennsylvania” is legally incorporated
1908 – August 12 – Parishioners purchase Robinson Hall at 426 North Seventh Avenue for their house of worship.
1908 – October 15 – Land on Amherst Street is purchased for cemetery use.
The first pastors are Rev. Andrew Kaminsky and Rev. Oleksa Prystay appointed by Bishop Soter Ortynsky.
During the pastorship of Very Rev. Myron Zalitach (1922 – 1946) St. Vladimir’s Church is built (1932 – 1933). The first Divine Liturgy is celebrated Easter Sunday April 16, 1933. On September 7, 1936 the Church is dedicated and blessed by Bishop Constantine Bohachevsky.
In April, 1950 land on Kane Street in Minooka is purchased for a second cemetery.
During the pastorship of Very Rev. Canon Bohdan Izak (1952 – 1979) property is purchased next to the Church for a Parish Center and School (1957). Construction is completed May 24, 1959. In September 1960 a new Iconostas is installed in the Church. In 1961 a parking lot is made next to the Parish Center and School. On April 26, 1970 a new Rectory is blessed. In 1975 the Church interior is renovated.
In September of 1983 the 75th Parish anniversary is celebrated. Rev. Joseph Martyniuk is Pastor (1979 – 1986).
In August, 2008 the parish of St. Vladimir joyfully celebrated 100 years. Rev. Paul Richard Wolensky is Pastor (2004 – 2012)
In August 2012 Rev. Myron Myronyuk becomes Pastor.
The 1936 Church Dedication book carries an essay by Rev. Leo I. Sembratovich which has this concluding thought:
“Many are wondering why the Ukrainians are so attached to their own language, to their old country customs, and to their rite.
When a good man marries, he loves his wife, he works for her and would, if necessary, die for her. But he would not be a good husband, father, or son, if he forgot his mother. So it is with the Ukrainians. With all their love for the high principles of Americanism, they still cherish the memories of their beloved mother-country – Ukraine, of it language and customs, and of their rite. And it is, indeed, this very devotion that makes them worthy of their adopted country – America.”