Our Lady of Perpetual Help Ukrainian Catholic Church in Wheeling, West Virginia, marked its 115th anniversary on October 11, celebrating over a century of faith, service, and Byzantine heritage in the Ohio Valley with community worship and traditional Eastern European food.
The Bottom Line
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help Ukrainian Catholic Church celebrated its 115th anniversary on October 11.
- Father Jason Charron highlighted that while times change, faith, scripture, and human nature remain constant.
- The parish remains the final Catholic church in South Wheeling and serves as a vital cultural anchor.
A Century of Faith and Tradition in South Wheeling
The sound of voices singing in harmony filled the pews as parishioners gathered to mark the milestone. According to wtrf.com, Ukrainian immigrants settled heavily in the South Wheeling area during the late 1890s and early 1900s. Establishing a Greek Catholic Church where they could worship following their cherished Byzantine heritage was of major importance to those early settlers.
Today, the building stands as the last Catholic parish in South Wheeling, functioning as an enduring cultural anchor for the local Ukrainian community. The anniversary observance brought parishioners together to pray in gratitude for traditions handed down from their forefathers.
Father Jason Charron on What Endures
Reflecting on the milestone, Father Jason Charron noted that the anniversary served as a chance to evaluate what has survived through generations. Charron pointed out that although much has changed in Wheeling and across the country over 115 years, man’s fundamental desire for love, truth, and goodness has not.
A lot has changed in Wheeling and in our country in 115 years. And, we’re here to celebrate what hasn’t changed. And what hasn’t changed is man’s desire for love, truth, goodness. And it’s the faith that provides us a constant, steady stream of, goodness, truth and beauty. Sunday after Sunday in the sacraments and in, Scripture.
Charron emphasized that God continues to feed the congregation through the Eucharist and the scriptures. He expressed hope that those attending the anniversary would walk away with a firm conviction that God and His promises remain unchanging amidst shifting times.
Parishioners Continue the Celebration With Eastern European Delicacies
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Milestone | 115th Anniversary |
| Location | South Wheeling, West Virginia |
| Date Observed | October 11 |
| Clergy | Father Jason Charron |
Following the religious service upstairs, the celebration transitioned downstairs for a community gathering.
After we celebrate with the heavenly food, we go downstairs for the earthly food, lots of Eastern European delicacies.
