A Rich Legacy of Faith and Unity
Welcome to St. Peter and St. Paul Russian Orthodox Church in Springfield, MA. A beacon of Orthodox Christianity, our church has served the spiritual needs of the faithful for over a century. Here is our story:
The Humble Beginning: 1916-1920s Our church was founded in 1916, with the honorable name of St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, in honor of Czar Nicholas II’s patron saint. A significant number of workers and immigrants from various parts of the Russian Empire, as well as the Russian government, played a key role in our establishment.
A Hub for Russian-speaking Community The site at 124 Carew St., remodeled into a church, became a popular gathering place. Newspapers of the time reported lively debates in Russian eateries around the area, reflecting a vibrant immigrant community.
Challenges and Changes: 1920s-1940s The Russian Revolution of 1917 and World War II caused a great division within the church community, and our parish underwent several changes in leadership and affiliation, even renaming to St. Peter and St. Paul Russian Orthodox Church in 1928.
Construction and Growth: 1940-1959 The original church was demolished in 1940, and a beautiful new structure was completed in 1944. The dedication of the new St. Peter and St. Paul Russian Orthodox Church was held on July 9, 1944. A time marked by construction, controversy, and consecration, the post-war era solidified our identity.
A New Era: 1960-2002 Under the spiritual guidance of Fr. Eugene Pianovich, the parish flourished, growing in numbers, faith, and love. Fr. Eugene’s 45-year tenure was a golden period, filled with spiritual achievements and community bonding.
Contemporary Times: 2002-Present Fr. Michael A. Korolev, our current leader, continues the legacy. Recognizing our Russian roots, our parish today is a loving family of diverse cultures. We’ve seen newcomers, conversions, and renovations, with the most promising sign being the growing number of God’s children of all ages in the Sunday Communion line.
Our Legacy and Our Future The history of St. Peter and St. Paul Russian Orthodox Church is one of perseverance, faith, community, and growth. We embrace the new challenges of this century while holding firm to our Orthodox tradition and values.
We warmly invite you to join us in our services, to be a part of this spiritual journey that’s been unfolding for over a century. From those who gathered in the Russian cafés in the early 1900s to the diverse congregation we have today, we are united in faith, hope, and love.
Come and be part of our legacy.