The Nativity of The Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church
The History
The Nativity of The Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church was first founded in 1979 after previously being a Byzantine mission. Although they were without a building for their first four years, members of the church held services at Marist High School until the current property was purchased in 1983. The Nativity is headed by Father Richard Janowicz, who was sent to Eugene by the Ruthenian Catholic Bishop of Parma, Ohio, in 1981.
In the beginning, almost all members of the church were Ukrainian, some from a small group in North Dakota and some of which immigrated from Germany after working forced labor during World War II. Today, the Nativity has around 140 followers and boasts a very diverse group with only a small percent actually being Ukrainian. |
The Church
The Nativity sits on a large piece of land and consists of three buildings. The first of which is a house where Fr. Richard resides. There is also a barn used for storage and as a practice studio for the Church's Ukrainian Day dance routine which will be discussed later on. The third building is the church itself. Designed as a multi-use building, it consists of a kitchen and large seating area as well as the chapel, the two of which are separated by a portable wall. An iconostasis is the main decoration in the church, with the other walls barren due to the duel use of the center. Elaborately embroidered fabrics are the other noticeable feature, as is common among Ukrainian churches.
Church Activities
Outside of the regular 10am Sunday service, the Nativity Church holds their annual Ukrainian Day. Usually celebrated in August (this year was in June), the celebration draws a large number of spectators. With the addition of an outdoor stage, 80 members (whoever wants to do it!) who had been practicing relentlessly, execute routines of traditional dance in their traditional garments. This celebration has been an annual event since 1990.
NotesAffiliation: Catholic Church
Founded: 1979 Community Size: 140 Religious Leader: Fr. Richard Janowicz Future Visits: This is a very welcoming community and allow all to attend services and view their facilities. Photography is allowed. |
Contact Information
704 Aspen Street Springfield, Oregon 97477
(541) 726-7309 www.nativityukr.org/ |