St. Melany Byzantine Catholic Church history

The first Byzantine catholic divine liturgy was celebrated at the historic San Javier mission in the Tucson area during 1972 with father Alexander Nanko as the celebrant. informal meetings, the gathering of names, and occasional celebrations followed.

On march 1, 1974, the first parish council was organized, and the community of saint Melany church began to celebrate weekly at the chapel of Regina Cleri seminary in Tucson. bishop green of the diocese of Tucson permitted the use of the chapel and gave permission to priests of his diocese to assist father Nanko to celebrate the divine liturgy during the first years of the parish. during this time, Bishop Emil Mihalik chose the name Saint Melany the Younger as the patron of the church. It is the only church in the world dedicated to saint Melany whose feast is celebrated on new year’s eve.

As the parish grew, a house and property on 5975 east grant road was purchased in January 6, 1977 with the help of loans from eparchies of Parma and Passaic and the diocese of Tucson. the property was renovated for use as a Byzantine church with the hard work of the parishioners. Bishop Emil Mihalik celebrated divine liturgy at the solemn dedication on October 22, 1977.

On march 1, 1980, Father Francis Thompson Ofm was assigned as the first resident pastor. many liturgical and social activities took place as the church became more established. Father Joseph Radvansky succeeded Father Thompson. During father Radvansky’s time, the church was renovated with the icons painted by Mila Mina.  These icons are in the current daily chapel at the new saint Melany Church.

In June of 1981, Father Joseph Hutsko was appointed pastor. The congregation continued to grow. there were numerous fund raising projects to support the parish and to save for the building of a new and larger church facility.

Father John Dorich was appointed pastor of the parish in 1987. Initial renovations were made for offices and rectory space. Bishop George Kuzma presided over the burning of the mortgage on October 17, 1993.

From November 1, 1993 to the present, father William Skurla has served as pastoral administrator of saint Melany church. the many renovations to the rectory, church, the building of the garage, and landscaping were completed. The first secular Franciscans fraternity began formation in 1994. The church continues to grow in numbers and spirit of the Byzantine church.
 

Father John Dorich was appointed pastor of the parish in 1987. Initial renovations were made for offices and rectory space. Bishop George Kuzma presided over the burning of the mortgage on October 17, 1993.

From November 1, 1993 to the present, father William Skurla has served as pastoral administrator of saint Melany church. the many renovations to the rectory, church, the building of the garage, and landscaping were completed. The first secular Franciscans fraternity began formation in 1994. The church continues to grow in numbers and spirit of the Byzantine church.