Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
On January 31, 2001, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, is celebrating 100 years. Leonard Chemsak, the congregation's historian, "hopes the yearlong celebration achieves two things: 'We want to celebrate 100 years of tradition but also celebrate the long-standing traditions of our heritage and rite.'... Chemsak, who was baptized at St. Nicholas in 1929, has seen many changes throughout the years. Many of the old traditions seem lost, and families aren't as close as they used to be, he said. 'Years ago, people moved here from Europe and lived in the same neighborhoods. Now, when the young ones grow up, they move away to find work. We need to help our young people be proud of their heritage.'