St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church, chartered on February 25, 1952, as the Nativity of the Holy Virgin Church, is today a most unique and beautiful representation of the “Moscow style" and stands gracefully within the peaceful territory of the St. Vladimir’s Cemetery in Jackson, New Jersey.
St. Mary’s Parish is presently in the jurisdiction of the Orthodox Church in America, existing under its own Parish Statutes as adopted by the All-American Council in 1971.
St. Vladimir’s Russian Orthodox Cemetery was organized in 1939 by the ROVA Society. Through the efforts of the Ladies Auxiliary of the First Branch of Rova, St. Mary’s foundation and cornerstone were laid in 1940. By 1951 the new Chapel was completed. Father Peter Popoff, a New York priest, was appointed to serve the young parish. Following his arrival, the First Church Council was elected to serve the parish. His Eminence Metropolitan LEONTY dedicated St. Mary’s Church in 1955 and the chapel became officially recognized as St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church, Cassville, New Jersey. In 1958, with the help and devotion of the parish Sisterhood, a plot of land was purchased in order to build a parish home. This rectory was completed and blessed by Archbishop DIMITRY (Magan). In 1968 the Church was enlarged and blessed again.The parish home currently resides on Oakwood Avenue.
During the 1970s St. Mary’s Parish was served by several priests appointed on a temporary basis.
On April 19, 1986, Father John Prokopiuk became pastor, and has remained there since.
With the arrival of Father John as Rector of St. Mary’s Church, parish life was greatly revived. Church services were celebrated regularly as well as the many other services that contribute to Church life: weddings, baptisms, and funerals.
The miniature yet exquisite St. Mary’s Church is situated on a small hilltop surrounded by a multitude of famous and historic departed Russian personalities. The church itself is a true Jackson landmark and is absolutely worth checking out, no matter what your religious preference. The history of Russian immigrants in this town started here. The church and cemetery are free and open to the public, just please be respectful. Feel free to take photos of the church, it truly is a magnificent sight, and you may find muggles here taking photos as well! Enjoy the cache and BYOP!
***CONGRATS TEAM eMpTy on FTF!!****