History of St. Clement of Ohrid American-Macedonian Orthodox Church
In the early spring of 1972, a group of approximately 40 families gathered in Gary, Indiana, to discuss organizing a new parish dedicated to St. Clement of Ohrid. This parish, named St. Clement of Ohrid American-Macedonian Orthodox Church, petitioned Archbishop John of the Diocese of Chicago and Minneapolis for acceptance into the Orthodox Church in America (OCA). The Very Reverend Spiro Tanaskoski was chosen to lead the parish as its priest.
On May 30, 1972, the Holy Synod of Bishops, headed by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Ireney, accepted the parish into the canonical jurisdiction of the Orthodox Church in America. This marked the establishment of the first Macedonian parish in the United States under the OCA.
Growth and Relocation
As the congregation grew, the facilities in Gary quickly became insufficient. In 1974, the parish acquired a three-acre parcel of land in Merrillville, Indiana, and began planning for the construction of a new church. The parishioners worked tirelessly to raise funds through various activities, including festivals, style shows, bake sales, dances, picnics, fish fries, personal loans, and increased weekly contributions. These efforts steadily grew the building fund and strengthened the parish community.
The flurry of activity of the next several years seems to have blended smoothly into a continuous concerted effort to bring to a culmination this great project of the St. Clement Parish. Fr. Spiro’s great patience and understanding provided the necessary steady hand at the tiller when St. Clement’s parish began to traverse rough waters. His leadership, coupled with that of the parish council, was often the deciding factor in the making of crucial decisions correctly.
Groundbreaking ceremonies marked the beginning of construction, and by June 1979, the congregation moved into its newly built church at 5444 Harrison Street in Merrillville, Indiana.
In 1980, the parish expanded further by acquiring an eleven-lot site for a future picnic area. On August 9, 1981, after nearly a decade of dedication and hard work, the church building was consecrated. This event was a testament to the unity, devotion, and perseverance of the parishioners.
Relationship with Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church
From its inception, St. Clement maintained a close and collaborative relationship with Protection of the Virgin Mary (PTVM) Orthodox Church. Fr. Peter Rozdelsky of PTVM played a significant role in helping Fr. Spiro Tanaskoski and the St. Clement parish become part of the OCA, forming a lifelong friendship between the two priests. Over the years, the two churches celebrated many feasts and patronal days together, fostering a bond between the communities.
Transition and Integration
After the passing of Fr. Spiro in 1995, the St. Clement parish faced challenges, including a declining congregation due to parishioners relocating, reposing, or inconsistent clergy assignments. By 2005, only 18 families remained, and maintaining the church facilities became increasingly difficult. In 2008, the church property was sold shortly before the market downturn. During this period, Fr. Elijah Mueller and his wife Rebecca served the parish, and it was under their guidance that the St. Makarios Orthodox Mission in Chicago (Hyde Park), Illinois, was established.
As St. Clement’s congregation diminished, many of its members found a spiritual home at Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church. By 2010, the diocese formally dissolved St. Clement’s parish. However, the legacy and spirit of St. Clement’s community live on, as its former members continue to worship alongside the PTVM congregation. This shared history highlights the enduring bonds between the two churches and the resilience of Orthodox Christian faith in the region.