THE CHURCH OF THE OLDEST LITHUANIAN PARISH IN THE U.S. HAS BEEN CLOSED In spite of the pleadings, protests, and prayers by parishioners, the spiritual home of the oldest Lithuanian parish in United States, St. George's of Shenandoah, PA, was closed in May 2006. It may still be possible to reverse this decision by the Roman Catholic Church, but the time to act is now! Statement by Dr. D. Paul of Friends of St. George of Shenandoah. Photos of St. George church and Lithuanian cemeteries.

SOME HISTORICAL FACTS (1) The Lithuanian Parish in Shenandoah was established in 1872, the cornerstone of the present church was laid in 1891. (2) For 113 years the church has continuously served the spiritual needs of the Lithuanian-Americans of the region. (3) According to the 2003 Spiritual Report filed in March 2004, the Parish had 665 registered dues-paying families (1250 parishioners). (4) Parish finances were very sound. All bills were paid. (5) St. George's administered and managed two other smaller parishes - Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and St. Stephen's. (6) St. George's was completely refurbished in 1988 under the supervision of Rev. Robert J. Potts. (7) Rev. Potts was transferred out St. George's in 2004. Even though adequate funds were collected, new pastors refused to authorize needed repairs. (8) St. George's was closed in May 2006. (9) Work on the containment of St. George church towers was completed in June 2007, but the church remains closed. (10) By the decision of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, St. George's church was declared a Pennsylvania historical monument in October 2007. More on the history of St. George Parish.

IMPORTANT ADDRESSES Please write to express your concern about the closing of St. George's Parish and to inform how historically important St. George's is to all Lithuanian-Americans to: His Eminence Justin Cardinal Rigali, J.C.D. Archbishop of Philadelphia 222 North 17th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103-1299 fax: 215-587-3907 The Most Reverend Pietro Sambi Apostolic Nuncio in the USA 3339 Massachusetts Ave, NW Washington, DC 20008-3687 phone: 202-333-7121 fax: 202-337-4036

ST. GEORGE OF SHENANDOAH HERITAGE ORGANIZATION If you want to obtain more information about St. George's Parish, about the struggle to save the parish and to reopen the church, or if you want to contribute ideas and support, please contact: STG-Heritage P.O. Box 364 Shenandoah, PA 17976 To help STG-Heritage (a not-for-profit organization) financially by ordering gifts or making a donation, please link to and print the following order form: Christmas gift order and donation form

PLEASE , if you see any errors or you have additional information on the subjects of this page, write to editor@lithaz.org. Thank you.

www.lithaz.org: Internet home of Arizona Chapter of Lithuanian-American Community, Inc.