About Us

In the Fall of September 1971, a group of 30 families gathered at Georgian Court College Chapel, Lakewood, N.J. to celebrate the first Byzantine Catholic Divine Liturgy.  The celebrant was Reverend Robert E. Lucas, Pastor of Nativity of Our Lord Church, East Brunswick, N.J. who served as the Administrator of the mission, celebrating services at the college for the next ten years.

Reverend Gregory J. Noga was appointed on June 15, 1981, to succeed Father Lucas as Administrator, with residence in St. Mary's Rectory, Trenton, N.J.  Father Noga celebrated his first Divine Liturgy at the Georgian Court Chapel on June 19, 1981, and continued to celebrate service there until August 15th.

Under the direction of Bishop Michael J. Dudick, President; Monsignor George Durisin, Vice President; Fr. Noga, Administrator and lay trustees George Karsko and Joseph Biczo, the Byzantine Catholic Church of St. Andrew the Apostle was incorporated on July 27, 1981.

A committee of parishioners was appointed to search for a site for the new church.  The property at 1937 Church Road, Toms River, was selected and purchased for $122,500 on July 31, 1981. On August 1, 1981, a small band of parishioners, with hammers, saws, rakes, lawnmowers and sundry building tools in hand, began alterations on the ranch-style building and tree lined property, in preparation for Fr. Noga's taking residence on August 7th.  

On August 15th, the first Divine Liturgy, "Dormition of the Mother of God", was celebrated in the newly renovated chapel.    Following the Sunday Liturgy, and in celebration of the occasion, the parishioners generously showered Fr. Noga with gifts for the new residence.

A formal blessing of the chapel took place on September 27. 1981 when Bishop Michael J. Dudick celebrated the first official Divine Liturgy of the chapel with Fr. Lucas and Fr. Noga as concelebrants.  This Liturgy was followed by the first Parish picnic.

As the parish continued to grow, it soon became evident that the small chapel was insufficient to serve the increased numbers at one Liturgy, so the first Saturday evening Liturgy was celebrated on October 3, 1981.

With space and seating in the chapel at a premium, it was decided to open the wall in December 1981 to accommodate the ever-growing congregation.  Renovations were completed in time to celebrate the first Christmas Liturgy in the decorated chapel.

In the ensuing years the parish continued to grow. Many changes were to take place, and many "firsts" were to occur.  On March 28, 1982, parishioners witnessed the first parish baptism and later in May, the First Holy Communion.

In September 1984 the parish was honored with its first vocation to the convent when Helene Swirbel professed her final vows in the Order of the Byzantine Nuns of St. Clare, Royalton, Ohio to become Sister Andrea of the Cross. Fr. Noga's transfer in April 1986 saw the succession of priests begin with Reverend Robert J. Skurla serving for the next year and a half.  Reverend Joseph Matrishion had a short tenure succeeded by Reverend Michael Sopoliga who stayed for four months before Reverend Charles M. Yastishock became the Pastor in January 1988.

In spite of instability and frustrations created by the transfers, the parishioners continued to conduct meetings, encouraging the bishop to show signs of progress in the plans to build a new facility for a place of worship.

Fund raising activities such as bingos, raffles, piroghi sales, trips to Atlantic City, annual St. Nicholas Dinners, garage sales, coupon collecting, picnics, cake sales, dinners, lotteries, buy a brick sale and name the church contests, were held to raise funds for the new building, long awaited and desperately needed.

Through the efforts of the parishioners, which now totaled 98 families, $150,000 was raised for the new facility.  The architect was Genovese/Sikula of Upper Saddle River, N.J. and the contractor was Burwyn Construction Company, Hopewell, N.J.

With matching funds of $150,000 from the Diocese and a generous contribution of $100,000 from Margaret Halmos, the Bishop initiated construction and a building program which would cost in excess of a million dollars.

What was once a dream of the founding members of the parish now became a reality when the parishioners attended the first Divine Liturgy in the new building on Easter Sunday, April 3, 1988.  A dual-purpose fundraiser changed the name of the Church on July 8, 1988, from St. Andrew the Apostle to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

The contemporary style building was dedicated on August 27, 1989, with a permanent sanctuary and full kitchen.  The interior hall measures 88' X 53' with capacity of 599 and banquet accommodations for 300.

Adorning the walls of the sanctuary and icon screen, are the artistic paintings of Iconographer Mila Mina of San Diego, Ca.  The Greek style Iconostas and matching altars were crafted by woodworker Frank Cunius of Quality Wood Products, Luzerne, Pa. Facilities for the handicapped were given full consideration.  There is parking for approximately 100 vehicles.

Upon the untimely death of beloved priest Father Charles Yastishock in February 2018, the parish was served briefly by Father John Zeyack until the Very Reverend Father Francis Rella was assigned as Pastor in June 2018. Under his leadership and direction, a complete renovation of the parish hall was completed in 2022, and a new church building is under construction for completion in September of 2026. Parish attendance has also grown significantly in the past seven years. 

We warmly welcome all to worship with us celebrating our past and building our future.