parish history

The chronicled history of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Byzantine Catholic Church provides a deep look into the structural development, pastoral transitions, and community milestones of this Ruthenian Rite parish in Toms River, New Jersey

1. The Regional Mission Phase (1971–1980)

In the mid-20th century, Eastern European Byzantine Catholic families who originally settled in North Jersey and Pennsylvania began relocating south toward the Jersey Shore. To serve this shifting population, a mission was established under the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic.

• September 1971: A founding group of 30 families gathered to celebrate the very first Divine Liturgy. Because they did not have a permanent building, services were held at the Georgian Court College Chapel in nearby Lakewood, New Jersey.

• Pastoral Care: Father Robert E. Lucas took on the responsibility of nurturing the young mission community. He managed these duties for over a decade while simultaneously serving full-time at Nativity of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church in East Brunswick.

2. Incorporation & Structural Foundations (1981–1987)

As the congregation grew, the mission established permanent roots and formal status.

• July 27, 1981: Under Bishop Michael J. Dudick and Fr. Gregory J. Noga, the parish was incorporated as St. Andrew the Apostle.

• July 31, 1981: The community purchased property at 1937 Church Road in Toms River, renovating a ranch-style house into a chapel.

• Milestones: The parish quickly expanded, hosting its first baptism in March 1982 and first Communion in May 1982.

• Vocations: In September 1984, the parish celebrated its first monastic vocation, Sr. Andrea of the Cross.

• Leadership: After Fr. Noga's transfer in 1986, Frs. Robert J. Skurla, Joseph Matrishion, and Michael Sopoliga served briefly before Fr. Charles M. Yastishock. 

3. Construction, Artistry, and Renaming (1988–2017)

• The late 1980s saw the transition to a dedicated worship center and a name change reflecting the community's identity.

• April 3, 1988: The first Divine Liturgy was held in a new, $1 million-plus building, funded by a diocesan grant and a donation from parishioner Margaret Halmos.

• July 8, 1988: The parish was officially renamed Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

• August 27, 1989: The new facility was dedicated, featuring custom iconography by Mila Mina and a traditional Iconostas by Frank Cunius. 

4. Modern Expansion & Growth (2018–Present)

• Leadership Changes: Following the passing of Fr. Yastishock in February 2018, the Very Reverend Fr. Francis Rella was assigned as pastor in June 2018. 

• Recent Developments: The parish hall was remodeled in 2022, and due to significant growth, a new church building will be completed by September 2026.

List of Pastors and Administrators

Rev. Robert Skurla 1986 -1987 

Rev Joseph Matrishion 1987 

Rev. Michael Sopoliga 1987 -1988 

Very Rev. Charles Yastishock 1988 - 2018 

Very Rev. Francis Rella 2018 - present