Our History

Father Peter Kohanik was ordained to the priesthood on October 26, 1902 upon completion of theological studies in Petrograd and at Simpheropole (Russia). He was rector of Russian churches in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Connecticut and established twelve parishes in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including our own. He remained Pastor in Passaic for 44 years and fell asleep in the Lord on May 20, 1969. Father Peter is always fondly remembered in our prayers.

Rt. Rev. Protopresbyter Peter G. Kohanik
Vechnaja Pamyat

The birth of the parish began in July 12, 1925. Father Kohanik of Whitestone, NY accepted the invitation to organize a new parish, with the blessing of Metropolitan Platon. The parishioners unanimously agreed to name the church in honor of St. John the Baptist. The parish acquired a church on Jackson Street in Passaic, NJ in November 1925.

The growth of the parish led to the need for a larger church. Groundbreaking for the current edifice on the corner of Lexington Avenue and Harrison Street in Passaic occurred on August 3, 1959. The cornerstone was blessed on September 18, 1960 and the church was consecrated on November 27, 1960. Work then began on the church school building on Harrison Street. It was dedicated on September 13, 1964.

On July 20th, 2025, our families and friends had a wonderful time at The Tides to celebrate 100 years of worship at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church. It is with our love, prayers and thanksgiving to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that this was possible. May He bless us and our parish for more years of divine worship and companionships cherished and nurtured in the brotherhood with Christ, and we pray that the Lord's blessings will continue to guide our congregation.