St. John’s Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church, 725 Cedar Ave., on Sunday will celebrate the 70th anniversary of its founding.

Metropolitan Nicholas, ruling bishop of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese based in Johnstown, Pa., will celebrate hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m.

Metropolitan Nicholas, who is celebrating his 25th year as an Orthodox bishop, will deliver the anniversary homily during the Liturgical services.

Responses will be sung by St. John’s choir directed by Mrs. James (Paula) Kudelko. Professor Joseph Jaeger will lead the congregation in singing.

St. John’s was organized March 20, 1938, and held its first Divine Liturgy on April 3 in Croatian Hall in Farrell. The congregation two weeks later bought the former Presbyterian Mission Church on the corner of Cedar Avenue and Morrison Street. Extensive interior and exterior renovation has been done during the past 70 years.

More than 50 original members are still active and will be honored.

Protopresbyter Michael Polanichka has been pastor since 1972.

According to Eastern Orthodox tradition, the bishop will be greeted at the church doors with the customary bread and salt by Steven J. Lukac, church president. Rev. Polanichka then will greet the bishop with the hand Cross.

An anniversary banquet will be at noon Sunday in Tiffany’s, Brookfield. Attorney Michael Ristvey Jr. of Hermitage will be toastmaster. A presentation of old church films and activities, pictures and interviews is planned.

Church members will present Lukac, of Hubbard, with the St. John’s Award for his volunteer service over the years. He has been congregation president for seven years, sings in the choir and is a lifetime member of the church.