Our History

Since St. Andrew’s was founded in the year 1966, the parish has grown greatly, changing from a parish based in temporary quarters at the Rehabilitation Center for Cerebral Palsy, where it was serviced by several temporary pastors, to a parish of just under 100 faithful in a beautiful permanent church.

On September 4, 1967, Fr John Sochka was appointed the first Rector. Services were held both in his home and at the Catholic Charities Building in Commack, NY. Two years later a 3 acre site was acquired and construction of a Rectory with attached chapel began.

Following the passing away of Fr John Sochka on November 9, 1980, Fr Alexis R Tinker was appointed Rector and construction of the present Church building began. The parish continued to grow in size and in the Spring of 1983, the new Church building was completed and ready for use.

On December 17, 1984, Fr Michael Mihalick was appointed Rector. On June 2, 1991, the 25th Anniversary of the parish, the temple was consecrated by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Theodosius, His Eminence, Archbishop Peter, and His Grace, Bishop Job.

Then on September 6, 2001, Fr John Klingel was appointed acting Rector. Later in 2001, a new icon of the Golgotha was written by Heather MacKean, and was dedicated to the memory of Fr. John and Matushka Sochka, as well as Jimmy Micros and other past parishoners. Fr. John Klingel is still the leader of the parish today.

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