National War Memorial Shrine
On approaching St. Nicholas, one is greeted by bronze plaques telling the story of the National War Memorial Shrine—the founders, the builders, and the Orthodox faithful who lost their lives fighting for freedom.
After its founding in 1930, St. Nicholas parishioners and Orthodox Christians nationally wanted to honor and preserve the memory of those who gave their lives during World War I and the revolution in Russia. During World War II, as more Orthodox Christians made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of liberty and religious freedom, the need for a suitable memorial grew.
Click to enlarge.
Click to enlarge.
By 1948, the Federated Russian Orthodox Clubs (FROC) had established a War Memorial Shrine Fund and a resolution was adopted to construct a shrine and cathedral in Washington, D.C. This memorial church became a tribute to the heroes of the Russian Orthodox faith who made the ultimate sacrifice.
In 1963, with construction complete, the National War Memorial Shrine at St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral was formally consecrated. Today, in remembrance of our fallen heroes, we pray for them during weekly Divine Liturgies and in special commemorations throughout the year.
Remembering St. Nicholas Cathedral Parishioners Who Served
Alexander Pogrebniak
Maj. (MD)
Walter Skuby
COL. USAF, WWII, Korea
Elizabeth Slepecky Shandor
WAVE, WWII
Irina Stahovich
MAJ U.S. Army Nurse Corps
Harry Winsky
Second Lt. US Army Air Corps, WWII
John Woronovich Jr.
Private US Army, WWII
Walter Fairchok
MAJ. U.S. Army Air Corps, WWII
Larry Harrison
LTC. U.S. Army, Bosnia, later Military Attache in Albania, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan
Samuel Loboda
COL. U.S. Army, Leader of US Army Band Pershing's Own
Alexander S. Mikhalevsky
L TC. US Army, interpreter at Potsdam Conf.
Deacon Vladimir J. Oleynik
Master Sgt U.S. Army
Boris T. Pash
COL. U.S. Army, WWII, Military Intelligence Hall of Fame
Anne Peregrim
Master Gunnery Sgt. USMC
Gennady Platoff
Col (MD) US Army Medical Corps WW II,
Korea, Vietnam
Click here for additional names of Orthodox Christians who lost their lives while on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
Banner photo: Tim Markatos