Prior to the Church’s construction a “Church Building Fund” was established in 1886, organized by the Ukrainian community around the area of Olyphant, Pennsylvania. By 1888, the original structure of Saints Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church was erected by the hands of it's own community members. The same year, a charter was granted for the incorporation of the church by the Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. Charter members included pioneers who were the first to contribute toward the building fund. One charter member was George Chichura, the grandfather of Arlene Danchak (Chichura), who is the grandmother of Ryan Castro.

Fast forward to 1945, Saint Cyril is doing all they can to support the war effort by sending out care packages to U.S. servicemen. Six recipients of the packages were brothers and active parishioners: PFC George Chmil, PFC Ben Chmil, PFC Joseph Chmil, PFC William Spryn, Cpl. Nicholas Spryn and Sgt. Michael Spryn, all of whom were cousins of Ryan Castro’s grandfather (Eugene Danchak).

Having such strong family ties to the church, on November 21st, 1959, Arlene Chichura and Eugene Danchak chose Saint Cyril as the place to have their wedding. Ryan and Sam are choosing to do the same, continuing a family legacy that has been ongoing for 138 years.

Unfortunately, Eugene Danchak is no longer with us, but Arlene Danchak will be in attendance. We are trying to keep the location of the ceremony a surprise for her until the day of. Please do your best not to spoil it. As of now, she believes the ceremony is taking place at the reception hall and has no idea about the church. If you happen to discuss the wedding with her please play along.