Some places don’t just catch your eye — they catch…
Some places don’t just catch your eye — they catch your heart.
Tucked into the quiet streets of Coaldale, Pennsylvania, St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church feels like a piece of the Old World dropped right into America’s coal country.
Built in 1914, this gem is a beautiful marriage of faith, tradition, and some truly remarkable architecture. It was designed by John Bergesen — an architect and immigrant from the Russian Empire who made his name crafting Orthodox churches across the U.S. Bergesen wasn’t just building structures; he was weaving history into brick and mortar. One of his most famous works? The magnificent St. Nicholas Cathedral on 97th Street in New York City — but more on that another time!
St. Mary’s stands as a textbook example of proportion and tradition done right. Its red brick walls feel rooted and timeless, while the graceful onion domes lift your eyes — and your spirit — toward heaven. Step inside, and the beauty deepens: a luminous iconostasis, rich frescoes, and gold-leaf details come together in a space that feels both welcoming and deeply sacred.
St. Mary’s didn’t happen by accident. It’s the fruit of a community that believed in something bigger than themselves — and because of them, we still have this living, breathing treasure today.
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