St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Allison Park

Saint Alexander Nevsky is a parish of the Diocese of Western Pennsylvania of the Orthodox Church in America. It was founded in the Woods Run section of Pittsburgh's North Side in 1891. It was the first Russian Orthodox community in the Pittsburgh area. The first pastor of St Alexander Nevsky parish was Fr. Victor Toth, brother of St. Alexis Toth, who was canonized by the Orthodox Church in America in 1994.

When the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh took over the Woods Run area in the late 1960s, the parish relocated to Allison Park, in Pittsburgh's North Hills. The new Church edifice was consecrated in 1972 by His Grace, Bishop Theodosius. The iconostasis, designed by parishioner Mr. Vladimir Drobashevsky, and adorned with major icons and feast day icons, was constructed in 1978. The second phase of beautification took place in 1984, and the final phase took place in 1996. Fr. Alexander Jasiukowicz of Chicago and Florida was the iconographer for the church. The St. Alexander Nevsky icon located on the confessional table contains relics of St Alexander inside.

In 1981, His Grace Bishop Kyrill designated the Saint Alexander Nevsky parish to become the Archdiocesan Cathedral. The One Hundredth anniversary of the community was celebrated in 1991.

At the turn of the millennium, the Cathedral underwent a major expansion to provide greater school facilities, handicapped access, increased kitchen space, offices, and a theological library. In addition, a new set of Russian bells was donated in 1999.

The Cathedral Church of His Grace, Bishop Melchisedek, the community is presently led by Archpriest Michael Senyo, who arrived in September 2010 upon the retirement of long time rector Archpriest Paul Suda. The outstanding Cathedral choir is led by Mrs. Larice Nescott. A large and vibrant parish school is supervised by Mrs Debra Boehm. Adult education is supervised by Father Michael, assisted by Mr. Paul Graycar. A large complement of Altar Servers and Readers assist at the Divine Services. An active and charity inspired Women's Association works diligently to upbuild the life of the community.

Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is made up of people from every walk of life, from nearly every part of the greater Pittsburgh region, and from many nationalities. It is the home to cradle-born Orthodox, as well as the new spiritual home to many who have entered the Orthodox Faith as converts.