110th anniversary of the Slovenian Church in New York

21. 9. 2026

Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Washington

On September 20, we marked the 110th anniversary of the Slovenian Church in New York. In 1916, Slovenian immigrants established a Slovenian parish in a building on St. Mark’s Place. It soon became an important religious, cultural, and social center. For many Slovenians, it was their first point of support upon arriving in their new surroundings, while also providing the community with opportunities to maintain religious and cultural life in the Slovenian language.

Since 1992, the church has been led by Father Martin Krizolog Cimerman. In addition to religious services, its premises host cultural events, gatherings, and other activities that bring together Slovenians and friends of Slovenia. Its significance therefore extends beyond its religious role, as it remains a central place for bringing Slovenians together and preserving Slovenian identity and cultural heritage in New York.

To mark the 110th anniversary, a solemn mass and a formal reception at the New York Athletic Club were organized.

Approximately 300 people attended the solemn mass, celebrated by Archbishop of Ljubljana Stanislav Zore. Among the guests were Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer, Minister for Slovenians Abroad Suzana Lep Šimenko, State Councillor Bojan Kek, and Ambassador Iztok Mirošič.

At the ceremony at the Athletic Club, the distinguished guests thanked Father Krizolog Cimerman for his invaluable contribution to making the church, and keeping it, a gathering place for all Slovenians. Minister for Slovenians Abroad Suzana Lep Šimenko presented the Slovenian Church in New York with an award and letter of appreciation from the Office for its many years of dedicated efforts to preserve Slovenia’s religious and cultural heritage, strengthen Slovenian national identity, and bring together the Slovenian community in New York.

She also presented Father Krizolog with an award and letter of appreciation from the Office in recognition of his many years of dedicated service as a priest and his efforts to bring together Slovenians in the area.