On May 14, 1905, under Rev. Nicholas Podhoreczky, a parish was chartered in the "Fifficktown" area of South Fork, Pennsylvania. Officially dedicated in 1907, this parish, St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church, was the main worship site for all of Northern Cambria County. To participate in the Divine Liturgy, families would travel many miles on foot, by wagon, and by railroad.

In order to better serve those who were traveling the miles to attend church, mission parishes were built in the towns of Beaverdale, Dunlo, Portage, and Nanty Glo. All of these missionary parishes eventually become official parishes.

On December 13, 1916, under Rev. Elias Gojdich, Ss. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church was chartered to serve the many families in the Portage area.

The church building was constructed after the first resident pastor, Rev. Desiderius Zubritsky, journeyed to gain commitment from those living in outlying towns such as Benscreek, Cassandra, Lilly, Oil City, Puritan, Springhill, and Wilmore. The original parish, located on Prospect Street in Portage, was officially dedicated on July 4, 1918.

After years of growth, parishioners decided to move and construct a new church on the "Maple Grove" property along Route 164 (Munster Road) in Portage Township, the former home of a brick making company. With hard work and dedication, the dream of a new church became a reality with its dedication in 1976, under Rev. Robert Bayusik.

Under the service Fr. Robert J. Karl, the parish grew in faith, life, and spiritual understanding, as we began to live our Byzantine-Ruthenian Catholic Faith in more fullness.

His restoration of traditional Eastern practices and services which were lost in the early to middle 1900s has given the parish new direction and appreciation for what we have, and an increased sense of stewardship.

Fr. Karl was also instrumental in completing the parish rectory and the main church building. In 2002, a massive painting and installation process was begun, and after two years, the inside of the parish was transformed into the reflection of heaven an Eastern Church is to be.

Under the present service of Fr. James A. Spontak, we are continuing with liturgical restorations, as the Byzantine Catholic Church in America has released updated translations and musical settings for the various services which are more authentic to the historical traditions.

Fr. Spontak has restored the celebration of Great Vespers for every Feast celebrated in the Eastern Church. The Vespers service is very beautiful and enlightening.

The following pastors have served the parish: