Stephen H. Zinski and the Voice of a Parish

In the long history of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church, few individuals have left as deep and lasting a mark as Stephen H. Zinski. For over five decades, Stephen served not just as a cantor, but as the living voice of our parish’s worship and tradition.

Stephen was widely regarded as one of the greatest cantors in the American Ukrainian Catholic Church. His voice was instantly recognizable—resonant, disciplined, and deeply prayerful—and it carried the sound of the Byzantine tradition into the hearts of all who worshiped at Holy Trinity.

But his contribution extended far beyond vocal talent. Stephen understood that the cantor is a teacher, a bridge between generations, and a guardian of sacred memory. He worked tirelessly to preserve and transmit the ancient tones and melodies of our liturgy, adapting them with care when necessary, always faithful to the spirit of the tradition. He compiled and edited liturgical music for the faithful, ensuring that both lifelong parishioners and newcomers could actively participate in the Divine Liturgy. His efforts helped shape the sound and feel of our worship for an entire era of parish life.

Stephen’s influence was especially felt in his mentorship of young people. Whether in church, school, or one-on-one lessons, he instilled in others not just musical skill, but a reverence for the beauty and depth of the Byzantine rite. His legacy lives on in those he taught, many of whom have gone on to serve as cantors themselves.

At Holy Trinity, we remember Stephen H. Zinski not just as a man with an extraordinary voice, but as a man whose life became a song of faith. He gave his entire being to the service of the Church, elevating our worship, nurturing our traditions, and embodying the very best of our parish’s spiritual and cultural life.

His voice may have fallen silent, but the echoes remain—in our liturgy, in our memory, and in every note sung by those who continue in his footsteps.