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Orthodox Church Serving Riverview, FL

Orthodox Church Serving Riverview, FL

Riverview is one of the fastest-growing communities in Hillsborough County, with a population of about 110,000 and a continuing influx of families settling in the residential developments that line the Alafia River. If you live in Riverview and are looking for an Orthodox church, you have several options. The two closest in the Ukrainian Orthodox tradition are our sister parish Holy Protection in Dover (about 12 miles northeast) and our parish, St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church, in Pinellas Park (about 28 miles west).

For Riverview residents specifically, we want to be honest: our sister parish in Dover is closer, and if Holy Protection works for your family’s schedule, it is a fine choice. Both parishes are part of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. Both serve the same liturgical tradition. Visit either, choose what fits.

Drive Time and Route from Riverview

If you decide to visit our parish from Riverview, the drive is about 40 to 50 minutes depending on traffic. The most direct route:

  • Take US 301 or I-75 north to I-4 west, or take SR 60 west toward Tampa
  • Cross Tampa via I-275 south
  • Continue on I-275 south across the Howard Frankland Bridge
  • Exit at Park Boulevard (exit 31) and head east
  • Turn north on 49th Street
  • Turn east on 102nd Avenue
  • Arrive at 9201 60th St

Sunday morning traffic across the bay is moderate. Plan for 45 minutes door to door. No tolls required for this route. Free parking on-site at the parish.

For most Riverview residents, the drive is far enough that the parish you choose should be one that genuinely fits your family, since you are committing to a substantial Sunday morning trip.

Sister Parish: Holy Protection UOC, Dover

Holy Protection of the Mother of God Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Dover is your closest Ukrainian Orthodox option from Riverview. Located in the Plant City area off SR 60, Holy Protection is about 12 miles northeast of Riverview. It is part of the same UOC of the USA jurisdiction as St. Michael, serves the same liturgical tradition, and is the natural Sunday morning home for Riverview’s Ukrainian Orthodox families.

We mention Holy Protection prominently because for most of Riverview, they are simply closer. We are a sister parish, not a competitor. If you are inquiring about the Ukrainian Orthodox faith and Holy Protection is closer, please contact them. Their pastor Fr. Harry Linsinbigler can answer your questions and welcome your family.

Why Some Riverview Families Choose St. Michael

That said, some Riverview families do come to St. Michael, and we welcome them. Reasons we hear:

Larger parish community. St. Michael is a larger congregation than Holy Protection. Some families prefer the broader range of activities, ministries, and the stronger Sunday after-Liturgy fellowship that comes with size.

Bilingual services with strong English presence. Both parishes are bilingual, but the balance of English to Ukrainian varies. Some families with English-language preferences find St. Michael’s mix more comfortable. Visit each and see what fits.

Family connections. If your relatives or close family friends attend St. Michael, the spiritual and social connection matters. Drive time becomes secondary to community.

Sacrament timing. Sometimes the date you need for a wedding, baptism, or funeral works at one parish but not the other. We coordinate when this happens.

Other Orthodox Options for Riverview

Beyond the two Ukrainian Orthodox options, Riverview families also consider:

  • St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, Tampa. About 14 miles north. Greek tradition, large parish.
  • St. Philip the Apostle Orthodox Church, Tampa (OCA). About 14 miles north. English-language services, convert-oriented.
  • St. George Coptic Orthodox Church, Tampa. About 14 miles north.
  • Various other Tampa-area Orthodox parishes within 15 to 20 miles north.

Tampa parishes are physically closer than Pinellas Park parishes for most Riverview residents. If your tradition is Greek, Antiochian, OCA, Coptic, or another non-Slavic Orthodox tradition, the Tampa parishes will serve you well.

Sacraments for Riverview Families

If you have decided that St. Michael is the parish home for your family despite the longer drive, we are happy to serve you for the great moments of life:

For all sacraments, please contact Fr. Stephen well in advance. We will discuss timing, preparation, godparent selection (for baptism), and any catechetical preparation needed.

Ukrainian Community in Riverview

Riverview’s Ukrainian community has grown significantly since 2022, with multiple families settling here through Uniting for Ukraine sponsorship. Both St. Michael and Holy Protection serve these families. If you are a recent Ukrainian arrival in Riverview, our help for Ukrainian newcomers page covers practical resources, and the Tampa Bay Ukrainian community directory connects you to the broader regional network.

Plan Your First Visit

Sunday Divine Liturgy: 10:00 AM. Hours and confessions: 9:30 AM. Fellowship after.

Address: 9201 60th St, Pinellas Park, FL 33782.

Phone: 727-777-4450. Pastor: Fr. Stephen Siniari.

If you are visiting from Riverview, plan for a 45 minute Sunday morning drive. Or consider our sister parish Holy Protection in Dover for a much shorter trip in the same tradition. Either way, you have a Ukrainian Orthodox home in Tampa Bay.