The events of World War II and its consequences, namely communist occupation of Eastern Europe, created a new wave of Belarusian political immigrants. Many of them have settled in the relatively small town of South River, NJ; thereby, considerably increasing the existing Belarusian community of South River. Even though there are many Belarusians in South River who came here before World War II, but practically all of them are not conscious of their national Belarusian roots. For that reason they did not organize their own Belarusian parish or any Belarusian cultural, political or civic organizations, unlike other ethnic groups. New immigrants reestablished the Belarusian Orthodox parish of St. Eufrasinnia under jurisdiction of the Patriarchy of Constantinople. This church previously existed in Regensburg, Michelsdorf, and Baknang, Germany. As is did then, it became again community place of worship, and a national ethnic and cultural center. In short, it became the unifying spirit of the native land, the spiritual refuge in the New World. 

They organized own Belarusian parish, an enterprising group selected the church council, with Very Rev. Mikalaj Lapitski as pastor, which after receiving a charter in 1951, began the realization of the plan. With the help of Good Lord, the initiative of individuals, and the work and dedication of all people of good will, the plan was brought to the desired fruition.  

In 1953, the parish acquired a synagogue and converted it into the church. Years passed and the parish drew larger and larger until  it outgrew the church building. The benevolent city administration sold a 3.5 acre of land to the parish at a nominal price. 

On the acquired land the parish of St. Efrasinnia has built the new church, parish hall and cultural center.  Today, the Belarusian American Community Center is active in South River, as well as the Jurka Vitsbich Library.  Since 1953, a Belarusian cemetary houses many influential emigrants.  Here, stands the monument in honor of those Belarusians who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of their nation. 

Today, South River is one of the major centers of Belarusian Emigration.