In 1891, a seed of faith was planted on the bustling streets of New York City. This seed would blossom into the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Let us journey back to that time, to the formation of the Athena Society. This group of around 1,000 Greek immigrants, led by Solon Vlastos, sought to ease the transition for new arrivals to the United States. Vlastos, a businessman and founder of the Greek newspaper “Atlantis,” understood the importance of community and spiritual guidance in a new land. The Athena Society petitioned the Ecumenical Patriarchate for a priest. Their prayers were answered with the arrival of Archimandrite Kallinikos Dilbey, a distinguished graduate of Halki Theological School.
The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, initially known as Evangelismos Tis Theotokos (Annunciation of the Theotokos), found its first home in the Judson Memorial Baptist Church near Washington Square. Imagine the vibrant mix of cultures and faiths converging in this corner of the city. However, the growing congregation soon outgrew this space. They moved to the Asbury Methodist Church, but were again displaced by the expanding New York University. The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, a testament to the resilience of its community, continued its search for a permanent home. The journey led them to various locations, including a spot on Lexington Avenue, West 23rd Street, and West 30th Street. There were even attempts to merge with Holy Trinity Church, another Greek Orthodox community uptown. In 1909, the church officially incorporated as the “Greek Orthodox Community,” marking a significant milestone.
The congregation’s spiritual leadership was also evolving during this time. Father Leonidas Adamakos served in 1907. He was followed by Father Nikolaos Lazaris, a prominent figure who guided the community for over two decades. Father Lazaris was a scholar and lecturer at the Athens Theological University. His legacy includes the cross and bible he received from the Patriarchate, which he generously donated to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. The church continued to thrive as a hub for the Greek community on the West Side. Under the leadership of President Counes and later Euripides “Ery” Kehagias, the church acquired the former Amity Baptist Church on West 54th Street. This beautiful Byzantine-style building became a center for community events, Greek school classes, and meetings for various organizations.
The story of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church is one of perseverance. The community faced numerous relocations and challenges. However, their unwavering faith and commitment to their heritage propelled them forward. In 1953, they finally found their current home on West End Avenue and West 91st Street. The former Fourth Presbyterian Church, built in 1892, the same year the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church began. The move was a momentous occasion. The community paraded through the streets, carrying the Icon of the Virgin Mary Theotokos, symbolizing the enduring spirit of their faith. The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church stands today as a beacon of Greek Orthodox faith. It serves as a reminder of the dedication and perseverance of those who sought to create a spiritual home in a new land.