Founded in 1915 the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church stands as a beacon of faith. It is also a testament to the enduring spirit of Greek immigrants in Dallas. The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church’s story begins with Orthodox immigrants. They came predominantly from Greece. They sought to establish a spiritual home in a new land.
Initially the church was located in South Dallas. It was at Riggs and Sanger. Later in the early 1950s, the parish moved. It found a new location at Swiss and Apple. The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church remained there until 1992. Finally it moved to its present site. This is at the southwest corner of Hillcrest and Alpha in North Dallas.
The establishment of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church also included a Greek school. This was a common practice for Greek Orthodox establishments. Each priest served as the school’s teacher. Later schools were opened in other Greek places. These included Semos Coffee Co. and Crozier Tech High School.
Alexandra Poulos says the first thing Greeks care about is feeding their soul. They also care about spirit. From their early years in this country they cared for their religion. They also cared for their language and cultural traditions. They built churches and Greek schools everywhere.
Initially the students were mostly children of Greek immigrants. They learned from Greek teachers. The books were printed in Greece, American editions, or from the Archdiocese. By the 1970s, the Greek population became more established. Many students were third or fourth-generation Americans. They often came from mixed marriages. Their parents often did not speak Greek at home.
George Nikolopoulos expanded the curriculum in 1975. He included religion and history. He wanted to connect generations to their culture. The goal was to motivate children. He wanted them to maintain their values. He also wanted them to stay close to their fellow Greeks.
In 1977, an adult class was established. The church relocated to Preston Hollow. This increased student numbers. The biggest problem was distance and traffic. Yet interest remained high. The virtual format proved beneficial for adults.
The school honors George Nikolopoulos. It provides scholarships for Greek classes and college. The school has three major celebrations. These include OXI Day, the Three Hierarchs Celebration, and Greek Independence Day. Adult classes are offered in person and online. Children’s classes are held after school.
The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is part of the Metropolis of Denver. This is a metropolis of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. This is also an eparchy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. This connection links the parish to the broader Orthodox world.
The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Dallas reflects faith. It also reflects community and cultural preservation. It is a place where traditions are honored. It is a place where the Greek language and culture are celebrated. As we stand here before this plaque we recognize a century of devotion. We also recognize a commitment to heritage that continues to enrich Dallas. The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church remains a vibrant center. It preserves Greek identity. It also welcomes all who seek spiritual nourishment.