Welcome to St Eleftherios Greek Orthodox Church in Leyton. What if I told you this building has lived two lives? It was once an Anglican church. Now, it’s a vibrant center of Greek Orthodox faith.
Let’s step back in time. This site was once home to St Luke’s Church. St Luke’s served the western parts of Leyton. It helped those from Holy Trinity Church and St Catherine’s Church. The original building was an iron hall. A permanent church replaced it in 1914. It was made of grey terracotta. In 1932, St Luke’s became its own parish.
Sadly, the London Blitz damaged the church. But it was restored. It continued serving its community. Then, in March 1984, a new chapter began. The Greek Orthodox Community of St. Eleftherios and St. Luke purchased the building. The opening of St Eleftherios Greek Orthodox Church was held on April 28th 1985. Methodius officiated and Gregorios carried out the consecration.
The church is dedicated to Saints Eleutherius and Antia. It also honors Saint Luke. The community expanded in 1984. They acquired the house next to the church. In 1993, they bought another house. Now, the community owns a complex of houses there.
But St Eleftherios Greek Orthodox Church is more than a place of worship. It’s a hub for Greek culture. The church operates a Greek language school. The school is behind the church. It has specially designed classrooms. Students study up to GCSE and A level. Many have gone on to top universities. The school is a certified exam center for GCSEs.
The community takes pride in its school. They nurture children with Orthodox values. They teach them to be proud members of British society. The staff and parents work hard. They maintain the school to a high standard. St Eleftherios Greek Orthodox Church encourages parents to enroll their children in the school. Especially those with Greek or Cypriot heritage.
Today, St Eleftherios Greek Orthodox Church stands as a testament. It is a testament to faith and community. It bridges two cultures. It honors its past. It embraces its future. As you leave St Eleftherios Greek Orthodox Church, remember its story. Remember the journey from St Luke’s to this vibrant Greek Orthodox community.