How about a spiritual home that’s both ancient and remarkably modern? That’s Saint Demetrius Church for you. It stands as a beacon of faith for over 500 Orthodox Christian families. They all reside in the greater Boston area.
Since 1959 Saint Demetrius Church has welcomed people with open arms. Its vibrant ministries enrich lives. Its liturgical life is full. The church traces its spiritual roots back to the Apostles. They were the friends of Christ. An unbroken chain of Christian ministry connects their time to ours.
Saint Demetrius Church is part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. It falls under the care of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. This connects it to a worldwide community of Orthodox Christians. The church celebrates its patron saint on October 26. This is the feast day of St. Demetrios.
Imagine attending a service here. Orthros or Matins begins at 9:00 am on Sundays. The Divine Liturgy or Eucharistic follows at 9:30 am. The air is filled with ancient hymns. The scent of incense lingers. You feel connected to something larger than yourself.
Saint Demetrius Church offers more than just Sunday services. Weekday and festal services also take place. Matins starts at 8:45 am. Divine Liturgy begins at 9:30 am. You can even light a virtual candle in the Virtual Chapel. Say a prayer from wherever you are.
The history of Saint Demetrius Church is fascinating. In the early 1950s many families moved from Boston to the suburbs. This created a need for a church west of the city. In 1958 a church building and parish house in Newton Lower Falls became available. The Archdiocese blessed the purchase on July 24 1959.
Early parish members worked hard. They refurbished the church property. They installed the iconastasion. The Archangels Church of Stamford Connecticut donated holy treasures. The first Sunday liturgy was on June 14 1959. Over four hundred people attended despite a downpour.
The Very Reverend Archimandrite Eusebius Papastephanou gave an inspiring sermon. Professor James Savas led a newly formed choir. Clergy from various Christian churches attended. Princess Ileana of Romania became a member of the parish. The ladies of the church hosted a buffet luncheon.
A Steering Committee governed Saint Demetrius Church in its early days. In November 1959 Deacon Anastasios Blougouras became the first permanent priest. In 1961 the parish voted to name the church Saint Demetrios. James Condakes James Condos and James Salas were the church godfathers.
Over time Saint Demetrius Church outgrew its original building. In 1964 land was purchased in Newton. Eventually the church moved to its current location in Weston. The new church was built with a contemporary design. It has a Byzantine flavor.
Saint Demetrios Church continues to thrive. It offers many ministries and programs. These strengthen the community. The church is a testament to faith. It also shows the dedication of its members. It remains a spiritual home for generations to come.