Behold its Byzantine architecture. It is a style reminiscent of the eleventh century. You are standing before the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. It is a beacon of faith and Hellenism. The church has served the Delaware Valley. Its story began in South Philadelphia. It now stands in Elkins Park.
Let’s delve into the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church’s past. In the 1870s Greek immigrants settled in Philadelphia. They came from the Eastern Mediterranean. Their numbers grew. So they formed a community in 1901. It was the Greek Orthodox Community of Philadelphia. Their goal was to preserve their faith and culture. This was the sixth Greek Orthodox Church in the United States.
In 1907 the community sought incorporation. Pennsylvania granted it on May 10, 1907. With enough funds they bought All Saints Episcopal Church. It was on 12th Street. This building became the Evangelismos/Annunciation Church. Parishioners remember it fondly. They called it “Old Evangelismos”. It was a safe haven for Greek immigrants. It sheltered their families for over sixty years.
A shift occurred in 1963. Parishioners moved to the suburbs. Some formed St. Demetrios Parish in Upper Darby. Others relocated to Elkins Park. The Hellenic Cultural Center’s construction began in 1968. The site was formerly the Whitaker estate. Father John A. Limberakis and Dr. Anthony Borden led the project. The Cultural Center opened in 1969. The church opened in 1972. Archbishop Iakovos presided over the Thyranoixia. This is the door opening ceremony. George and Lopi Pavlis became Godparents. They had the honor of opening the door.
The church’s design reflects Byzantine Paleologian style. Demetrios Siderakis designed the complex. Alfred Olexy assisted him. The complex includes a hall and classrooms. There is also a library and offices. Archbishop Iakovos called the Holy Temple “second to none in America”. Themis C. Pailas supervised construction. Nicholas Ikaris designed religious artifacts. George Filippakis and George Gleatas created the iconography. The altar and columns came from Greece.
The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church celebrated a major milestone. Archbishop Demetrios consecrated the church in 2001. This coincided with the community’s centennial. It marked 100 years since its founding in South Philadelphia.
Originally, the complex plans included a courtyard and parking lot. Other projects took priority. In 2000 the community completed these plans. George E. Pappas provided the engineering expertise. New landscaping included a fountain.
The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church has had many pastors. Early priests served multiple communities. They traveled between cities. These included Philadelphia and New York. Since 1904 several priests have led the community. Father Raphael Morgan was notable. He was the first Black Orthodox priest in America.
The 50th anniversary of the Thyranoixia was celebrated. It marked the opening of the Elkins Park church. Archbishop Elpidophoros attended the event. Drs. Maria and Anthony Limberakis shared the church’s history.
The Annunciation/Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Community is the 6th oldest parish in America. Founded in 1901 it moved to Elkins Park in the 1960s. The church was consecrated in 2001. This was on its 100th anniversary. Archbishop Demetrios officiated.
So here we stand before a testament to faith and community. The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church stands as a reminder. It is a reminder of the enduring spirit of Greek immigrants. Their dedication shaped this beautiful church. It continues to enrich the cultural landscape of Philadelphia.