Picture this. You’re standing before St. Athanasius Greek Orthodox Church in Arlington Massachusetts. It’s not the original building. That’s a detail many miss.
The current St Athanasius is a transformation. It wasn’t always a Greek Orthodox Church. It began life as something else entirely. It has a fascinating story. A story of growth and change. A story that mirrors the journeys of the Greek immigrants who built this community.
In the mid-20th century Greek families settled in Arlington. They came from Boston Somerville Watertown and Cambridge. Their parents had established earlier Greek Orthodox communities. But raising families and attending services in those far-off churches was difficult. This new church was a crucial element.
The need for their own church became clear. By the early 1960s a group began fundraising. Their efforts paid off. In 1964 St. Athanasius purchased its first home. It was a smaller building at 735 Massachusetts Avenue. This became the congregation’s initial home.
The parish grew rapidly. Its size more than sextupled. The small building could no longer accommodate everyone. Expanding wasn’t feasible. So the community faced a big decision. Find a new larger building or build from the ground up.
A solution presented itself. The former St James the Apostle Roman Catholic Church became available. It was a much larger space. The parishioners of St Athanasius rose to the challenge. Despite the immense financial undertaking they acquired the property. Their faith and commitment mirrored that of their immigrant ancestors.
The final service at 735 Massachusetts Avenue was held on November 27 2005. Ten days earlier the new church at 4 Appleton Street had been transferred to St Athanasius. The first services in the new building began on December 3 2005.
St Athanasius now stands as a testament to the enduring faith and community spirit. Its current location is a physical representation of the congregation’s journey. It is a place of worship that reflects both the past and the future. This impressive structure is a symbol of enduring faith and perseverance. It continues its important role within the community. This is St. Athanasius Greek Orthodox Church a church reborn.