Beneath the Washington Heights skyline stands St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church a beacon of faith and Hellenic heritage. Officially named Saint Spyridon Church in 1931 it started humbly. Greek Orthodox faithful gathered in various spots. Early services occurred above a theater on St. Nicholas Avenue. Later, they met over a garage on 183rd Street. Imagine those first gatherings full of hope.
In 1934 a turning point arrived. Anthony J. Miller secured the church’s present site. Originally a Baptist Church then a Masonic Temple it became their home. The first Divine Liturgy took place in January 1935. Archbishop Athenagoras consecrated the church that March. Saint Spyridon Church thrived and became one of the largest in the Archdiocese. By 1937, it had 850 members. Its Sunday School was the Archdiocese’s largest with 600 students.
The 1940s brought challenges and dreams. A catastrophic fire damaged the church in 1947 but it was quickly renovated. The community envisioned a new church complex. In 1951, construction began on a magnificent Byzantine church. The Ft. George Presbyterian Church offered its facilities during construction.
September 7, 1952 marked the grand opening of Saint Spyridon Church. Archbishop Michael celebrated the Thyranoixia Service. Theodore P. Tsolainos and Constantine Goulandris generously funded the interior. George Gliatas a student of Fotis Kontoglou created the Byzantine artwork. His art covers the walls and ceilings. Konstantinos Pylarinos carved elaborate woodwork in the 1970s.
Following the destruction of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church on September 11, 2001, St. Spyridon welcomed its parishioners. This act of solidarity showcased the church’s vital role.
However by the late 70s early 80s, the community faced decline. Many Greek families moved to the suburbs. Saint Spyridon Church adapted and continued to serve. In 2016 the Parish Council began an ambitious interior restoration. The goal was to restore the church’s original Byzantine style.
Today St. Spyridon stands as a testament to faith and community. Its Byzantine Revival architecture draws the eye. Inside traditional iconography captivates. The church welcomes all. It offers Sunday school bible study and various community events. Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church is more than a building. It is a vibrant center. It connects its history to the present. It embraces a future filled with hope.