Question: What if a church became a beacon of Greek culture in the Bronx? The Zoodohos Peghe Greek Orthodox Church stands as a testament to faith and community. It welcomes all to its sacred oasis.
Located in the Pelham Bay section, Zoodohos Peghe Church serves its borough and the larger world. Its doors open unconditionally to everyone. You can become part of who they are. Explore their cultural community offerings, beautiful music and inspirational worship services.
The history of Zoodohos Peghe Church goes back to the early 1900s. Early Greek immigrants lived in the Mott Haven and Melrose sections of The Bronx. They also settled in various parts of Manhattan and the Tri-State area.
Religious services took place in people’s homes. Sometimes they rented meeting places. Greek immigration to the US increased. This was due to the exchange of populations to Greece from Asia Minor in 1922 and 1923. The Greek community continued to expand.
Greek-owned bakeries and meat markets opened. Coffee shops and produce markets appeared. These businesses thrived between Third Avenue and Prospect Avenue. They stretched from 149th Street to 163rd Street. The area became a Greek-Italian-German neighborhood.
In May 1912, the Greek American Institute was established. It received official recognition from the State of New York. This school and a chapel were dedicated to St. Nicholas. They were located at 985-989 Eagle Avenue near 161st Street and Third Avenue in The Bronx. It was the first Greek American school in the New York City area. It was the second one in the country.
As Greek immigrants settled in, a church was founded unofficially by the late 1920s. It was dedicated to The Virgin Mary of Zoodohos Peghe. The church first opened on the upper floor of a firehouse. Its address was 163rd Street and Forest Avenue. It was also located at 886 Forest Avenue in the Premier Fuel Saving Device building.
These rented spaces were not adequate for the community’s needs. So, they decided to look for another more permanent site.
In 1931, they found a former Jewish synagogue at 860 Forest Avenue. They purchased it. The first floor became the church. The second floor was converted into classrooms for the Greek American Institute. The basement served as a cafeteria and community center. It hosted social gatherings for both groups. Finally, a church and a school shared one structure.
In 1966, changing demographics forced the community to move again. With Archbishop Iakovos’s approval, they found a closed Jewish convalescent home. It was located at 3573 Bruckner Boulevard the current site of Zoodohos Peghe Church.
On April 16, 1967, the first Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the new location. Bishop Germanos Polizoides and Fr. Diodoros Tsekouras officiated. The Greek American Institute started its new school year in the new building in September 1967.
The church and the school merged into one entity. It was named the Hellenic Orthodox Community of The Bronx. Greek families began moving into the Pelham Bay area. They also settled in Throgs Neck, Country Club and Morris Park neighborhoods.
In 1976, Archbishop Iakovos assisted the pastor Rev. Nikolaos Katsoulis. They officiated at a groundbreaking ceremony for a community center. It was completed and in use by September 1977.
In 1986, parishioners voted to build a new church. In 1988, Archbishop Iakovos officiated at a Divine Liturgy and Ground Breaking Ceremony.
Christmas Eve 1992 was a special night. The Sunday School presented the traditional Christmas Eve Pageant in the old church. Afterward, the whole congregation moved into the new church. By the spring of 1993, they had unofficially moved into the new church building.
The Zoodohos Peghe Church became the first in the history of the Archdiocese. It was built without a mortgage.
In 1995, Archbishop Iakovos officiated at the Thyranixia. In 2007, Archbishop Demetrios officiated at the Consecration of the church. Relics of saints were sealed in the Holy Altar Table. In 2011, Archbishop Demetrios consecrated the Holy Water Fountain.
In 2020, Rev. Economos Vasilios Louros became the new presiding priest.
Today, the Zoodohos Peghe Church continues its traditions. They celebrate their Greek heritage and maintain their faith. The community is deeply committed to future generations.
Feel the embrace of faith and heritage at Zoodohos Peghe Church. A true Bronx treasure that welcomes all.