St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 2000 Tower Blvd. in Lorain, will celebrate its 100th anniversary shortly after its next drive-through gyro event in September. (Martin McConnell – Le Journal du Matin)
As Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church2000 Tower Blvd., celebrating 100 years as a parish in Lorain, activities will include Divine Liturgy at 9 a.m. Oct. 15, as well as other celebrations.
Lorain honors St. Mary Catholic Church and St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church on their anniversaries
The Divine Liturgy will be led by Metropolitan Eminence Savas Zembellis of Pittsburgh at the local church, according to a press release.
The church invites all current and former members of the parish to its festive festivities.
“It is a joy and pleasure for us to contribute to the revitalization of our great community,” said Father Christopher Zafares, spiritual leader. “We desire to work more closely together, providing service and camaraderie as we move forward. “.
St. Nicholas Church represents the Greek and Greek-American residents of Lorain County through the work of their various philanthropic organizations, the release said.
Greek cultural and culinary traditions live on at the church with its popular biannual gyro drive-thru events as well as other events.
“We hope to continue to grow and prosper over the next 100 years,” said Athena Antoniou, president of the parish council.
In 1923, a handful of Greek settlers emigrated to Lorain, Elyria and surrounding towns, lured by the promise of work at the steel mill, the release said.
These settlers, arriving with very little knowledge of the language and customs of the Midwest, began working with their deep religious beliefs to establish a place of worship for their families, including their now American-born children, according to the release.
A handful of benefactors erected a new building at the intersection of East 34th Street and Pearl Avenue in South Lorain, the release said.
With the growing size of families in the parish, members raised funds and held a groundbreaking ceremony in October 1971.
The parish dedicated its new church in November 1972, located at 2000 Tower Blvd., the release said.
In 1995, Bishop Maximos of Metropolitan Pittsburgh performed the traditional rites of a formal consecration service.
“The church is proud to continue to showcase 10 life-size oil painted icons of saints that were transported from the church on Pearl Avenue to the newly constructed church,” the release said.
Over the years, St. Nicholas has been led by a number of appointed priests, including Father Michael Gulgas, who recently retired after serving since 1984, the release said.
In 2022, Father Christopher Zaferes was appointed by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America – Metropolitan Pittsburgh to serve as spiritual leader of the Church, the release said.
The celebration began on October 13 with Greek Night; followed by the Hello One Hundred Gala on October 14 at the Emerald Event Center in Avon; and a farewell brunch at the church from noon to 2 p.m.