A Brief History of Our Community

 

In the 1870s, Greek immigrants from various regions of the Eastern Mediterranean began settling in Philadelphia, drawn by opportunities for work and a better life. As their numbers grew, so did their desire to preserve their religious traditions and cultural heritage. In response, they established the Greek Orthodox Community of Philadelphia in 1901, marking a significant milestone in the history of Greek Orthodoxy in America. This community became the sixth Greek Orthodox Church founded in the United States.

To formalize their presence and ensure the continuity of their faith and customs, the community petitioned the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for a Charter of Incorporation on February 28, 1907, which was officially granted on May 10, 1907. With growing support and financial contributions from parishioners, the community purchased the All Saints Episcopal Church at 745 S. 12th Street on November 13, 1908. The building was transformed into an Orthodox church dedicated to the Evangelismos (Annunciation).

For over sixty years, “Old Evangelismos” served as a spiritual and cultural sanctuary for generations of Greek Orthodox immigrants and their descendants. It was a place of worship, celebration, and community—a cornerstone of Hellenic identity in Philadelphia. This church's legacy continues to resonate, reflecting the enduring faith and resilience of its founders.

RELOCATION TO ELKINS PARK & UPPER DARBY

In response to the migration of its parishioners to the northern and western suburbs of Philadelphia, the parish underwent a significant transformation in 1963. This led to the establishment of St. Demetrios Parish in Upper Darby and the relocation of the original Evangelismos to Elkins Park, settling just a few blocks from the church’s current site. On June 8, 1968, construction began on the Hellenic Cultural Center at the former Whitaker estate, marking a new chapter in the parish’s history. The building initiative was led by Fr. John A. Limberakis and Dr. Anthony Borden, whose vision and leadership were instrumental in bringing the project to life.

The Hellenic Cultural Center was dedicated in 1969, and on November 19, 1972, the church building was officially opened for worship. Archbishop Iakovos presided over the Thyranoixia, or “door opening” ceremony. In a moment of deep spiritual significance, George and Lopi Pavlis stepped forward as Godparents and were honored with the ceremonial act of unlocking and opening the church doors.

Architecturally, the church is a stunning example of the Byzantine Paleologian style of the eleventh century. The religious and cultural complex includes a fellowship hall, a dozen classrooms, a library, two parish offices, and a magnificent edifice described by Archbishop Iakovos as “second to none in America.” The entire complex was designed by Demetrios Siderakis of New York, with local support from architect Alfred Olexy, and constructed by Luckens Construction Company of North Wales. Themis C. Pailas, a parishioner and patent lawyer/engineer, personally supervised every phase of construction, offering invaluable time and expertise.

Nicholas Ikaris of New York City designed the religious artifacts, while George Filippakis of New York and George Gleatas of Athens masterfully created the iconography. The marble Altar, Baptistery, and interior and exterior columns were imported from Greece, adding to the church’s authenticity and grandeur.

OUR CONSECRATION

Our beloved Archbishop Demetrios of America officiated at our church's blessed Consecration, or Baptism, on October 6–7, 2001; this coincided with the centennial anniversary of the founding of our community in South Philadelphia in 1901.

PARKING LOT COMPLETION & COURTYARD BEAUTIFICATION

The original plans for the Annunciation complex included an attractive courtyard and parking lot. However, other projects have demanded the community’s attention and resources. In early 2000, parish leadership initiated a final push to complete the redesign and paving of the parking lot (using the engineering expertise and blueprints of George E. Pappas), along with new landscaping for the courtyard to include a fountain and proskinitaria. Today, we see the beautiful fruits of much planning, labor, and generous giving on the part of many members of the Annunciation community.

By God's grace, the Church of Annunciation/Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Community of Philadelphia has been a guiding light for Orthodoxy and Hellenism in the Delaware Valley for 125 years, from its humble beginnings in South Philadelphia to its present location in Elkins Park.

ANNUNCIATION PASTORS

Early priests who served our parish were missionaries who traveled great distances between Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Lancaster, Pittsburgh, and New York to serve the needs of the new immigrants.

The following priests are on record as serving our community since 1904:

Interim Priests (1901-1904)
Rev. Nathaniel Sideris (1904)
Rev. Theodore Proussianos (1906)
Rev. Demetrios Petrides (1907-1911)
Rev. Raphael Morgan (1907-1916) A convert from Jamaica, Fr. Raphael was ordained at the Ecumenical Patriarchate and was the first Black Orthodox priest in America.
Rev. Chrysanthos Kaplanis (1911)
Rev. Christos Angelopoulos (1912-1918)
Rev. Dionysios Papadatos (1918-1922)
Rev. Thomas Daniel (1922)
Rev. John Kyriazis (1922-1925)
Rev. Constantine Papanicolaou (1926)
Rev. John Danaskos (1926-1930)
Rev. Vasilios Papanikas (1931)
Rev. Constantine Hatzidemetriou (1932)
Rev. John Gerotheou (1933)
Rev. Aimilianos Lalousis (1934)
Rev. Demetrios Papantoniou (1935-1937)
Rev. Chrysostom Morkides (1937-1961)

In Elkins Park

V. Rev. Neophytos Spyrogiannakis (1961-1965) During his tenure, the parish relocated to Elkins Park.
V. Rev. Joackim Isidoridis (1965)
Rev. George Papademetriou (1965-1967)
Rev. Paul Economides (1968-1970)
Rev. John Limberakis (1970-1990)
Rev. Anastasius Bandy (1990) Interim Priest
Rev. Robert Archon (1990-2006)
Rev. Christos Christofidis (2006-2014)
Rev. John L. Johns (2014-)

Annunciation Parish Council Presidents since relocation to Elkins Park

  • Charles Mellanos (1960-1961)
  • George Goumas (1962)
  • James Stamos (1963-1964)
  • Evangelos Papanicolaou (1965)
  • Constantine Stephano (1966)
  • Anthony Borden (1967-1976)
  • Pat Margas (1977-1978)
  • Theodore Mackrides (1979-1980)
  • Thomas Salvarlis (1981-1982)
  • Anthony Chokas (1983-1984)
  • Anna Skylakon (1985-1986)
  • George Sandilos (1987-1988)
  • Anthony Chokas (1989-1990)
  • Peter Pitsakis (1991)
  • George Pappas (1992)
  • Kostas Zervoudis (1993)
  • Michael Neromiliotis (1994)
  • George Ballas (1995)
  • Dean Dalson (1996-1997)
  • John Avgiris (1998-1999)
  • Lillian Borden (2000-2001)
  • Peter Gouris (2002-2003)
  • Paul Fisfis (2004)
  • Diane Saphos (2005-2006)
  • Gus Konugres (2007-2008)
  • Ginny Markos (2009)
  • Peter Hadgimallis (2010-2011)
  • Peter Gouris (2012-2014)
  • Russell Penning (2015-2016)
  • Cathy Avgiris (2017-2019)
  • Constantine Dalson (2020-2024)
  • Peter Gouris (2025- )


Click the title below for the story of The Original Evangelismos in South Philadelphia:

WHEN RISING SUN CAUGHT FIRE
By Haralambos Kyriakodis
July 25, 2012