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COMPLETE HISTORY OF ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF CAPE COD
PART I
1910-1918 – The first Greek
immigrants arrived on Cape Cod. Their
spiritual needs were served by the priest of the church in New
Bedford who would come to the Cape occasionally on Saturdays.
The first Greek school
teacher was Nicholas Papageorge who taught from1928 to 1931.
1938 - The late Michael R. Pazakis formed the Greek American Citizen's
Club with James R. Pazakis becoming the club’s first president.
In 1939 the Grange Hall was purchased and became the First
Greek Orthodox Church in Hyannis by incorporating the name "Greek
Orthodox Church of Cape Cod."
1947 - The Bishop of Boston and Dean of our seminary, Athenagoras
Cavadas, officiated at services in the Grange Hall and encouraged
the people to organize a community.
On March 27, 1948 a meeting of the Greek community was held
to organize and establish a church at the Column Terrace (today's
Falmouth Nursing Home). This church was organized on January
21, 1949 and Rev. Spyros Mourikis was appointed as priest of the
community where he served until June 30, 1991.
February 1949 - Fr. Parthenios Komnios, as the Archdiocesan
representative, presented the Archdiocese's By-Laws at an assembly
and they were unanimously accepted.
October 16, 1949 – The first Parish Council was elected and
its first president was James R. Pazakis.
On March 20, 1949, the Ladies Philoptochos chapter was
organized and Mary Sethares was the 1st president.
In November 1949, Mrs. Effie Arfanis became Philoptochos’
sponsor, bestowing "St. Katherine" as Patron of the Society.
In April 1950, Mr. George Dedopoulos became the sponsor of
our church and bestowed the name of "St. George."
In 1954, land for a Greek cemetery was purchased in
Centerville, Massachusetts. Plans changed when the Town of
Barnstable extended the Mosswood Cemetery in Cotuit and offered lots
to all residents.
1960 - An annex for the Greek & Sunday schools was built.
October 15, 1978 - The relocation & construction of the new
church complex was approved at a special General Assembly.
Ground-breaking ceremonies, officiated by His Eminence
Archbishop Iakovos, were celebrated on June 3, 1979.
Construction began in Oct. 1980.
On June 20-21, 1981 the THYRANOIXIA (opening of the church
doors) was celebrated.
In 1986, the Parish Council purchased two acres of land
abutting the new church complex.
On October 8 & 9, 1988 Archbishop Iakovos consecrated the
new church assisted by His Grace Bishop Methodios of Boston.
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