Church History In 1980, a very small but determined group set out to establish a Greek Orthodox Church in the town of North Hempstead. After months of meetings, deliberations, fundraising and prayer, a community was formed, and by the Grace of God, a building was found. Volunteers came pouring in to give of their time, treasures and talents. Soon, this new community had a home and a place of worship. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America granted the church a charter with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos. Soon after, in February of 1981, Father Nicholas Papageorge celebrated the first Divine Liturgy. The Sunday Church School, the Greek Afternoon School, the Parish Council and fellowship programs followed as the community grew into a family. In November of 1981, the Parish Council selected a name for the church: The Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church. Fathers Karloutsos and Metropolos helped the parish in its early stages. In March of 1984, Father Dennis Strouzas was assigned by the Archdiocese to carry on the spiritual leadership of the community. Under Father Dennis’s guidance, the community took shape finding the needs of parishioners and ministering to them with larger and more specific organizations, which were dedicated to involving individuals and families from all stages of their lives in the Church. As the Parish grew, its needs expanded, and in June of 2000, the Archdiocese found it beneficial to assign Father Jim Kordaris to help in the ministry. Today with over 15 organizations and numerous events, the Archangel Michael Church serves over 400 families. While the church has met the initial needs that its founders saw it filling, it is now at a crucial juncture. The community has outgrown its original home and has purchased a new property in Port Washington. In 2004, His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios broke ground for the church to be built there. As that project begins, the community has come closer together through fundraising efforts and visions of expansion. After 25 years, the Archangel Michael Church has seen a generation grow and flourish, and now, as its children are married and baptized there is a new beginning, a new building to contain the community that has grown beyond the walls that its founders dreamed would one day be filled as they are today. |
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