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Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church

7560 South Archer Road
708-594-2040

History:

In May 1955, under the direction of Mrs. Katherine Kokkinos, The Argo-Summit Women's Club, which initially began in the 1930, obtained a state Charter to function as a nonprofit organization. After a couple of meetings with His Grace Bishop Ezekiel, the community began fund-raising for the new Greek Orthodox Church in the autumn of 1960.

Shortly thereafter, Mrs. Kokkinos and the committee considered the purchase of "The Church of God" church building at 5417 S. Hunt in Summit. Also for sale was the house next door to be renovated for the use by both the Greek School "Sophocles" and Sunday school. The purchase of this property was finalized in February 1961.

In 1959, Father Andrew Kleomenakis from the Assumption Church performed the first Easter Liturgical Services during Holy Week in a local hall and there was an enthusiastic response from the community.

In the fall of 1960, approximately 125 families began fund-raising for the new Greek Orthodox Church. The women held a dinner dance in the autumn of 1960, collecting many pledges and donations.

The name given to the new church, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, was suggested by Mrs. Katherine Kokkinos. The first Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Sunday, March 5, 1961 with Father Chrysostom Selimos as our Proistamenos.

A parish Council was elected and the first Parish Council officers were President - Mr. John Muros, 1st Vice President- Mr. Nick Svarkonis, 2nd Vice President - Mr. Spiros Hasiakos, Secretary - Mrs. Katherine Kokkinos, Treasurer - Mr. Evans Nickolaou.

Peter Bastounis, Arthur Karounos, Leo Kotoulas, George Margarites, James Stopoulos, Plato Troy, Gus Tsourmas, James Vlahos, Louis Vlahos, and Peter Vulitsas were the first members of the newly elected Parish Council.

The officers and the Parish Council met with His Grace Bishop Methodios who recommended that father Chrysostom Selimos serve our Church as Proistamenos. The unofficial opening of our Holy Cross Church was on March 2, 1961 celebrating Great Vesper Services. The first Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Sunday March 5, 1961.


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