Greek Orthodox leaders, parish mark 90th year

The spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Church in the United States attended.
By KATIE LIBECCO
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
BOARDMAN -- It was a day of rejoicing as three leaders of the Greek Orthodox Church in the United States joined parishioners to celebrate the 90th anniversary of St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Church here.
More than 300 parishioners gathered for divine liturgy Sunday and welcomed Archbishop Demetrios, spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Church in the United States, along with Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh and Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver, who formerly served as a priest of St. John's.
"This is one of the biggest events in the history of our church. Having the three hierarchs here is a first for the church. The fact they're here means a lot to us," said Michael Vaveris, co-chairman of the 90th anniversary and Youngstown resident.
The divine liturgy was led by The Rev. Thomas M. Constantine, pastor of St. John's since 2003.
Metropolitan Isaiah was excited to return to his former parish.
"This brings back beautiful, beautiful memories of seven years here. It is a joy for me to return to this church and see that it is stable. I don't know when it was more stable, then or now, but it is growing and progressing well," he said.
Moved in 1966
St. John's was originally on Woodland Avenue in Youngstown before relocating to 4955 Glenwood Ave. in Boardman in 1966. Metropolitan Isaiah was the first priest at the new location, where he served until 1971.
St. John's was his only parish before he became a bishop.
"It's nice to see a lot of old friends and parishioners," Metropolitan Isaiah said.
"We love Metropolitan Isaiah very much. He's a very brilliant man," Vaveris said.
Metropolitan Isaiah designed the two bays of stained-glass windows in St. John's. He also co-authored a book about the windows with Audrey Chengelis, who attended Sunday's divine liturgy.
Several members of the church met the religious leaders for the great vespers Saturday evening.
"He was very down to earth. It was enlightening; he made me feel like I was talking to a friend," Greg Giannos of Boardman said of Metropolitan Isaiah. "He's really something."
Just like friends
Phillip Passas, a Boardman resident and parish president, said he met Metropolitan Isaiah, Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Maximos and described talking to them as similar to talking to friends.
"This place is more than a home to me. The connection here is very strong. It's a beautiful feeling. It's a wonderful thing to feel this togetherness," Archbishop Demetrios said. "This is my first visit here, but it's as if I've been here my whole life."
Archbishop Demetrios said he oversees 540 parishes in nine geographic divisions, with about 700 active priests and 1.5 million to 2 million Greek Orthodox followers in the United States.
A banquet concluded the anniversary celebration Sunday at Antone's Banquet Centre.
An album commemorating the 90th anniversary of the church will be published in 2006.