St. John to celebrate 90th anniversary

The church was founded in Youngstown and relocated to Boardman 40 years ago.
BOARDMAN -- Metropolitan Isaiah of the Denver Metropolis will be keynote speaker and special guest at the 90th anniversary celebration of St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Church, 4966 Glenwood Ave. The event will be Dec. 11 at Antone's Banquet Center.
St. John was first located on Woodland Avenue in Youngstown. It has been located at the Boardman site for 40 years. St. John is the oldest Greek Orthodox church in the area and one of the oldest churches in Boardman.
Metropolitan Isaiah was the first priest at the church in Boardman and served from 1964-71. He was a religious and historical adviser in the church development.
Also on the program will be Metropolitan Maximos of the Pittsburgh Metropolis. The Rev. Thomas Constantine and Archbishop Demestrios, spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox, also are invited.
Church founders
Special tribute will be given to the church founders, the late John Bombolis, Louis Carvelas, George N. Chelekis, James N. Chelekis, Antonios Glaros and James Sotus. Plans for the church were made Dec. 5, 1915, and the first service took place Dec. 9, 1920.
Also to be recognized will be the 1965 permanent building committee of the Boardman church: Ted Manolukas and Atty. Steve Stanos and the late Nick Manolukas, Gus DeMartin, Dr. A.K. Phillips, Chris Chengelis, Arthur Mazarakis, Leo Poulakos and George Carvles.
The 90th anniversary album, to be published after the celebration, will be dedicated to these groups.
Philip Passas is president of the church council.
Michael and Kanella Varveris are general co-chairmen. At the event, there will be a display of memorabilia including relics, albums, photos and artifacts from 1915 to the present. Tickets are $50 and include hors d'oeuvres, dinner and program. Call the church for more information at (330) 788-5257.