Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church marks 60th year

Staff report

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Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church, 401 12th St., is celebrating its 60th anniversary this weekend with special services and a brunch.

Great Vespers of the church Feast Day will be at 3 p.m. today by His Eminence Metropolitan Savas (Zembillas) of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh, Archdeacon Ryan and Valley clergy.

On Sunday, the Orthros (Matins) service will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom at 10 a.m. Metropolitan Savas will be the main celebrant.

An anniversary brunch will follow in the Rev. George T. Pappas Community Center, named after its first pastor of 42 years who is deceased.

Parish history, “This is Our Story” by Dr. George N. Spirtos, first church council president, recounts how a group of women led by Mary Spirtos collected a quarter from the 165 Greek Orthodox women in the community. The effort, started in 1937, raised $2,300. With that, the group bought land in 1953. Groundbreaking was Oct. 26, 1954, and the fundraising committee petitioned the Greek Orthodox Church of America for a charter that was granted in 1954. The first Divine Liturgy was Nov. 13, 1955, and the consecration was Nov. 11, 1956.

For the 40th anniversary in 1995, additional Byzantine iconography and installation of a functioning bell tower were completed. Stained-glass windows were installed. The church bought property for a new church cemetery. At the anniversary event, the membership surprised Father Pappas by dedicating the church social hall with his name.

The Rev. Alexander Goussetis succeeded Father Pappas, who retired in August 1997. He established The Messenger, a parish newsletter, and began the parish bookstore. During his pastorate, the church also developed the cemetery property and furnished a new chapel.

On Aug. 15, 2004, the Rev. Steve Denas became pastor. The parish center was expanded and renovated by the the Philoptochos Society. The church marked its 50th anniversary in 2005. The church has been expanded and renovated.