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Renovation under way at Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church
Renovations at Archangel Michael church help parishioners ...
By LINDA M. LINONIS
CAMPBELL
The Rev. Steve Denas said the construction project underway at Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church, where he is pastor, represents an investment in the parish and community.
Father Denas said the renovation project is “designed to enlarge the front entrance and make it more accessible and convenient.”
The project also includes the installation of an elevator, which will benefit elderly and disabled church members and others, and addition of handicap-accessible restrooms. The elevator will take people from street level to the main level of the church, where the narthex and sanctuary are located.
The old steps have been removed; a new staircase has replaced them.
The priest said the church had restrooms on a lower level but that wasn’t convenient. He also noted that cars will be able to pull up in a semicircular driveway for close access to the elevator.
The construction project was proposed by parish council and the parish
general assembly then was submitted for approval to Metropolitan Savas of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh, a diocese serving West Virginia, eastern and central Ohio and Pennsylvania except for the greater Philadelphia area. The metropolis includes 51 parishes, two mission parishes, three monastic communities and ministries.
Father Denas said the metropolis is involved as another safety measure. “The metropolis wants to make sure the day-to-day parish life will remain stable,” he said. “Careful criteria” ensures the financial stability of the church, he said.
The cost of the renovation project is $900,000, which has been pledged by church members. There are 600 families.
The church hired Kreidler Construction Co. in Poland and Lencyk Masonary in Boardman to do the work. “It had to be someone on this level for this project,” Father Denas said.
He said that the completely new and larger narthex will feature mosaics by artist Bruno Salvatori of Florence, Italy, along with other religious artwork and stained glass. The mosaics probably will be installed during 10 days in April or May.
A blessing service conducted by Metropolitan Savas will take place sometime next year when all construction is completed.
Father Denas became the pastor Aug. 15, 2004. Archangel Michael celebrated its 60th anniversary in November 2015.
A 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 165 Greek Orthodox women in the community. The effort, started in 1937, raised $2,300, and land was bought. 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 took place Nov. 13, 1955, and the consecration took place Nov. 11, 1956.
The parish includes the Rev. George T. Pappas Community Center, named after the first pastor who served 42 years. There also is a rectory and a cemetery.