History of our Parish

SS. Constantine and Helen is one of the oldest parishes in the Chicago Metropolitan area. Greek immigrants of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (established in 1897), suggested the organization of a branch to accommodate the South Side Greeks living in the Washington Park and Woodlawn areas of Chicago. The priests of Holy Trinity, Rev. Leon Pageas and Rev. Ambrose Mandilaris, alternately performed services in a rented hall at 63rd Street and Woodlawn Avenue on Chicago's South Side.

The parish became its own entity at an organizational meeting on April 25, 1909 when approximately 350 persons voted to establish an independent parish dedicated to SS. Constantine and Helen. Church membership was initiated with the payment of twenty-five cent dues and temporary officers were elected. Prior to this meeting, property had been acquired at 61st Street and South Michigan Avenue.

The first church building of the parish was erected on this site at an approximate cost of $30,000 and opened in October 1910. The new edifice was designed similar to a typical urban church in Greece with no pews or organ. The two-story dark brick structure and an English-type basement with a central dome and two smaller domes comprising the church steeples. The ground floor was devoted to classrooms; the first floor was the church proper; and the second floor had the church office and a special balcony for the women of the congregation - gynaikonitis, as was the custom in Greece.

In 1910, the second oldest continuously operating Greek Orthodox parish day school was established. The school was named in honor of Adamantios Koraes, the intellectual father of the Greek War of Independence in 1821. The school became the focal point of the community preparing and transmitting the religious and cultural heritage to future generations. Greek was the only language of instruction until 1922. At this time, English was added to the curriculum as a language of instruction and public school accreditation was arranged.

Rev. Ambrose Mandilaris served the parish for eleven of the seventeen years of this period. he was known as the "builder priest" of the first South Side Greek Church. As typical of a Greek immigrant parish, he brought the ministrations of a rural church emphasizing the sacramental elements of the parishioners and providing for the education of their children. Rev. Theodore Prussianos, Rev. Demetrios Vanikos and Rev. Mark E. Petrakis served as pastors the remainder of this church period, with Rev. Demetrios Rangos and Rev. Arsenuis Priakos serving as assistant pastors for a few years.

The first Board of Trustees set the precedent for successfully making policy and dealing with the practical affairs of the church. Theodore G. Koumountzis served as the first parish president. He was followed by John Papanastasiou, Michael Davrantzis, Peter Metos, Nicholas Giannakopoulos, Niketas Nomikos, Constantine Georgakopoulos, James S. Stamos and Dr. Constantine Theodore.

In 1923, Archbishop Alexander hosted a meeting at the parish of SS. Constantine and Helen in Chicago for the purpose of identifying and selecting candidates for the newly created sees of Boston and Chicago. After approval by the Holy Synod of Constantinople, Bishop-elect Philaretos was consecrated and enthroned as the first Bishop of Chicago in SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. He subsequently chose the church as his diocesan cathedral and the offices of the diocese were on the second floor of the church.

As the community grew in size, it prospered and enlarged its scope of activities. An afternoon Greek school was established in 1923 for children attending public schools. Presvytera Stella Petrakis organized classes in Greek that would teach the Orthodox faith to all the children in the parish. This was the forerunner of the current Sunday School.

In the early 1920's, the Young Ladies Hellenic Society "Nea Genea" was formally organized for young unmarried women. This group has since evolved into "Agia Paraskevi".

St. Helen's Benevolent Society, the most prominent of the church auxiliaries, was oranized in 1924 for charitable and philanthropic work as well as an aid in church fund-raising efforts. Presvytera Stella Petrakis was the society's first president. This organization is known today as the St. Helen Women's Philoptochos.

The early hours of Holy Monday April 26, 1926 brought the first church period to a close as the building was destroyed by fire. The church was a total loss. At great personal risk Rev. Petrakis entered the gutted building and was able to save three items, the antiminsion, chalice and Gospel. Through the generosity of the Episcopal diocese, Holy Week services were held at neighborhood churches. On Easter Sunday, despite their feeling of despair, the community received hope from the Prayer of Resurrection and the announcement that the church would be rebuilt on the same location.

An impressive ceremony was held on October 1, 1927 as His Eminence Archbishop Alexander laid the cornerstone of the church assisted by Bishop Joachim of Boston, Bishop Kallistos of San Francisco and all hierarchy and clergy present for the Third Clergy-Laity congress of the Archdiocese. A year later the structure had been completed and His Eminence Archbishop Alexander returned to officiate at the Thyranoixia (Door Opening) Ceremony on October 14, 1928.

The edifice, designed by the Chicago architect Jens Jensen, was a basilica style structure modeled after the early Christian churches of Roman times. The new structure exemplified simplicity and clean-cut lines unlike the duplication of a Greek village church. The altar proper (hieron) was separated from the sanctuary (solea) from the church proper (naos). Two rows of columns separated the nave into three parts and a tremendous apse soared above the sanctuary, displaying Virgin Mary (Playtera) enthroned. The other icons and religious paintings which covered the walls and ceilings of the church were copies of famous works by El Greco, Raphael and Michelangelo. Adjoining the main church, a separate Baptistery Chapel was built containing beautiful artwork. Classrooms for Koraes Elementary School were designed along the periphery of the main building.

The new church not only evolved into one of the most beautiful Greek Orthodox churches of its time but also became an innovative influence for future churches. In addition to a new communion rail, church pews were installed. In 1927, George Dimopoulos, a talented chanter and choirmaster, organized a choir that included women. The choir was accompanied by an organ. Pews and an organ represented a departure from traditional Greek churches and a movement towards Americanization.

Under the direction of Rev. Mark E. Petrakis the transition began towards that of an urban church with a variety of organizational and administrative functions. Rev. Petrakis assumed direct command and administered the church and school in close cooperation with the Board of Trustees. Rev. Irenaeus Tsourounakis was an assistant pastor at the beginning of this period. Rev. Constantine Glynos served the parish for 10 years as a deacon, 3 years as an assistant pastor as well as the principal of Koraes.

This period promoted lay leadership that was tenacious and resourceful as the parish faced reconstruction, economic collapse brought about by the Great Depression, bankruptcy proceedings as well as the long process of economic recovery and progress. Two of the past presidents returned to serve additional terms. Presidents serving the community during the second period were: James S. Stamos, Demetrios J. Chrissis, George Labesis, Stylianos J. Recksas and Nikitas Nomikos.

Under the spirited leadership or Rev. Mark and Presvytera Stella Petrakis the community was motivated to found and develop a variety of church auxiliaries. A Theatre Guild annually sponsored a wide variety of dramatic performances conducted in Greek for the benefit of the parish institutions.

In 1929, Father Petrakis organized the Koraes Mothers Society for the Koraes Elementary School, the Afternoon Greek School and the Sunday School, the Afternoon Greek School and Sunday School. The group provided support and aid in the form of free textbooks, lunch programs and tuition payments for indigent children. During the Great Depression of the 1930's the Mothers Society's help was crucial in keeping these schools open Presvytera Petrakis served as president for the first decade.

In the 1930's the St. Helen's Benevolent Society became a chapter of the national Philoptochos movement which was organized under the aegis of His Eminence Archbishop Athenagoras and became known as the St. Helen Women's Philoptochos. Through the years, St. Helen's expanded its philanthropic mission and fundraising efforts.

New Genea went through some organization problems in the 1930's due to dwindling membership. When Father Petrakis revitalized the organization for the third time the marriage restriction clause was eliminated. Presvytera Petrakis served as the organization's advisor.

The parish joined the national war effort by engaging in a number of patriotic activities which included the sale of defense bonds, paper drives and Greek War Relief programs. The establishment of a St. Constantine Red Cross Unit in 1943 enrolled numerous women of the community who prepared needed surgical and medical supplies. This unit received a commendation from the America Red Cross Association for a significant contribution of the war effort.

During the autumn of 1946, an issue facing the community was whether or not to sell the church property due to the changing demographic composition of the neighborhood. The General Assembly voted to sell the entire church property and later voted to purchase property in South Shore for the new church.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the third structure were held on February 12, 1948 at 74th Street and Stony Island Avenue. His Grace Bishop Gerasimos of Chicago officiated. The parish and its various auxiliaries approached the tremendous fund-raising task with many new and innovative ideas.

Designed by Chicago architect Christopher Chamalis, the third edifice was an enormous structure of Indiana limestone modeled after Hagia Sophia of Constantinople. A huge dome, pierced by twenty-four windows, surmounted an elongated crucifix and half domes, in traditional Byzantine style. The interior of the church was finished with Italian Carrara marble and bronze fixtures. Serio Tonelli, designed the magnificent iconostasion, altar rail, bishop's throne and pulpit. The iconography of the church was done by Constantine Yioussis of New York in the traditional Byzantine style with huge gold-leaf painted icons, murals and mosaics.

Following the relocation of the parish to South Shore, the Koraes Elementary School along with the Afternoon Greek and Sunday Schools were housed in temporary quarters adjacent to the new church under construction. In 1948, Patriarch Athenagoras urged the parish to build a new school to encourage religious an ethnic education. His wish was granted when the doors to the new school and community center opened in 1965.

Pastoral leadership in the third period began with Rev. Petrakis. Pastors serving the community for the remainder of the period included: Rev. Meletios K. Tripodakis, Rev. Basil S. Gregory, Rev. Emmanuel E. Bouyoucas, Very Rev. Eusebius A. Stephanou and Rev. Byron Stylianos Papanikolaou. Assistant pastors included Rev. Constantine Karkazis, Rev. Basil Gregory, Rev. John G. Kutulas, Rev. Byron Stylianos Papanikolaou, Rev. Nicholas Elias and Rev. Alexander Karloutsos.

Niketas Nomikas served his third term as parish president. He was followed in turn by James Papageorge, Van Nomikos and George Manta. These men set in motion the monumental task of building the third structure with the persistent attention of Pierre A. DeMets who served as Building Committee Chairman. Mr. DeMets energetically served the community as parish president for fifteen years, the longest tenure in the history of the congregation. He saw the church building and school move from blueprint to completion, from exterior to interior, with much attention to detail and finance.

All of the existing church auxiliaries that served the community at the end of the second period continued to develop based on their goals and needs. The church choir, founded in 1927 under the direction of Rev. Mark Petrakis, flourished in the third church period. George Dimopoulos, protopsaltis, composed Byzantine ecclesiastical hymns that are still used today to glorify God.

The youth of SS. Constantine and Helen joined the Orthodox Youth Movement in Chicago by organizing their chapter in 1946. Later, under the leadership provided by the parish chapter, the O.Y. Movement evolved into the Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA), with the parish chapter becoming a charter member in 1951 with senior and junior divisions. The Senior GOYA (over 18) chapter was revitalized under the leadership of Very Rev. Eusebius Stephanou.

In accordance with the mandate of the Archdiocese, the youth groups were restructured into a tripartite organization as follows: Young Adult League, over 18 years of age; G.O.Y.A., 14-18 years of age; Junior G.O.Y.A., 12-14 years of age. Rev. Alexander Karloutsos, then assistant pastor, led the restructuring of the youth programs in the parish. These groups today continue to be an active segment in the community engaging in religious, athletic and social activities.

By the 1960's South Shore underwent a dramatic demographic change and once again the question was raised whether or not the parish should relocate. There was a great deal of reluctance to do so in view of the enormous investment made by the community. Nonetheless, after much discussion, the decision to sell the property was reached at a General Assembly meeting early in 1972. After removing all the religious artifacts from the church in the spring of 1972, a temporary home for the parish and school was found in the First Church of the Nazarene at 8345 South Damen Avenue for the next three years.

Once again the parishioners of SS. Constantine and Helen Church strengthened their resolve and confronted the task of erecting a fourth edifice. The community purchased seventeen acres of prime land in the attractive suburb of Palos Hills at 111th and Roberts Road. Groundbreaking ceremonies for this structure took place on the Feast Day of SS. Constantine and Helen in 1974. The parish celebrated their first Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday 1975 in the new auditorium. On May 21, 1976, precisely two years after construction began, His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos officiated at the Thyranoixia (Door Opening) Ceremonies.

An impressive gold dome and cross in the modified neo-Byzantine style highlight the current church complex designed by architect-engineer, James Barris. Twelve distinctive stained glass windows created by Conrad Schmitt Studios of New Berlin, Wisconsin in consultation with iconographer, Demetrios Dukas of Massachusetts grace the church’s interior. The Building committee commissioned George Papastamatiou of Athens to complete the Byzantine iconography including the Pantocrator and Platytera. Serio Tonelli of Chicago elegantly crafted the brass iconostasion and chandeliers and the marble solea embedded with the mosaic Byzantine eagle.

On May 11, 1980, the 1650th anniversary of the consecration of Constantinople, founded by St. Constantine the Great, the parish of SS. Constantine and Helen held their Consecration Ceremony. The steps of this service included baptizing, anointing, sanctifying, consecrating and dedicating the church of God as an orthodox Christian house of worship.

As you walk within the walls of SS. Constantine and Helen Church, the visions of the original founders remain alive today. Under the continuing guidance of the venerable Protopresbyter, Father Byron Papanikolaou, their ideals continued to flourish. Instead of a bridge to their ancestral homeland, the church now provides a moral oasis as their members combat the woes of society.

As in the preceding periods, pastoral leadership becomes paramount to the success and development of the spiritual ministries. Fr. Byron’s loving and patient leadership traits have become noted throughout the Archdiocese. Therefore, young priests from the seminary have come to serve. Through his spiritual example, he has mentored Rev. Dean Paleologos of St. Spyridon Cathedral in Worcester, Massachusetts, Rev. Kosmas Karavellas of SS. Constantine and Helen Church in Annapolis, Maryland and Rev. Michael Pappas of Holy Trinity Church in San Francisco, California and Rev. Nicholas W. Jonas. He has also guided former pastoral assistants, Rev. James Greanias, Rev. Peter Spiro and Chris Avramopoulos (current Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries). Currently, Tom De Medeiros serves in this role.

On Sunday, June 4th, 2006, Rev. Nicholas W. Jonas assumed the responsibility of the position of Pastor, with Fr. Byron remaining and focusing his attentions especially on our beloved Koraes Elementary School.

The large number of ministries requires an annual budget in excess of 1.8 million dollars. The Parish Council administers and oversees all church operations under the guidance of the pastor. This body also monitors the financial and fundraising activities. In this period Pierre A. DeMets, William G. Rummel, Sam Stavrakas, Tom Argires, Theodore A. Boundas, and Peter G. Lagen have served as presidents with Theodore Argiris as our current president.

Perpetuating and fortifying the mission of our forefathers, education bridges lessons of the past to inspire the future. Koraes Elementary School continues to nurture the intellectual development, enhance a Hellenic ethnic cultural identity and inculcate the moral values of the Greek Orthodox Church for our youth. In addition the Afternoon program offers a curriculum in Greek language studies and our Sunday School and Camp Constantine cultivate the Orthodox way of life.

As in past periods, the Senior and Youth Choirs, Chanters and Altar Boys enhance religious worship services. Rev. Byron Papanikolaou organized the Spiritual Life Committee to promote spirituality among the faithful. This led to formation of Bible Study groups currently under the direction of Rev. Nicholas W. Jonas who also added the specialized classes such as Road to Orthodoxy (Convert Classes), Journey to Oneness (Pre-Marital Seminars) and Godparent Seminars.

The seedling auxiliary organizations planted earlier in the Parish's history are still evident today. St. Helen Women’s Philoptochos remains steadfast in their participation in parish life and the membership has lent their efforts to countless humanitarian endeavors. Ladies Hellenic Society “Agia Paraskevi” continues to realize its goals.

The parish offers a wide array of programs, ministries, and activities for our youth. Since 1981, the Metropolis of Chicago and this community have cooperatively hosted the annual Junior Olympics initiated by Rev. Kosmas Karavellas. This event brings together over two thousand youth form the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana and Missouri for athletic competition and Orthodox Christian fellowship on Memorial Day Weekend.

Youth organizations abound and the community center becomes a focal point of activity. GOYA, YAL, GOAL, JOY Basketball, JOY Soccer, Cheerleaders and Folk Dancers meet regularly. Our young people also participate in the annual youth event of the St. John Chrysostom’s Oratorical and Sights and Sounds Festival.

Throughout the years, our parish has enjoyed the blessings of patriarchs, archbishops, metropolitans and bishops. In November 1997, His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople, the New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarchate visited SS. Constantine and Helen one of the few parishes in his itinerary. The community considered this a rich blessing that everyone will remember for years of come.

Today SS. Constantine and Helen Church remains a vibrant and active community. The stability and leadership during the past twenty-four years have resulted in a unified spiritual voice and an expansion of our ministries. As the parishioners stand on the threshold of a new millennium, may their Beacon of Faith, SS. Constantine and Helen Church continue to light their visions and renew their commitment toward God.

This article is adapted from the 90th Anniversary Commemorative Album “SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Ninetieth Anniversary 1909-1999 With Faith With Love.”

Faith, Family and Excellence in Education
Since 1910