Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Church Orthodox — Attraction in New York

Church History ​ The Greek Orthodox Community of Kimisis Theotokou was founded in the heart of the Depression. In 1931, a small group of immigrants, who despite economic obstacles, sacrificed themselves to establish a house of worship and a community center. These new Americans wanted to keep their Greek Orthodox faith alive in their new country. ​ Our first home for the parish, then known as the Greek Orthodox Community of Bay Ridge, was located at 861 4thAvenue, near 32ndStreet. Its founder and first president of the Parish Council was Panayiotis Bounacos. In 1932, the parishioners led by Reverend George Menexopoulos soon sold this property and purchased 239 17thStreet. In 1933, Reverend Simeon Emanuel joined the community, who along with the Parish Council was instrumental in finalizing the purchase of our present home, 224 18thStreet. ​ Kimisis Theotokou began to grow and be known for its ministry and for its commitment to the community. It was a decade of firsts and the community’s organizations flourished. In November 1933, the women organized a Philoptochos Society, which remains the most active society of our church. A Board of Trustees was elected in March 1934. Traditions started in those years continue through today: our annual dance and journal (1931), a choir (1935), Sunday and Afternoon Schools (1933), the annual magazine, “The Herald” (1935), and youth league (1936). The Chiaki Adelphotita of Aghia Markella was also started in 1936, a society that is dedicated to helping those in need, and continues to be a major contributor to our school and parish. In 1936, Reverend John Strongilos joined the Kimisis Theotokou family. Father John would serve our community diligently for 24 years. In 1937, the Archdiocese of North and South America, under the leadership of Archbishop Athenagoras, officially recognized Kimisis Theotokou as a member church of the Archdiocese. ​ The Greek Immigrants assimilated to the American way of life, and Orthodoxy adjusted to deal with the relative issues, thereby ebracing its parishioners enabling them to worship, learn and grow spiritually. ​ In the 1940’s, family membership had grown and the dream of a Greek Parochial School began by the purchase of the buildings surrounding the church. At that time, however, the physical restoration of the church was top priority. To finance this program, parishioners posted bonds and gave generously. In 1958, the beautification continued with the construction of the Aghia Markella Chapel, and in 1967 the Chapel of Sain Irene was added. ​ The focus of the community of Kimisis Theotokou has always been its children. During these years, there was a strong movement to recognize Greek Orthodox Youth into what would become GOYA. Instrumental in the organization of our GOYA was a new addition to our community, James Siligardakis. In 1956, he was ordained and became Father Titus, who joined the community as a second priest, serving with Father John. As our community grew it became more evident that a school was a necessity and the buildings on Fifth Avenue were purchased. ​ By the 1960’s the concept of an educational center became a reality. The purpose of our school would be to educate the children of Kimisis Theotokou in the teachings of our Orthodox faith, Greek language and heritage, and to also fully prepare them for their future secular education. With the driving force of dedicated Father Titus, President of the Community, James Manos the unselfish work of the Building Fund Members and parishioners this was accomplished. By 1963 the buildings, which stood on the planned sight of the school, were demolished and in June 1964 the groundbreaking ceremony took place, officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos and then Congressman Hugh Carey. Construction of the building commenced, and the design is credited to a member of our community, architect...

I grew up going to the church back in the sixties joining the boy scout troop 195 from 1963 to 1969 also went to Sunday school there those are good times going to Sunday school and learning the outdoors as a scout getting caught in some nasty rain storms while we were camping out any other 10 Mile River or camp Pouch in Staten Island. We're very lucky not getting chased around by those wild turkeys on the island.. by the way the upcoming day of the Annunciation August 15th with their annual Greek cultural Fair I'm sure already started. I think it lasts for one weekend I think this is the weekend from August 15th to the 17th. Hope to make a day of it either today Saturday or Sunday.you I'll meet a great group of people, this weekend you have a great greek music and not to forget the fantastic meals like spanakopita Greek spinach pie, pastichio. Greek style lasagna with no tomato sauce. And plenty of souvlaki and gyros. And don't forget the the wonderful pastries like baklava, Greek custard pie, and those great cookies just try them all take some home. Oh yeah don't forget to try some ouzo. Fresh clean liquor made from anisette. Call the church find out the times and we'll see you there. Hope the weather holds out take care...

A friend and I attended a service at Kimisis church today. Neither of us had ever been there, but definitely hope to be back. The church is breathtakingly beautiful, and the parishioners, staff and priest were so kind and welcoming. Being that I use a walker, this is one of the most easily accessible Greek churches in NYC. The elevator is near the entrance, and goes to both the church and the church hall, bathrooms, etc. This is not yet the case elsewhere, sorry to say. Thank you Panagia, and God bless this community...