Annunciation Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church returned to Philadelphia, where its story began in 1901, to celebrate its 125th anniversary on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The gala, held at the Crystal Tea Room in the historic Wanamaker Building, honored Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as parish leaders reflected on their history and discussed an ongoing capital campaign.
For gala chair Ginny Markos, that history came alive through photographs dating from the early 1920s to the present. Preparing for the anniversary gave her an opportunity to look back at the Greek immigrants and families whose lives shaped the parish.
Speaking with Cosmos Philly during the celebration, she described how moving it was to see the community change and grow across generations.
The parish’s history began in South Philadelphia in 1901, making it the sixth Greek Orthodox community established in the United States. In 1908, the congregation purchased the former All Saints Episcopal Church at 12th and Fitzwater Streets. It relocated to Elkins Park in 1963, and its present church opened in 1972.
Anthony C. Limberakis, president of the Annunciation Evangelismos Parish Council and son of the evening’s honoree, spoke about the promises made by the early immigrants, many of whom arrived with little but worked to establish a church and community.
He described how each generation has kept those promises in its own way, through Sunday worship, Greek school, religious education, and Greek dance.
“It’s all about continuing to make the promise,” he said.
Rev. Fr. John L. Johns, the parish’s presiding priest, credited the families and parishioners who have sustained Annunciation over the decades.
Former parish president Dean Dalson placed the anniversary within the wider history of Greek Orthodoxy in Philadelphia. He described the region’s parishes as communities with a shared past and a responsibility to support one another, strengthen their ministries, and extend their outreach to people in need.
The gala also recognized Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis for his decades of service to the Church and advocacy for religious freedom. He has served as National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate since 1998. His recognition had another family connection to Annunciation.
According to the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the parish was also home to Dr. Anthony G. B. Borden, the organization’s second National Commander and the honoree’s late father-in-law.
Markos was recognized for her work organizing the anniversary celebration and received an icon in appreciation of her efforts. The evening’s program also included musical performances.
The parish is preparing for a capital campaign, which leadership discussed at its March 2026 general assembly. Markos confirmed during the gala that the campaign is underway and has already received donations.
Speaking about the capital campaign, Markos said she hoped that descendants looking back 125 years from now would recognize that today’s parishioners had helped lay the foundation for the church’s continued life.