Upper Darby, PA – This past Thursday evening, St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby marked a rare and meaningful moment in its history—the Thyranoixia, or ceremonial opening of the doors. Though the parish first opened its doors in 1965, the tradition was revived 47 years later as part of a renewed chapter for the community.
The occasion paused a nearly three-month-long renovation project focused on transforming the church’s facade. At the heart of it: a new set of handcrafted mahogany doors, delivered just days earlier from Honduras and installed by Wednesday. Their arrival set the stage for the blessing service, led by His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos.
By Thursday evening, nearly 300 parishioners gathered in reverence and celebration. The doors were opened with prayer and ceremony, honoring both tradition and progress. It was a moment that connected generations—those who remember the original opening in 1965 and those now helping to shape the future of the parish.
Congratulations to the community of St. Demetrios, whose faith and dedication continue to build not just a church, but a lasting legacy in Upper Darby.
