West Deptford, NJ – This past weekend, the Greek Orthodox community came out in full support of the mother parish of Philadelphia—St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Held at Adelphia Restaurant in West Deptford, New Jersey, the Gala dinner-dance brought together parishioners, friends, and donors to raise funds and awareness for the ongoing restoration of the historic cathedral.
The evening was not only a celebration but a recognition of those who have contributed time, resources, and vision to the revival of St. George. Sponsors and key donors were honored during the event, and guests were reminded of the cathedral’s deep roots in the Greek-American story of Philadelphia.
The history of St. George reaches back more than a century. Originally designed by architect John Haviland as St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, the building’s cornerstone was laid on September 9, 1822. In 1921, a coalition of Greek immigrant families purchased the church and renamed it St. George, making it the first organized Greek Orthodox community in Philadelphia. From that Center City beginning, the Greek Orthodox presence grew and expanded across the Delaware Valley, giving rise to parishes in Upper Darby, Broomall, Elkins Park, and beyond.
Today, restoration efforts aim to return St. George to its former spiritual and cultural prominence. Church president Foti Athanousoulis spoke of that vision, emphasizing that the future of the cathedral lies in engaging the next generation. “It’s about the youth,” he said. “If we want to build a future for St. George, we need to bring them in and make them part of the journey.”
Event and project chair John Sarkioglou shared that more than $300,000 has already been spent on renovations, with another $150,000 still needed to complete the physical work. The full project is expected to cost around $600,000—most of which is being raised through community donations and in-kind support from contractors and professionals.
In January, a Thyranoixia (Opening of the Doors) ceremony will be held to mark the official return of St. George to the community. Though the restoration will continue, the symbolic moment will signal that this cornerstone of Greek Orthodoxy in Philadelphia is once again open to all.
To support the ongoing restoration of St. George Cathedral, donations can be sent or inquiries directed to:
St. George Cathedral Restoration
St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral
256 South 8th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-627-4389
Fax: 215-627-4394
Contact:
John C. Sarkioglou
215-569-2115
With faith, vision, and support from the community, St. George is rising once again—one stone, one door, one future at a time.
