The Church of the Annunciation in Elkins Park celebrates its 50th anniversary

On November 5th and 6th, the Annunciation/Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Community of Philadelphia celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Thyranoixia, the opening of the doors of its present church in Elkins Park, PA.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America attended the gala event Saturday evening, along with the Very Rev. Archimandrite Christoforos Oikonomidis, Chancellor of the Metropolis of New Jersey; Father John L. Johns, Presiding Priest of Annunciation/Evangelismos; Archon Dr. Anthony Limberakis, National Commander of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; and Archon Dr. Cary Limberakis, Regional Commander of the Philadelphia District. A hierarchical Liturgy was held on Sunday, November 6, officiated by His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Medeia, assisted by Father Johns.

During the Gala, Drs. Maria and Anthony Limberakis offered a historical perspective of the efforts to build the Church, which were led by their fathers, Dr. Anthony G. B. Borden, Parish Council President, and Father John A. Limberakis. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros offered his blessings and noted that the Greek Orthodox Community of Philadelphia is older than the Archdiocese itself. He urged the community to remember its history and build on the work of the giants that built the Church.

Founded in 1901, the Annunciation/Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Community of Philadelphia is the 6th oldest parish in America. Initially located in South Philadelphia, the community moved to the Elkins Park neighborhood in the 1960s.

The present Church was built in the early 1970s, and the Thyranoixia was held November 18-19, 1972, officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos and Father John A.Limberakis of blessed memory.

The Church was consecrated on the 100th Anniversary of the Community in November of 2001, officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, assisted by Reverend Father Robert J. Archon and with the leadership of Parish Council President Mrs. Lillian Borden, the wife of Dr. Anthony Borden.

All images courtesy of Stelios Lambrou