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1927-1947
An impressive ceremony was held on October 1, 1927 as His Eminence Archbishop Alexander laid the cornerstone of the church assisted by Bishop Joachim of Boston, Bishop Kallistos of San Francisco and all hierarchy and clergy present for the Third Clergy-Laity congress of the Archdiocese. A year later the structure had been completed and His Eminence Archbishop Alexander returned to officiate at the Thyranoixia (Door Opening) Ceremony on October 14, 1928. The edifice, designed by the Chicago architect Jens Jensen, was a basilica style structure modeled after the early Christian churches of Roman times. The new structure exemplified simplicity and clean-cut lines unlike the duplication of a Greek village church. The altar proper (hieron) was separated from the sanctuary (solea) from the church proper (naos). Two rows of columns separated the nave into three parts and a tremendous apse soared above the sanctuary, displaying Virgin Mary (Playtera) enthroned. The other icons and religious paintings which covered the walls and ceilings of the church were copies of famous works by El Greco, Raphael and Michelangelo. Adjoining the main church, a separate Baptistery Chapel was built containing beautiful artwork. Classrooms for Koraes Elementary School were designed along the periphery of the main building. The new church not only evolved into one of the most beautiful Greek Orthodox churches of its time but also became an innovative influence for future churches. In addition to a new communion rail, church pews were installed. In 1927, George Dimopoulos, a talented chanter and choirmaster, organized a choir that included women. The choir was accompanied by an organ. Pews and an organ represented a departure from traditional Greek churches and a movement towards Americanization. Under the direction of Rev. Mark E. Petrakis the transition began towards that of an urban church with a variety of organizational and administrative functions. Rev. Petrakis assumed direct command and administered the church and school in close cooperation with the Board of Trustees. Rev. Irenaeus Tsourounakis was an assistant pastor at the beginning of this period. Rev. Constantine Glynos served the parish for 10 years as a deacon, 3 years as an assistant pastor as well as the principal of Koraes. This period promoted lay leadership that was tenacious and resourceful as the parish faced reconstruction, economic collapse brought about by the Great Depression, bankruptcy proceedings as well as the long process of economic recovery and progress. Two of the past presidents returned to serve additional terms. Presidents serving the community during the second period were: James S. Stamos, Demetrios J. Chrissis, George Labesis, Stylianos J. Recksas and Nikitas Nomikos. Under the spirited leadership or Rev. Mark and Presvytera Stella Petrakis the community was motivated to found and develop a variety of church auxiliaries. A Theatre Guild annually sponsored a wide variety of dramatic performances conducted in Greek for the benefit of the parish institutions. In 1929, Father Petrakis organized the Koraes Mothers Society for the Koraes Elementary School, the Afternoon Greek School and the Sunday School, the Afternoon Greek School and Sunday School. The group provided support and aid in the form of free textbooks, lunch programs and tuition payments for indigent children. During the Great Depression of the 1930's the Mothers Society's help was crucial in keeping these schools open Presvytera Petrakis served as president for the first decade. In the 1930's the St. Helen's Benevolent Society became a chapter of the national Philoptochos movement which was organized under the aegis of His Eminence Archbishop Athenagoras and became known as the St. Helen Women's Philoptochos. Through the years, St. Helen's expanded its philanthropic mission and fundraising efforts. New Genea went through some organization problems in the 1930's due to dwindling membership. When Father Petrakis revitalized the organization for the third time the marriage restriction clause was eliminated. Presvytera Petrakis served as the organization's advisor. The parish joined the national war effort by engaging in a number of patriotic activities which included the sale of defense bonds, paper drives and Greek War Relief programs. The establishment of a St. Constantine Red Cross Unit in 1943 enrolled numerous women of the community who prepared needed surgical and medical supplies. This unit received a commendation from the America Red Cross Association for a significant contribution of the war effort. During the autumn of 1946, an issue facing the community was whether or not to sell the church property due to the changing demographic composition of the neighborhood. The General Assembly voted to sell the entire church property and later voted to purchase property in South Shore for the new church This article is adapted from the 90th Anniversary Commemorative Album “SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Ninetieth Anniversary 1909-1999 With Faith With Love”
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