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1972 – Present
Once again the parishioners of SS. Constantine and Helen Church strengthened their resolve and confronted the task of erecting a fourth edifice. The community purchased seventeen acres of prime land in the attractive suburb of Palos Hills at 111th and Roberts Road. Groundbreaking ceremonies for this structure took place on the Feast Day of SS. Constantine and Helen in 1974. The parish celebrated their first Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday 1975 in the new auditorium. On May 21, 1976, precisely two years after construction began, His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos officiated at the Thyranoixia (Door Opening) Ceremonies. An impressive gold dome and cross in the modified neo-Byzantine style highlight the current church complex designed by architect-engineer, James Barris. Twelve distinctive stained glass windows created by Conrad Schmitt Studios of New Berlin, Wisconsin in consultation with iconographer, Demetrios Dukas of Massachusetts grace the church’s interior. The Building committee commissioned George Papastamatiou of Athens to complete the Byzantine iconography including the Pantocrator and Platytera. Serio Tonelli of Chicago elegantly crafted the brass iconostasion and chandeliers and the marble solea embedded with the mosaic Byzantine eagle. On May 11, 1980, the 1650th anniversary of the consecration of Constantinople, founded by St. Constantine the Great, the parish of SS. Constantine and Helen held their Consecration Ceremony. The steps of this service included baptizing, anointing, sanctifying, consecrating and dedicating the church of God as an orthodox Christian house of worship. As you walk within the walls of SS. Constantine and Helen Church, the visions of the original founders remain alive today. Under the continuing guidance of the venerable Protopresbyter, Father Byron Papanikolaou, their ideals continued to flourish. Instead of a bridge to their ancestral homeland, the church now provides a moral oasis as their members combat the woes of society. As in the preceding periods, pastoral leadership becomes paramount to the success and development of the spiritual ministries. Fr. Byron’s loving and patient leadership traits have become noted throughout the Archdiocese. Therefore, young priests from the seminary have come to serve. Through his spiritual example, he has mentored Rev. Dean Paleologos of St. Spyridon Cathedral in Worcester, Massachusetts, Rev. Kosmas Karavellas of SS. Constantine and Helen Church in Annapolis, Maryland and Rev. Michael Pappas of Holy Trinity Church in San Francisco, California and Rev. Nicholas W. Jonas. He has also guided former pastoral assistants, Rev. James Greanias, Rev. Peter Spiro and Chris Avramopoulos (current Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries). Currently, Tom De Medeiros serves in this role. On Sunday, June 4th, 2006, Rev. Nicholas W. Jonas assumed the responsibility of the position of Pastor, with Fr. Byron remaining and focusing his attentions especially on our beloved Koraes Elementary School. The large number of ministries requires an annual budget in excess of 1.8 million dollars. The Parish Council administers and oversees all church operations under the guidance of the pastor. This body also monitors the financial and fundraising activities. In this period Pierre A. DeMets, William G. Rummel, Sam Stavrakas, Tom Argires, Theodore A. Boundas, and Peter G. Lagen have served as presidents with Theodore Argiris as our current president. Perpetuating and fortifying the mission of our forefathers, education bridges lessons of the past to inspire the future. Koraes Elementary School continues to nurture the intellectual development, enhance a Hellenic ethnic cultural identity and inculcate the moral values of the Greek Orthodox Church for our youth. In addition the Afternoon program offers a curriculum in Greek language studies and our Sunday School and Camp Constantine cultivate the Orthodox way of life. As in past periods, the Senior and Youth Choirs, Chanters and Altar Boys enhance religious worship services. Rev. Byron Papanikolaou organized the Spiritual Life Committee to promote spirituality among the faithful. This led to formation of Bible Study groups currently under the direction of Rev. Nicholas W. Jonas who also added the specialized classes such as Road to Orthodoxy (Convert Classes), Journey to Oneness (Pre-Marital Seminars) and Godparent Seminars. The seedling auxiliary organizations planted earlier in the Parish's history are still evident today. St. Helen Women’s Philoptochos remains steadfast in their participation in parish life and the membership has lent their efforts to countless humanitarian endeavors. Ladies Hellenic Society “Agia Paraskevi” continues to realize its goals. The parish offers a wide array of programs, ministries, and activities for our youth. Since 1981, the Metropolis of Chicago and this community have cooperatively hosted the annual Junior Olympics initiated by Rev. Kosmas Karavellas. This event brings together over two thousand youth form the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana and Missouri for athletic competition and Orthodox Christian fellowship on Memorial Day Weekend. Youth organizations abound and the community center becomes a focal point of activity. GOYA, YAL, GOAL, JOY Basketball, JOY Soccer, Cheerleaders and Folk Dancers meet regularly. Our young people also participate in the annual youth event of the St. John Chrysostom’s Oratorical and Sights and Sounds Festival. Throughout the years, our parish has enjoyed the blessings of patriarchs, archbishops, metropolitans and bishops. In November 1997, His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople, the New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarchate visited SS. Constantine and Helen one of the few parishes in his itinerary. The community considered this a rich blessing that everyone will remember for years of come. Today SS. Constantine and Helen Church remains a vibrant and active community. The stability and leadership during the past twenty-four years have resulted in a unified spiritual voice and an expansion of our ministries. As the parishioners stand on the threshold of a new millennium, may their Beacon of Faith, SS. Constantine and Helen Church continue to light their visions and renew their commitment toward God. 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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