The Historic Boston Greek Cathedral -- Reliving 100 Years
By Christopher Gussis, Chair
Publicity

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Introduction

The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England will celebrate its 100th Anniversary during the year 2003. Being one of the oldest parishes in the United States and one of the first to be declared a Cathedral of the Greek Orthodox Church in the western hemisphere, it is officially designated a Boston landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

As the Seat of the Diocese of Boston, the Cathedral is recognized as The Mother Church for the faithful of New England, and through its history has provided spiritual inspiration and guidance for many Greek Orthodox communities in New England and throughout America.

From the beginning, the Cathedral demonstrated concern for the unity of the Greek Orthodox Church in America. It gave support to the Ecumenical Patriarch by promoting its canonical jurisdiction over the Church in America. It undertook initiatives for the unification of the Greek Orthodox Church under a central administrative authority. Once the Greek Archdiocese of North and South America was established, it gave wholehearted support to its institutions and programs. In addition, it formulated and expanded a wide variety of programs to serve the youth of the church.

Perhaps the best measure of the Cathedral's contribution to the Greek Orthodox Church at large is the number of its clergymen who were elevated to high Ecclesiastic Offices. The Rev. Joakim Alexopoulos became the first Bishop of Boston and later Metropolitan of Demetriados. The Rev. Athenegoras Cavadas became the Bishop of Boston, the first Dean of Holy Cross Theological School and later Archbishop of Thyateira. The Rev. James (Iakovos) Coucouzes became Bishop of Melita, and from 1959 to 1996 Archbishop of North and South America. As Archbishop, he was recognized as the Dean of all religious leaders in the United States. Assistants to the Cathedral Dean also promoted were Rev. George Bacopoulos, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, V. Rev. Alexander G. Leondis, Chancellor of the Diocese of NJ, Rev. Dr. Theodore Stylianopoulos, professor at Holy Cross School of Theology, author and member of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches, and Rev. Michael T. Kontogiorgis, Assistant Chancellor of the Archdiocese.

Many eminent religious hierarchs and political statesmen have served at the altar or visited the Cathedral. Among them are Greek Orthodox Patriarchs Athenegoras, Diodoros, Benedictos, Dimitrios and Bartholomew, Archbishops Athenegoras, Cavadas, Michael, Iakovos, Chrysostomos, Spyridon, Dimitrios, Metropolitans and Bishops, Catholic Cardinals, Protestant Bishops, former United States presidents and numerous other political dignitaries.

In looking forward, the Cathedral, through its many significant contributions in the life of the Greek Orthodox Churches throughout America during the past 100 years, will continue to maintain its historical prominence and spiritual obligation, as the Seat of the Diocese of Boston and the Mother Church of New England Orthodoxy.

II. 1890-1920

Prior to 1890, there was little effort to organize the pioneering Greek immigrants living in the Boston area. In 1890, approximately one hundred Boston Hellenes formed the Plato Society to help themselves with the many problems of living in their new setting and to provide religious services. The Society engaged a Syrian Orthodox priest who spoke Greek to celebrate the Divine Liturgy at a rented hall. The Society also conducted evening English classes for immigrants and after school Greek language classes for its youth. After several years, the lack of financial strength caused the Society to disband.

In 1899, with an increase in immigrants and finances, efforts were resumed to bring the Greeks in Boston together. At this point in time, the Boston Greeks had the good fortune of having several Hellenes prominent in the American social, intellectual and business world who had a strong interest in establishing a Greek Church. Evangelos A. Sophocles (1842-?), a professor of Classical Literature at Harvard University, John M. Rodokanakis (1829 -1906), a successful merchant and Greek Counsul in Boston, Michael Anagnostopoulos (1837 -1906), a noted educator and Director of the Perkins Institute for the Blind, and Augustine Synadinos, a wealthy international merchant of Egyptian cotton. Together they provided organizational and administrative guidance for the Greek immigrants.

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Michael Anagnostopoulos

Outstanding among them was Michael Anagnostopoulos who acquired the services of Rev. K. Papageorgiou, a priest that had stopped briefly in Boston. A hall was rented on Kneeland Street and Fr. Papageorgiou became the first Greek priest to hold regular church services in Boston. After.two years he departed from Boston and was replaced by Rev. Constantinos Papakonstantinou who continued holding services until leaving for Greece. Rev. Panagiotis Phiambolis, another priest from Greece, then assumed priestly responsibilities and conducted services in a rented hall on the corner of Stuart and Tyler Streets. Church services in Boston continued without an official Parish organization until the Fall of 1903. At this time, only five other Greek Orthodox churches existed in the United States -Holy Trinity in New Orleans (1867), Holy Trinity in New York (1892), Holy Trinity in Chicago (1892), Evangelismos in New York (1893), and Holy Trinity in Lowell, MA (1900). Under the leadership of Michael Anagnostopoulos, a committee of nine was formed to collect funds for a Church and to draft by-laws for its functioning. Their meetings and perseverance resulted in a Massachusetts Charter granted on August 25, 1905. The Church was incorporated under the name Hellenic Association of Boston - the corporate name of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England. Committee members listed on the Charter are: Michael Anagnostopoulos, John Parmenides, Andrew Gounaris, Stamatios E. Stamatello, Alexander Stavropoulos, Constantine Zevitas, Panagiotes c.Govostis, George D. Grimoutes and George P. Anastopoulos.

The purpose of the Greek Community, as stated in the Charters' By-Laws, was to establish a Greek church, a school for teaching Greek and a reading room. To provide support for the new church community, the first ladies benevolent organization Agathoergos Society (Good Works Society) was formed under the leadership of Smaragdo Passali. The Society was renamed Adelphotis Kyrion (Ladies Sisterhood) and, in 1931, became The Ladies Philoptohos Society. Annual dances were held and social clubs formed, one of which resembled the AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational and Progressive Association). In 1906, Fr. Phiampolis resigned due to poor health and was replaced by Rev. Nestor Souslides a priest appointed by the Patriarch. During this period, Anagnostopoulos founded the National Union to bring all Greek immigrants under one organization and to keep alive a sense of duty to the homeland.

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Students and Teachers of the Cathedral Day School. Teachers shown: Nikolaos Kannellopoulos and Mrs Lilika (Papadopoulos) Anastos. The school operated from 1907-1921

Under the leadership of John Parmenides,.a committee raised $10,000 for land to build a Church behind the former Hotel Bradford on Winchester Street. The new Church officially opened February 13, 1907 and was named Evangelismos (Annunciation) of the Virgin Mary. It included a Parochial Day School for teaching English, special classes for immigrants, Greek language, history, culture, plus a library and reading room. Sunday vespers, lectures for youth and a choir were added to the Church program. In 1909, the Church youth organized an athletic program which included baseball, softball, basketball and a marathon. In 1911, Rev. Theodore Prousianos replaced Fr. Souslides. During the year, Professor Aristides Phoutrides founded a Helicon Society of Greek students at area universities and colleges.

Rapid growth in Church membership and the Parochial School from 1905 to 1910 led to overcrowding of facilities and created a need for a larger Church. A financial dilemma in 1912 necessitated converting the Parochial School to an afternoon Greek School. In the middle of this and various fund raising activities a serious split occurred in the Church community over political and nationalistic ties to Greece between Liberals (Venizelists) and Loyalists (King Constantine). This led to the formation of a rival church. The split continued until 1915 when the two churches united under Rev. Constantine Douropoulos.

In 1916, under the leadership of Cathedral president Constantine Zevitas, a decision was made to relocate the Church on land purchased for 530,000 at the corner of Parker and Ruggles Streets. The new area was in close proximity to the world famous Museum of Fine Arts and Wentworth Institute; and provided an attractive and suitable setting for the new Church. WorId War I, political factionalism following the Greek disaster in Turkey, financial problems and lack of ecclesiastical authority and supervision resulted in a delay of building plans for several years. Rev. Joakim Malahias replaced Fr. Douropoulos as Cathedral Dean in 1920. Shortly thereafter, he was succeeded by Rev. Joakim Alexopoulos who revitalized the idea of building a new church.

In 1922, Cathedral president Athan E. Spillios headed a committee which hired architect Hachadoor S. Demoorjian to design the present Cathedral- a majestic example of Classical and Byzantine architecture. The use of five prominent domes, representing a cross within a square, are common to such Eastern Byzantine churches as Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and the monasteries of Daphni and Hosios Loukas in Greece. The late Classical Revival influence of the Cathedral followed examples set by the Boston Public Library and the Museum of Fine Arts thus making it a Boston landmark.

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The Cathedral was finally built during the years 1923-4 by the J. R. Worcester Company. It was to symbolize the diligence, sacrifice and achievement of pioneering Greek immigrants wishing to sustain the bond between their faith in America and the Mother Church in Constantinople. Financing the cost of construction, excluding interior decorations and furnishings, required bonds to be issued plus a loan of $125,000 personally guaranteed by the more affluent community. members. Repaying the mortgage took twenty five years of additional fund raising, guaranteed loans and Elliniko Philotimo (Greek pride). Cathedral presidents Harry Demeter, Sr., and William Anagnostis played a major role in the financial efforts. Other Cathedral presidents providing leadership during this period were K. Sakellaropoulos, George K. Anastas, Nicholas C. Culolios, and Arthur Plakias.

II. 1920-1940

 The twenties were years the Boston Community was absorbed in their own immediate problems and participating effectively as responsible citizens. The notion of returning to the homeland became remote, and the political questions of their distant homeland were left to be decided by its own citizens. On June 28, 1923, Joakim Alexopoulos was appointed the first Bishop of Boston and the new Church, his seat, became a Cathedral. In this capacity, the Cathedral served as the Mother Church of New England and helped establish and support new parishes in the region that had become a magnet for Greek immigration.

First services at the new Annunciation Church were celebrated on September 14, 1924, the Feast Day of The Elevation of the Holy Cross, by Rev. Emmanuel Papastephanou. Fr.Papastephanou had succeeded Rev. Joakim Alexopoulos who was elevated to Bishop of Boston and later :Metropolitan of Demetriados. To assist with church services, Lazarus Demetriadis, a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, formed a choir. In 1927, the first Boy Scout troop was formed. This was followed by the establishment of the Nine Muses, an organization of young ladies dedicated to Church and community service, by Nina Karamalles. George Alevizos, the renown philanthropist to the blind, became choir director in 1931 and added A Cappella Choir Music to the liturgy. Other choir directors serving through the years are Fr. Chrysoloras, Kyriacos Lavrakas, Arthur Kanaracus, Christine Nikitas, Theodore Mekelatos, Alex Pappas, John Arambages and present director Dean Limberakis.

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Thomas A. Pappas, Cathedral President, 1929, 1930. 1934, 1936, 1939

 With its new designation as a Cathedral and Seat of the Bishop of Boston, a committee led by Cathedral presidents Christos A. Tsopelas, Michael D. Choremis, Straty N. Sculos and Thomas A. Pappas hired three of Boston's most prominent designers and scholars with interest in Byzantine architecture and design. Ralph A. Cram, a nationally known Gothic Revival and ecclesiastical architect from M.I.T., was hired in 1926 as a consultant for the interior decoration of the Cathedral. Cram then commissioned Evangelos Ioannides to decorate the Cathedral with iconography. The dome, apse and many of the wall paintings on both sides of the iconostasis were done in Byzantine style and received artistic acclaim. In 1927, pews and pulpit were installed.

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Rev. Athenagoras Cavadas, President, 1931-33

The thirties were years of increasing assimilation into American culture and fewer political homeland conflicts within the Boston Cathedral Community. In June 1930, the Cathedral took initial steps to encourage the centralization of a Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in New York City as a unifying element for all Greek Orthodox parishes in the United States."We, your Bostonian parishioners respectfully request his Eminence, Archbishop Damasinos of New York, to appoint clergy and national committees to form one constitution for all Greek churches in America." (Parish Council notes) The following year, Archbishop Athenegoras became the second Archbishop of the Church in America. His ideas were as progressive as the Bostonians and he is credited with establishing a sound cultural authority in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America. Athenegoras frequently visited the Cathedral and it was in New England that he established the Holy Cross School of Theology in Pomfret, CN. This was the predecessor of the Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline, MA. Athenegoras saw support and intellectual leadership in the Boston Community which may have been the reason why the Boston Cathedral became a stepping stone to higher ecclesiastical leadership in the Greek Orthodox Church for many deans, bishops and archbishops.

Coinciding with Archbishop Athenegoras' arrival in America in 1931 was the appointment of Rev. Athenegoras Cavadas as Dean of the Cathedral. Shortly thereafter, Fr. Cavadas was appointed Chancellor of the Archdiocese in New York. Despite the demands of his new appointment, Fr. Cavadas continued serving as Cathedral Dean for two years traveling from New York to Boston on weekends. His tenure as Cathedral Dean had a profound effect on the Cathedral community: Being well educated and an eloquent speaker, Fr. Cavadas celebrated services with exemplary decorum. A prolific writer, he wrote numerous plays presented on the stage of the Cathedral auditorium.

 

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Rev. Vasilios Efthymiou, President, 1933-42

In 1933, Fr. Cavadas was appointed the first Dean of the Holy Cross Theological School at Pomfret, Connecticut and was replaced by Rev. Vasilios Efthymiou. During his years of service as Cathedral Dean from 1933 - 42, Fr. Efthymiou initiated new programs and approaches to keep young parishioners close to the religious and cultural Cathedral environment. Sunday School was introduced as a separate entity from Greek School. Neighborhood Greek Schools were also opened to accommodate dispersion of the Greek language to suburbs. Bussing brought children to Church and Sunday School. In 1932, an organ was installed to help the choir with its liturgical music. The Cathedral was consecrated by Archbishop Athenegoras on November 4, 1934. The year also saw the start of a religious radio program to bring the Cathedral's message to the homes of parishioners and most of New England. The program continued until 1972 when financial problems caused its cancellation.

In 1935, Kenneth Conant, an internationally known medieval architectural historian and archeologist at Harvard was commissioned to do the stained glass windows. Conant had converted to Orthodoxy and became involved with the Cathedral Community. He worked with Cathedral Dean Fr. Efthimiou to develop proper symbols for the windows. Connant then enlisted the assistance of Charles J. Connick, another medieval architect, to complete the sanctuary windows. Lack of funds delayed work on the dome stain glass windows until 1937. In 1936 the first youth organization, O.X.A.N. - a Greek acronym for Christian Brotherhood of Young People, was formed to cultivate the religious, ethnic and social interests of youth. The year also saw choir director George Alevizos initiate a popular Church Mandolinada Orchestra. Cathedral presidents providing leadership during this period were Seraphim Karamelles, C. Angelopoulos, James Chilimidos, Alexande Varkas, George Demeter, Parisis Georgian, Arthur Stavropoulos, and Nicholas C. Culolias.

 

III. 1940- 1960

 

The Cathedral experienced new problems and challenges during and immediately following World War II. At this critical period in its history, it was fortunate to have Rev. James A. Coucouzes become its Dean. Upon his graduation from the Halki Theological School in Turkey, Fr. Coucouzes came to the United States as a Deacon. Under the tutelage of Bishop Cavadas, at the Theological School in Pomfret, he gained invaluable experience through pastoral assignments and contact with seminarians. This background provided Fr. Coucouzes with the training and background for the challenging tasks during and immediately following the War.

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His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos (Rev. James A. Coucouzes)

 Fr. James, pater, or Fr. Jake as he was fondly known by his flock at the Cathedral, organized various war relief efforts including the Greek War Relief, selling War Bonds, and promoting participation in the Red Cross. Servicemen and women were provided prayer books and other religious items, parcels were mailed and special services held. The Cathedral served as the center of life for the Community.

The post war era created different ministry demands for the Cathedral. Under Fr. Coucouzes' inspirational leadership, many new programs were organized for the youth and those returning from the service. A Cathedral Youth Organization was revitalized which eventually led to the formation, on a national level, of GOYA - the Greek Orthodox Youth of America. Sunday School became a model for many Greek Orthodox churches.

A Sunday Evening Vesper Program was instituted for youth in the Boston area and for Orthodox students attending area colleges and universities. The Program of prayer and worship, fellowship, and discussions of various religious issues, provided spiritual and intellectual stimulation for a generation of young people. The Program developed into the formation of an Orthodox Christian Fellowship for Orthodox students enrolled in area colleges and universities.

In 1943 the Connick Studios were commissioned to design the stain glass windows in the narthex, sacristy, and stair landings. Windows and two large canvas paintings for the downstairs chapel and Sunday School rooms were done in 1954 by Wilbur H. Burnham. Additional wall paintings completing the iconography in the apse and on the sides of the iconostasis were done in 1973 by inconographer George Philippakis. Art critics consider the Cathedral's interior decorations to be an artistic treasure of Boston. Among other improvements made to the Cathedral during this period were the installation of a marble altar (1944), a large bell (1946), the creation of a separate baptistry to accommodate the increase in baptisms (1947), a complete redecoration of the Cathedral interior (1950), and the installation of a specially designed Aeolian Skinner pipe organ (1951).

Concern over dwindling church attendance during the warm summer months led to Fr. Coucouzes starting regular services on Saturday mornings at a picturesque Protestant church in Cohasset. This popular practice continued until the establishment of a Greek church in Wollaston in 1960.

Fr. Coucouzes strongly believed the Cathedral's future depended on young people involved in its administration. Many promising young people were encouraged to join the Cathedral's Board of Trustees. Under their guidance, increased activities for the youth were instituted including athletic programs and tournaments. In his efforts to improve the quality of education in the Greek Schools that had proliferated in various areas of greater Bqston, Fr. Coucouzes successfully united the independently functioning Schools into the United Greek Schools System under the administrative authority and control of the Cathedral. To accomplish this, Petros Moutevelis, a qualified educator from Greece, and professor at Hellenic College, was appointed as Superintendent of the United Greek Schools in 1951. Mr. Moutevelis introduced imaginative and effective teaching methods until his retirement in 1976. The Greek Schools flourished under his tutelage. Additional Greek Schools were added in Waban (1957), Quincy (1958), Brookline (1962), and Dedham (1964). All the schools were eventually consolidated into a new diversified program at the new Cathedral Educational Center in Brookline under the direction of Flora Vekiarides.

 

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From the 9th Clergy-Laity Conference, held at the Cathedral November 3-7, 1946

Fr. Coucouzes and the Cathedral were host to many significant events. The Cathedral hosted religious services, officiated by Patriarch Athenegoras, for the 9th Clergy Laity Congress (Nov. 3-7,1946). In attendance for the Cathedral's 50th Anniversary celebration in 1953 were His Eminence Archbishop Michael, Catholic Archbishop Richard J. Cushing, and Episcopal Bishop Dr. Norman B. Nash. In 1954, Fr. Coucouzes initiated annual Greek Orthodox services at the Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge, NH. Archbishop Athenegoras Cavadas paid a visit to the Cathedral in 1955.

Fr. Coucouzes' exceptional talents and qualities were recognized by Patriarch Athenegoras. In 1951 he was elevated to bishop preparing him for greater responsibilities in the Church hierarchy. After being ordained Bishop of Melita in 1955, he was assigned to the Patriarch's headquarters at the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland. In 1958, he was elected Archbishop of North and South America and fulfilled the dreams and expectations of his beloved Cathedral communicants and the faithful throughout America. During Archbishop lakovos' thirty-seven years as spiritual head of the Greek Orthodox Church of North and South America, the Church experienced unprecedented and impressive results and brought an increased sense of identity to its mission.

In 1955, following Bishop lakovos' Patriarchal assignment to Geneva, the Rev. George Bacopoulos was appointed acting Dean of the Cathedral. Upon Fr. Bacopoulos selection as Chancellor of the Archdiocese by Archbishop lakovos in 1958, Rev. John C. Zane

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Harry Demeter, President, 1947, 1948

tos became Dean of the.Cathedral. During his early tenure as Dean in the late fifties and the sixties, the Cathedral Community was directly affected by the great number of families moving to the suburbs and by the new influx of immigrants. To accommodate and serve the needs of those moving led to the establishment of new churches in Weston, Quincy, Arlington, Lexington and Roslindale. Their moving also resulted in a significant attrition in Cathedral membership. However, through its status as the Mother Church, and the Seat of the Diocese of Boston, a sizeable number of families maintained their allegiance to the Cathedral and it remained a "beacon of light" for parishes in New England. The Cathedral also benefited from new immigrants who brought fresh strength and vitality to the Community.

Cathedral presidents providing leadership during the 40's and 50's were James Condos, John Zedros, Parisis Georgiou, George Poulos, Speros Stavropoulos, Harry Demeter, Jr., Arthur Hasiotis, John Alevizos, Charles Maliotis, Angelo Bassett, Milton Stamatos, George Toumpouras, George P. Condakes and George Mirageas.

IV. 1960 – 1980

 

The sixties and seventies were a period of improving Cathedral facilities and programs in an effort to stem the exodus of members to suburban churches. Critical to maintaining membership was the need to alleviate crowding conditions existing in its educational and youth programs; This led to the formulation of definite plans and decisions to build a Community Center next to the Cathedral. Unfortunately, plans by the State Highway Commission to build a road through the land purchased for the Center forced the cancellation of its construction. The Committee then considered finding a new location for the Community Center or the possibility of relocating the Cathedral itself. After many agonizing debates, the idea of relocation was rejected and a decision was made to renovate the existing Cathedral and its facilities. This delayed the eventual building of a Community Center for almost two decades.

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An ambitious five-year program of renovation and beautification was undertaken in 1965 at a cost of over $350,000. The responsibility for this program was entrusted to a committee headed by George P. Condakes, president of the Parish Council, and under the supervision of Fr. Zanetos. The architectural firm of Drummy and Rosane was hired to make structural changes to the upper and lower narthex (vestibule). The Chicago-based Tonelli Studio was then commissioned to install richly decorated mosaic icons in the upper and lower narthex and on a marble iconostasis. To the right of the iconostasis, they installed an elaborate marble Bishop's Throne. The renovations and craftsmanship of the work done brought new beauty to the historic Cathedral and served as a witness to the vitality of the Boston Greek Community.

Upon completion of renovating and beautifying the Cathedral in 1970, a search was undertaken for a new Cathedral Center site to serve the religious, educational and social needs of the Community. In 1973, after much review and deliberation, the ten acre Parker Estate adjacent to Larz Anderson Park and near Hellenic College in Brookline, was purchased. This beautiful grass and wooded property was in close proximity to the Cathedral and included a stately and spacious Mansion with an old carriage house. Following its purchase, authorization was given for a Development Committee, headed by George P. Toumpouras who, with the dedicated assistance of Parish Council presidents Atty. Nicholas Foundas, Charles Constantine, and Atty. Peter H. Sutton, proceeded with the development of the Center site.

The Committee devised a unique development program consisting of three phases. In Phase I, the carriage house was converted into a charming 100 seat Chapel and was opened on November 1, 1975. Phase 11 consisted of renovating and converting the Mansion into Cathedral office, meeting space, rooms for Cathedral organizations, and a small caretaker's apartment. Upon completion in 1973, all administrative services of the Cathedral were moved to the Mansion. For Phase Ill, Robert Shackleton, the Chapel's architect, was commissioned to design plans for the Community Center. His plans included rooms for Greek School classes, meetings, and a large auditorium for educational and social functions.

http://www.helleniccomserve.com/images/cathedralhistory9.jpgOn October 17, 1979 His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos conducted a special blessing of the new Center which was completed at a cost of $1,250,000. Although taking over two decades to complete, it brought a new sense of community to the Cathedral. Eminent clergy and politicians visited the Cathedral during Fr. Zanetos' tenure as Dean of the Cathedral. Then senator John F. Kennedy gave an inspirational Greek Independence speech at the Cathedral in 1956. The Mayor of Athens, George Plytas visited the Cathedral in 1966. Patriarch Benedictos of Jerusalem (1961),Cardinal Umberto Meideros (1972), Metropolitan Ezekiel and Bishop Demetrios (1975), Bishop Iakovos of Chicago (1976), and Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus (1979) also visited the Cathedral.

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George C. Toumpouras, President, 1955, 1957, 1962

In 1962, the Cathedral hosted religious services for the 16thClergy Laity Congress. 1974 saw Katherine Pappas appointed as National Philoptohos Society President. In 1977, former Cathedral president Charles Maliotis provided funds for the building of the beautiful Maliotis Cultural Center on

the grounds of Hellenic College/Holy Cross. In 1978, former Cathedral Sunday School President Bess and Atty. Chris I. Pappas, a former Parish Council member and legal advisor, founded the internationally known Hellenic Cardiac Fund for critically ill children. Many eminent clergy and governmental officials attended the Cathedral's 75th Anniversary celebration in 1980 which was co-chaired by Fr. Zanetos and Cathedral president Charles A. Constantine.

Cathedral presidents providing leadership during the 60's and 70's were George C. Toumpouras, Milton N. Stamatos, George P. Condakes, Byron Zedros, Paul Yphantes, Nicholas Tsialas, Chris J. Christopher, William A. Gianoukos, Emanouel J. Haramis, Atty. Nicholas Foundas, and Charles C. Constantine.

V. 1980 - 2002

The early eighties witnessed a revival of an earlier desire to relocate due to the deteriorating Cathedral surroundings, changing demographics and inadequate parking facilities. It was during this period (1982) that Fr. Zanetos retired as Dean of the Cathedral after 26 years of dedicated service. He was succeeded by Rev. Dr. Athanasios Demos who became involved in this pressing issue. After a year of deliberating and soul searching, the General Assembly mandated keeping the Cathedral at its present location and to proceed with its renovation.

In an attempt to make the Cathedral environment safer, Fr. Demos conducted a "good will" outreach program among residents of the surrounding Cathedral area. Contact was also made with officials at the Wentworth Institute to allow parking on their premises during church services and special occasions.

The Cathedral renovation covered three phases. In 1983, a Committee headed by James Barlas (Building), and Tessie Davis (Fund Raising), was selected to oversee Phase I - the renovation of the Cathedral exterior. Phase Il began in 1986 under the chairmanship of Gus Misail which focused on the Cathedral interior. Phase III of the restoration and renovation of the Cathedral was delayed until 1993.

During his years as Cathedral Dean, Fr. Demos implemented new programs and fresh ideas to enhance the Cathedral's ministries. This led to a dramatic increase in membership, sacraments and sacramentals. The Cathedral was listed in the church directories of all Boston hotels and led to numerous home and hospital emergency calls. Educational Seminars, Bible and Adult Classes also drew wide interest. Fr. Demos spearheaded a drive to build a chapel honoring Archbishop Iakovos in the Cathedral Hall. On June 30, 1988, with the assistance of Katherine Kotarides and John Alevizos, the Cathedral was accepted for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Through the determined efforts of John Alevizos and a generous donation of $120,000 by William Constantin, a beautiful stone mosaic courtyard was installed adjacent to the Cathedral in 1994.

 

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Eminent clergy visited the Cathedral during Fr. Demos' tenure as Dean. Patriarch Diodoros of Jerusalem, Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus, Archbishop Iakovos (1982), and Patriarch Dimitrios (1990). Metropolitan Methodios initiated ecumenical Easter services at the Cathedral with Cardinal Law (1985). On a political note, cathedralite Michael S. Dukakis, former three time governor of Massachusetts, became a presidential candidate (1988). Cathedral presidents serving under Fr. Demos include Atty. Peter H. Sutton, George M. Kalambokis, Paul J. Stamatos, Van T. Benno, VasiIios Georgountzos and Atty. George D. Coupounas.

In 1992, Fr. Demos left the Cathedral to serve as Director of Development, Alumni and Admissions at Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology and was succeeded by Rev. Constantine Xanthakis. During his years as Cathedral Dean, Fr. Xanthakis oversaw many significant events - the start of Phase III in 1993, under the chairmanship of Harris P. Jameson, which included exterior and interior restoration, renovation and air-conditioning; a special honorary banquet for Archbishop Iakovos and completion of the Constantin Courtyard (1995); the completion of Phase III Cathedral exterior and interior renovation (1996); visits by Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Spyridon (1997); the establishment of the Preservation Trust Fund to meet future renovation needs of the Cathedral (1997); Evanthea "Eve" Condakes appointment as National Philoptohos Society president and the Chapel restoration (1998); a visit by Archbishop Dimitrios; a reunion of the Junior and Sunday' School Choir, and the 1949 Championship Baseball Team (1999); the appointment of Arthur Anton as Chairman of the Archbishop lakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund and the restoration of the interior and exterior Iakovos Chapel (2000).

In 2001, Fr. Xanthakis retired as Cathedral Dean after almost ten years of dedicated service. He remained as an assistant to the new priest, Rev. Dean A. Panagos, before retiring to FL. in 2002. After serving one year, an initiating several outreach and other programs, Fr. Dean left the Cathedral to begin a new Community in Columbia, MO. Succeeding Fr. Dean was Rev. George Daskalakis. Cathedral presidents providing leadership during this period were Dr. Marica Arvanites, Eleftherios Papaslis, James P. Lemonias, Constintine P. Calliontzis and Portia Pantages.

The Cathedral has been honored by several priests who were assistants to the Dean and have served the Church of America in a higher ecclesiastical capacity. The late Rev. George Bacopoulos, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, V. Rev. Alexander G. Leondis, Chancellor of the Diocese of NJ, Rev. Dr. Theodore Stylianopoulos, Professor at Holy Cross School of Theology, author of numerous articles and books, and member of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches, and Rev. Michael T. Kontogiorgis, Assistant Chancellor of the Archdiocese.

The Cathedral provided the inspiration for many of its youth who became priests and bishops. Bishop John of Amorion, (Michael Kalogerakis) Ret., Rev. Protopresbyter Peter A. Atsalas (Ret.), Rev. Protopresbyter Constantine G. Theodore (Ret.), Rev. Milton N. Stamatos, former Cathedral president, Rev. Kyriakos V. Saravelas, Annunciation Church, Newburyport, MA, Rev. MiIton B. Efthimiou, (Retired) St. Barbara Church, Toms River, NJ, Rev. Charles P. Sarelis, Annunciation Church, Kansas City, MO,V. Rev. Makarios J. Niakaros, Holy Apostles/SS Peter and Paul Church, Haverhill, MA, V. Rev. Vasilios Flionis, Dormition of Virgin Mary Church, Somerville, MA, Rev. Demetrios A. Lokis, St. Nicholas Shrine Church, Flushing, NY, Rev. Peter Liberis and Rev. Peter Carras of the Russian Orthodox Church, Rev. Demetrios A. Lokis, St. Nicholas Shrine Church, Flushing, NY, and Fr. Iakovos (William C. Bakos) a monk at the monastery of Simonpetra on Mt. Athos.

Dr. Lewis J. Patsavos, former Cathedral acolyte under Fr. James A. Coucouzes, now serves as professor of Canon Law and head of the Field Education Program at the Holy Cross School of Theology. Many present and former Cathedralites are serving the church in a higher capacity as members of the Order of St. Andrew-Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Archbishop Leadership 100 Endowment Fund. Archons include John P. Alevizos, Arthur C. Anton, Angleo Bassett, George, James, and Leo P. Condakes, Hon. Harry Demeter, Jr., George P. Demeter, George Kalambokis, Theodore Katsiroubas, Dr. Thomas Lelon, James P. Lemonias, Dean Limberakis, Stephen E. Pappas, Nicholas J. Philopoulos, Angelo S. Stamoulis, George Toumpouras, and Dr. Nicholas T. Zervas. Leadership 100 participants are Mr. & Mrs. John P. Alevizos, Arthur C. Anton, Atty. & Mrs. Efthemiou J. Bentas, Bob & Kally Badavas, Crystal Condakes, Crystal Stella Condakes, Eve. N. Condakes, George P. Condakes, Mr. & Mrs. James P. Condakes, Leo P. Condakes, Mr. & Mrs. James E. Davis, Mr. & Mrs. George E. Danis, Dr. George & Mrs. Hasiotis, Hon. John C. and Katherine Pappas, Nicholas J. Philopoulos and Nicholas L. Vinios.

As the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England approaches its centennial year in 2003, a newly formed Committee, led by former Cathedral presidents James P. Lemonias and Dr. Marica Arvanites, is planning a series of exciting events to celebrate its historical past.

Epilogue

The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England looks back with pride on a century of significant contributions to churches throughout New England and America. Along with honoring its accomplishments, the Cathedral looks forward to continuing its eminent role as a "beacon of light," and its spiritual obligation as the Seat of the Diocese of Boston, and the Mother Church of New England Orthodoxy.

This brief history of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England was written by Dr. Christopher G. Gussis, chairman of the Centennial Publicity with information provided by the late Rev. John C. Zanetos, Nicholas C. Culolias and George Alevizos together with Harris P. Jameson, Rev. Dr. Athanasios Demos, Rev. Constantine Xanthakis and others.