Our Greek Language School commenced on October 12, 1970 with Mr. Sotirios Mitilineos as teacher. The first priest assigned to the parish on November 15, 1970 was Reverend Father Sam Kalamaras. All the hard work up to this point climaxed on November 29, 1970 when our first Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Cromwell Valley Elementary School. Imagine the excitement and joy felt by all those in attendance unsure of what would happen next. In exactly one year, we were able to acquire a priest and hold our first service complete with choir and cantors! Our first cantors were Mr. Phillip Arnas and Mr. John Livanion. Our first Choir was organized on November 23, 1970 under the leadership of director Jennie Roesch and organist Barbara Karvounis.

The Church School began January 3, 1971 with Thomas Heath (now Father Thomas Heath) as superintendent. During these our humble beginnings, home was Parkville Senior High School. It was during this time that the true meaning of stewardship and the giving of time and talent was prevalent. Men and women, both young and old, worked endlessly to succeed. All the necessities for a church had to be packed and unpacked each and every week -- the utensils, cloths, icons, candles, sandboxes, provisions for wine and prosforon. Duties were rotated for setting up and tearing down an altar for services. When Parkville Senior High School was not available, the grace of God provided other facilities for our use. Many area churches -- Catholic, Protestant and Episcopal -- offered use of their facilities. We were welcomed by these churches for meetings and services especially during Lent and Holy Week. Imagine the task of getting a 1,400 seat auditorium cozy for church services! Needless to say, no one wanted to stand pat. We wanted our own facilities, "Our Land".

While all of this activity was going on, "The Spirit" was inaugurated. Published primarily by Mr. John L. Sitaras, "The Spirit" became an invaluable source of documented history and chronologically covered historical moments. Every step of our fledgling Suburban Greek Orthodox Community was recorded. Also, the "Hospitality Teas" were inaugurated primarily by Mrs. Katherine Strakes in concert with the graciousness of many women who opened their homes for a social with the intent of "spreading the word" as it were of what the suburban community was all about.

Several of the early dedicated members searched for land on which we could build our house of worship. It was Jack and Helen Foudos who found the ad in the newspaper for what would become our permanent home. At the General Assembly meeting of October 17, 1971, the thirty acre property on Cub Hill Road was approved at a cost of $90,000. A $40,000 down-payment was made in cash and a mortgage of $50,000 was secured at settlement on December 9. Our dream now had form. The beauty of this secluded sanctuary was to become the location of the Sanctuary of God in the eyes of all.