The magnitude of the moment reached its climax on January 4, 1976 when the final Divine Liturgy was celebrated at Parkville Senior High School and Opening Day services were held at the Saint Demetrios Educational Wing Chapel. What a glorious day! Peter Alatzas and Angelo Toutsis, representing the younger and older elements of our parish, received the honor of opening the doors allowing all the faithful to enter this new House of the Lord. Smiles filled the room and everyone was there to partake of a wondrous feeling. The sense of pride filled the chapel and angelic voices sang praises to His name. After all the picnics and open air services on the property, all the hard work and meetings that became a part of everyday lives, Saint Demetrios now had a place to call home.
Later that year, the first Saint Demetrios Church Award was presented to Mr. John L. Sitaras "with deep appreciation for outstanding dedication and stewardship as an Orthodox Christian." In November of 1976 Mr. Petros Kakkaris became cantor replacing Mr. George Rossis. The entrance wall to our property was completed on October 24, 1977 and November 20 marked the debut of "Spotlight On Youth." This became an annual event in which members of GOYA assume the duties of the Parish Council for the day and deliver the sermon as an accentuation of the important role the young person plays in the life of the parish.
As time went on so did the many activities that make up the community life. Many programs prospered and grew. Our community has always provided for the Orthodox faithful and continues numerous services and caring ministries: the Benevolent Fund, GOYA sponsored Career Day, prayers during the Persian Gulf War, Blood Drives, CPR classes, sponsoring a mission priest are but a few of the projects that were ministered.
Father Ernest celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ordination on February 10, 1979. The final group of iconostasion icons were installed in May of that same year. These beautiful icons were the work of iconographer Christina Dochwat whose vibrant use of colors capture the eyes of those who behold them.
Cultural celebration has always been exhibited in our community through participation in the Inner Harbor Ethnic Festivals and in our own Grecian Festivals. Much like the "Zorba" dancers entertained and brought joy to the hearts of all at the first Grecian Festival, the "Demetrakia" dancers made their first appearance at the festival on September 22, 1981. This, too, continues to play a part in our lifelong history.
With the first chapter in the history of our Saint Demetrios parish complete, a new one in which the hope and faith of our people to perpetuate the legacy of our forefathers and meet the needs of the future began. Dedication, determination and love had brought us to this point. That same spirit that guided us through the early years presented another new challenge. This challenge was the erection of a new house of worship for the glory of God.
