From the "Village of Westchester -- 1925-1975 -- Golden Jubilee", 1976.

Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church

(Photo courtesy of Father William Chiganos)

On March 20, 1953, the officers of the Assumption Church through a letter gave permission to a group of their parish members to organize a church in the western suburbs.

In 1958, enough support and funds had been raised to convince Bishop Ezekiel to seek a priest for a church to the western suburbs.  At this time, the ladies of the community had a rather well organized club that was instrumental in establishing a Sunday School which began to meet regularly at the High Ridge School in February, 1959.

On July 12, 1959, Father William Chiganos, having been appointed priest of Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the gymnasium of the Nixon School.

Finally on Sunday, December 6, 1959, after many last minutes preparation, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Broadview church.  The first pangari was bought for the church by Mr. Angelo Maheras; it served well until the church was moved to its present location.  Presvetera Spilliotis donated the baptismal fountain to the new church in Broadview.

Enthusiasm and interest in the infant parish grew.  In 1961, the parish, consisting of 280 families, purchased a five acre tract of land on South Wolf Road in Westchester.  Mr. Tom Kotsakis was instrumental in negotiating the purchase of the land, which was purchased for $43,000, a bargain even at the time.

During 1962, the need for a more adequate building became more apparent and finally desperate.  On May 17, 1964, with appropriate ceremony, ground was broken.  June 6, 1964 marked the beginning of construction.

On Sunday, September 13, 1964, after completing services in the old church, the entire community, traveled together to the new church site to participate in the setting-of-the-cornerstone ceremony.

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Last Modified:  03/28/2005