The feeling of joy and excitement was palpable at St. Iakovos Greek Orthodox Church in Valparasio, IN as the community celebrated the Thyranoixia (Door-Opening) of its new church building.
Fulfilling a commitment to presiding priest of St. Iakovos Church Fr. James Greanias a number of years ago, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over the Hierarchal Vespers services on Saturday, June 14, 2025, joined by Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago and Chancellor of the Metropolis of Chicago Bishop Timothy of Xexamillion.
Area clergy serving were former priests of St. Iakovos Fr. William Conjelko and Fr. Chris Constantinides, Fr. Demetri Kounavis (St. George Church, Schereville), Fr. Panagiotis Boznos (St. Athanasios Church, Aurora), Fr. Dimitri Barikas (Ss. Constantine and Helen Church, Merrilville), Fr. John Tsikalas (St. Andrew Church, South Bend), Archdeacon Dionysios Papiris, Deacon Antonios Calash, Deacon Perry Hamalis, seminarians and altar boys. Also in attendance was National President of the Sisterhood of Presbyteras Pearlann Bithos, whose served in the community when her husband Stephen, of blessed memory, was the presiding priest.
Archbishop Elpidophoros, in his remarks to the community gathered, noted the significance of the church, St. Iakovos, saying, “Here we are – assembled as One Body in Christ, before the doors of your Temple, dedicated to the Brother of God and First Bishop of Jerusalem, Saint Iakovos. But of course, we cannot hear the name ‘Iakovos,’ and not think of the beloved Archbishop who shepherded the Greek Orthodox Christians of North and South America for nearly forty years. The resonance of both great Hierarchs is surely a blessing for this community!
The Archbishop also noted the resolve of the community, “As I look upon this crowd, I see faithful People of God, who, with sincere devotion and unflagging dedication, have labored to arrive at this moment – before these doors. All of you merit extraordinary blessings for the achievement represented by this Thyranoixia. You have labored long and hard to build this spiritual home, inspired by the words of the Prophet and King Solomon: I have built Thee an exalted house, a place for Thee to dwell in forever. And God will honor your faithfulness, as you go from strength to strength and from glory to glory in this House of Prayer.”
The parish, founded in 1981, has held church services in a number of places, most recently in its community hall. The Thyranoixia is the culmination of many years of hard work and sacrifice. As Fr. Greanias exclaimed, “We did it. Each and every one of us contributed to this. Whatever it was, you all gave, and all of us are responsible for this glorious day.”
Following the Vespers, a Celebration Gala was held on Saturday evening at Avalon Manor Banquets in nearby Merrillville and honored the founding fathers of the church. In addition to the Archbishop, Metropolitan, and Fr. Greanias’ moving remarks (Remarks can be found at the links in the comments), speakers included Building Committee Chairman Keith Hylek, and President of the Parish Council Loucas Eleftheri.
Earlier in the day, Archbishop Elpiodophoros and Metropolitan Nathanael attended a breakfast with clergy families and children at the Church Hall where the youngest members of the community had the chance to greet and spend time with the hierarchs.
Photos: St. Iakovos Church/Aimee Lee and John Lee
