The church was filled to standing room only on Sunday, June 15, 2025, for the first Divine Liturgy in the newly-opened St. Iakovos Church in Valparaiso, Indiana, the only St. Iakovos Church in the United States.
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, joined by Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago, Bishop Timothy of Hexamillion, parish priest Fr. James Greanias, Fr. Chris. Constantinides, Archdeacon Dionysios Papiris, Deacon Antonios Halash and Deacon Perry Hamalis. The chanters’ exquisite voices, led by Mari McMullen, added to the overall beauty of the Vespers and Divine Liturgy.
While small in number, the community of approximately 150 families is large in its faith and dedication to St. Iakovos. Originally established in 1981, services have been held in a number of places throughout the years until finally the church held its Thyranoixia (door-opening) on Saturday, June 14, 2025, completing many years of sacrifice and service to build a church that will serve northwestern Indiana. The community continues to grow year after year, and in the past twelve months more than twenty-eight catechumens were baptized or chrismated. Dozens of children were present at this momentous Divine Liturgy; some will remember this day while others are too young to retain the memory, but each of them will assure the present fullness and the future growth of St. Iakovos Church.
The parish is also home to Orthodox Christians of various ethnicities, with the Lord’s Prayer recited in English, Greek, Serbian and Arabic.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a Memorial Service was held for Metropolitan Iakovos of blessed memory, former Metropolitan of Chicago, and members of the community who have passed from this life.
In a touching moment, on behalf of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop Elpidophoros, joined by Metropolitan Nathanael, elevated Fr. Greanias to Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne, the highest offikion for a married priest. Overcome with emotion, Fr. Greanias thanked His All-Holiness, the Archbishop, and the Metropolitan for this tremendous honor. He also thanked the entire community for their time, talents, and treasure for St. Iakovos Church and the glorification of God.
The humble pride and excitement of each member of the parish was witnessed in each person’s smile and greeting. The future is indeed bright in Valparaiso.
✍️: Marissa Costidis, 📸: St. Iakovos Church/Aimee Lee and John Lee.
