Brief Sketch of the History of
Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church
Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church
- 1913 - First Greeks began settling in Santa Cruz, California.
- 1978 - "Yasou" letter was sent out about organizing a church. Orthodox Christians, numbering 125, were identified. The first meeting held. Monies were collected under the name "Greek Orthodox Missionary Church Fund of Santa Cruz County." The first service held at the Seventh Day Adventist Chapel on November 26th.
- 1979 - Steering Committee organized and a budget of $12,750 was adopted. The community was chartered as a non-profit organization. On July 1th, the parish adopted By-Laws. On December 15th, Fr. John Karastamatis was appointed as the first full-time priest and served the community until his death in 1985. Church services were held at the Monterey Bay Academy.
- 1980 - On February 4th, Bishop Anthony visits. That same day a Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos was established in Santa Cruz. Soon afterward, the parish adopted Prophet Elias as its patron saint. In May, the community began holding services at the Chapel of the Poor Clare's Monastery in Aptos. On October 18th, a Sunday School was established. On October 25th, a Greek School was established. On October 23th, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America granted a charter and the community was officially recognized as a parish.
- 1981 - On November 15th, a General Assembly voted to purchase the Wessendorf and Holmes Mortuary at 223 Church Street in Santa Cruz. The Douglas Family, on behalf of the community, purchased the property on December 22nd. Renovations began transforming the building into an Orthodox house of worship.
- 1982 - On Sunday, February 21st, the first liturgy was celebrated at the 223 Church Street edifice. In April, Greek dancing classes were offered.
- 1983 - On July 17th, icons were installed on the iconostasion. On July 21st, the ownership of the 223 Church Street building was transferred from the Douglas Family to the parish.
- 1986 - In September, the installation of stained glass windows began in the church.
- 1989 - Church survived the 7.1 earthquake on October 17th with no structural damage.
- 1994 - Very Rev. Fr. Meletios Webber appointed as priest and served until 2005.
- 1996 - A narthex was constructed. Iconography by Tatiana Grant was commissioned for the protheseis, the platyera and the doors of paradise.
- 2004 - Major renovation began on the church building and ended May 2005.
