Commemorating its 60th Anniversary

A Brief History of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

By William G. Poulos

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Stability & Growth

Part 2 of 3

Under Father Burdusi's direction and guidance, the Parish's organizations and ministries have continued to thrive. The Ladies Philoptochos Society, the Afternoon creek School, the Ecclesiastical Choir, the Sunday school and all of the youth groups have expanded upon the legacy and firm foundation passed on to them.

In addition, two important groups were added to the category of permanent Parish Organizations. One of them, JOY, which was reestablished, brings together the younger parishioners; while the other, the St. Nicholas Diamonds, focuseson the Parish's senior citizens.

The St. Nicholas JOY, which was a part of the in-parish level youth ministry program to children between the ages of nine and eleven since 1985, became a completely in house ministry in 1993.

The St. Nicholas Diamonds founded in 1998, addresses the social and spiritual needs of the community's seniors. The group takes trips, sponsors social affairs, organizes retreats and assists in Festival preparation and the Vacation Bible School.

The addition of these two parish organizations to the many successful existing ones insures that the entire Church Family, regardless of age, will have a forum in which to participate in the life of the Church and express and share their Greek heritage. Perhaps the most notable feature of the 1990s and the new millennium is that the Parish embarked upon an extensive program of property acquisition, renovation and construction designed to enhance the Church's facilities and services and stabilize the neighborhood surrounding the Church.

The purchase of several properties around the Church resulted in additional off- street parking for parishioners. The purchase and renovation of the Baltimore Market located next door to the Church added a third community social hail.

In November 2000, the Ladies' Philoptochos Society purchased the property at 601 S. Ponca St. The newly remodeled building became the long hoped and 'prayed for facility to house those coming to Baltimore seeking medical care. The Phioxenia House was dedicated on November 10, 2001, as the crowning achievement of the St. Nicholas Philoptochos Society's long and honorable history of Christian service to those in need.

The most significant capital improvement 'project to date is the Plateia project. The Plateia, multi-level banquet facility and community center, is the result of the 'Parish's desire to provide a year round venue for Parish social activities and to develop a source of revenue for the community.

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