Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Dayton
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Dayton serves the Orthodox Christian community of Dayton, Ohio, offering regular worship services and preserving Greek Orthodox faith, traditions, and community life in the region.
Phone:
+1 (937) 224-0601
E-mail:
Website:
Clergy:
Rev. Economos Anthony Cook, Presiding Priest
Church Type:
Parish
Denomination:
Greek Orthodox
Metropolis:
Metropolis of Detroit
Affiliation:
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Ecumenical Patriarch:
Bartholomew I of Constantinople
Clergy Information updated Jan 2026
History
The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Dayton, Ohio was officially founded in 1921, when the Greek Orthodox community of the Miami Valley formally organized and a charter was signed under the laws of the State of Ohio. The first Greeks had arrived in Dayton considerably earlier, with archival material documenting Greek community life in the city stretching back to the 1880s, but it was in 1921 that the community coalesced into a recognized parish.
The young community's first significant acquisition came through a fund drive that raised $5,000, enabling the purchase of a small existing church at 15 South Robert Boulevard, giving the congregation its first permanent home. As the parish grew through the 1930s and 1940s, the arrival of engineers and professionals drawn to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base during World War II added considerably to the congregation's size and professional expertise, accelerating the community's building ambitions. Groundbreaking for the present church at 500 Belmonte Park North took place in 1945, with Apostolos Gelep overseeing construction in partnership with the architectural firm of Alexander K. Eugene Bros, Inc., at a total cost of $450,000. Wartime scarcity of materials caused extensive delays, and the cornerstone ceremonies did not take place until June 26, 1949. Full-time use of the undecorated edifice began on September 9, 1951, with the Philoptochos Society committing to purchase the pews and individual families donating icons to adorn the interior.
The Dayton community holds a particular distinction as the first parish in southern Ohio to establish a youth program, which grew into what is now known as the Greek Orthodox Youth of America, and its GOYA chapter continues to sponsor popular Metropolis-wide basketball tournaments. The parish was also the first in its region to establish a formal adult Greek School program alongside the children's instruction. The consecration of the church, presided over by Archbishop Iakovos assisted by Bishop Timothy and several area clergy, stands as the defining milestone in the parish's history, the moment when the building was formally pledged and dedicated to Christian worship forever.
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church at 500 Belmonte Park North in Dayton serves the Orthodox Christian faithful of the Miami Valley as a parish of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, a community of Americans, Greeks, Arabs, Romanians, Slavs, and many other nationalities united by a common Orthodox Christian faith and anchored to the Miami Valley for more than a century.
This page serves as a reference resource for Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Dayton, providing essential information such as location, contact details, clergy, and church affiliation. It is intended to help visitors and members of the Orthodox Christian community easily find accurate parish information in one place.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register as a member at a Greek Orthodox parish?
Parish membership is generally established by registering with the church office. Each parish may have its own process for enrollment and participation in parish life.
Can I attend services if I am not a registered member of the parish?
Greek Orthodox churches welcome visitors and non-members to attend services. Participation in sacraments may require coordination with the parish and priest.
How do I contact the parish priest for pastoral matters?
Pastoral requests are typically handled by the parish priest. The parish office can assist with contact details and help coordinate appointments or inquiries.
How do I register to baptize my child in the Greek Orthodox Church?
Baptism requests are handled by the local parish. The church will usually require documentation from the parents and godparent, along with coordination with the priest to schedule the baptism.
How do I request a wedding date at my Greek Orthodox church?
Wedding dates are scheduled through the parish office and priest. Availability depends on the church calendar, fasting periods, and parish guidelines, so it is recommended to inquire well in advance.
How do I obtain a copy of my Greek Orthodox marriage certificate?
Marriage certificates are typically issued by the church where the sacrament took place. To request a copy, contact the parish office directly and ask what information or identification is required.
How do I obtain a copy of my Greek Orthodox baptismal certificate?
Baptismal certificates are typically issued by the church where the baptism took place. To request a copy, contact the parish office directly and ask what information or identification is required.
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