Ascension Greek Orthodox Church of Fairview
Ascension Greek Orthodox Church of Fairview serves the Orthodox Christian community of Fairview, New Jersey, offering regular worship services and preserving Greek Orthodox faith, traditions, and community life in the region.
Clergy:
Rev. Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Christos Pappas, Presiding Priest
Church Type:
Parish
Denomination:
Greek Orthodox
Metropolis:
Metropolis of New Jersey
Affiliation:
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Ecumenical Patriarch:
Bartholomew I of Constantinople
Clergy Information updated Jan 2026
History
The birth of Ascension Greek Orthodox Church of Fairview, New Jersey traces to the 1940s, when Greek Orthodox Christians of northern Hudson and Bergen Counties found themselves traveling to churches in Jersey City, Newark, and New York for worship. As more Greeks moved to the suburbs, a dedicated group began renting space on the second floor of a private house in Union City, New Jersey, to celebrate the Sunday Divine Liturgy closer to home. As the community continued to grow, the desire for a permanent church became urgent, and a group of founders gathered signatures and petitioned Archbishop Michael in early 1952 for permission to establish a new parish. When the application was rejected, the founders refused to be deterred, enlisted more followers, and pressed forward until the first General Assembly was held on May 25, 1952.
A Presbyterian church was available in Fairview, New Jersey, and despite the obstacle of limited funds the community moved forward with determination. The first Divine Liturgy in the new church was celebrated on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1952, a date that has held a special significance for the parish ever since, observed each year as the birthday of the community. Archbishop Michael granted the honor of naming the church to Mr. John Peterson, who became the church's godfather, and the parish was officially named the Greek Orthodox Church of the Ascension of Our Lord, its dedication chosen because the official opening coincided with the celebration of that great feast. In an extraordinary demonstration of communal resolve, the mortgage on the church was paid in full on May 6, 1953, less than seven months after the opening.
The parish grew rapidly through the late 1950s and early 1960s, establishing Greek School and Sunday School programs that attracted new families and expanded the congregation's reach beyond Fairview into Fort Lee and Bergenfield. The present church building sits atop the Fairview cliffs overlooking the Hudson Valley, its majestic Byzantine exterior and interior adorned with original icons commissioned and painted in Greece, including the great Pantocrator in the dome, visible from many miles away and a landmark of the Bergen County skyline.
Ascension Greek Orthodox Church at 101 Anderson Avenue in Fairview serves the Orthodox Christian faithful of northern Bergen County as a parish of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
This page serves as a reference resource for Ascension Greek Orthodox Church of Fairview, 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.
How to Get To Ascension
Upcoming Greek Events Closest to Fairview
Kazantzakis' Report to Greco, performed in Greek by Takis Chrysikakos.
Oct 23, 2026
Greek bazaar and food fair in Pawtucket, Oct 24 from 10 AM and Oct 25 from 11 AM.
Oct 24, 2026
AHEPA dinner dance with Palko Greek Music Band at Saint Sophia, DC.
Oct 24, 2026
Oxi Day celebration hosted by the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England
Oct 25, 2026
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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