Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church of Westchester
Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church of Westchester serves the Orthodox Christian community of Westchester, Illinois, offering regular worship services and preserving Greek Orthodox faith, traditions, and community life in the region.
Phone:
+1 (708) 562-2744
E-mail:
Website:
Clergy:
Rev. Economos George Dokos, Presiding Priest; Rev. Economos Nicholas Georgiou, Assistant Priest; Rev. Deacon Perry Hamalis
Church Type:
Parish
Denomination:
Greek Orthodox
Metropolis:
Metropolis of Chicago
Affiliation:
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Ecumenical Patriarch:
Bartholomew I of Constantinople
Clergy Information updated Jan 2026
History
On July 12, 1959, fifty families gathered in the gymnasium of the George F. Nixon Elementary School in Westchester, Illinois to celebrate the Divine Liturgy together for the first time. They were led by Father Bill Chiganos, a young priest who had just returned to Chicago from an assignment in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and who would guide the new community through its formative years. These founding men, women, and children stood together as one body of Christ, united by a shared vision of establishing a Greek Orthodox parish to serve the spiritual needs of the western suburbs of Chicago.
The community grew rapidly, and by 1961 had expanded to over 280 families who together raised enough funds to purchase the five acres of land on South Wolf Road that Holy Apostles now calls home. Construction on the church building began on June 6, 1964, the result of a design by noted architect Edward Dart, whose brick, limestone, and stone facade with green metal domes has made Holy Apostles one of the most architecturally distinctive Orthodox churches in the Chicago area. The first Divine Liturgy in the completed building was celebrated on Sunday, June 27, 1965. On June 1, 1975, Archbishop Iakovos consecrated Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in a service of grace, mystery, and beauty, completing the canonical standing of a community that had grown from a gymnasium gathering to a consecrated sanctuary in sixteen years.
One of the most striking features of the church's interior is its beautiful and colorful mosaic iconography, which complements and contrasts the dark brick and rich wood of the building's interior, giving the sanctuary an immediate visual richness that has drawn generations of faithful and visitors alike.
Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church at 2501 South Wolf Road in Westchester serves the Orthodox Christian faithful of the western suburbs of Chicago as a parish of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, a predominantly English-speaking, Christ-centered community of more than 700 steward families carrying forward the founding vision of fifty families in a school gymnasium.
This page serves as a reference resource for Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church of Westchester, 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 Holy Apostles
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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