Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church of Whitestone
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church of Whitestone serves the Orthodox Christian community of Whitestone, New York, offering regular worship services and preserving Greek Orthodox faith, traditions, and community life in the region.
Phone:
+1 (718) 767-2955
E-mail:
Website:
Clergy:
Rev. Presbyter Nicholas Paros, Presiding Priest
Church Type:
Parish
Denomination:
Greek Orthodox
Metropolis:
Archdiocesan District
Affiliation:
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Ecumenical Patriarch:
Bartholomew I of Constantinople
Clergy Information updated Jan 2026
History
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church of Whitestone, New York owes its existence to the determination and lifelong dream of one man. Elias Betzios, a longtime board member of the Saint Demetrios Church of Astoria, relocated his family to the Whitestone neighborhood of northeastern Queens and found himself too far from Astoria to worship there conveniently. He had always dreamed of helping to establish a new church, and his conversations with Archbishop Iakovos encouraged him to pursue that dream in Whitestone. A letter from Argiro Mari to the Archdiocese pleading for a new parish in the area lent further urgency to the effort, and Archbishop Iakovos gave his blessing for a new parish to be established.
With the help of his real estate broker and friend Theodore Theodorou, Betzios spent approximately two years searching for a suitable building. The search ended when they found the Epworth Methodist Church of Whitestone, whose small congregation was in financial distress and ultimately persuaded by their legal counsel to sell. An agreement to lease the building for $650 per month with an option to purchase was reached in June 1975, and the conversion of the former Methodist church into a Greek Orthodox house of worship began.
On Christmas Day, December 25, 1975, the doors of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church of Whitestone were opened for the first time, with Father John Skandalios conducting the first Divine Liturgy. Fundraising began immediately through family-style gatherings, and one year passed before the church was officially recognized by the Archdiocese. The community grew steadily as Greek Orthodox families throughout the Whitestone area heard the news, and by the second year three children were enrolled in the Greek Afternoon School program.
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church at 11-05 150th Street in Whitestone serves the Orthodox Christian faithful of northeastern Queens as a parish of the Direct Archdiocesan District of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, a community built from one man's dream, a two-year search, and a Christmas Day first Liturgy.
This page serves as a reference resource for Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church of Whitestone, 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 Cross
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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