Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church of New York
Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church of New York serves the Orthodox Christian community of New York, New York, offering regular worship services and preserving Greek Orthodox faith, traditions, and community life in the region.
Clergy:
Rev. Protopresbyter George Anastasiou, 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
Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church of New York stands as one of the most storied and singular Greek Orthodox parishes in the United States, a small stone sanctuary in the heart of Manhattan's Chinatown that bears witness to layers of immigrant history stretching back more than a century.
The building at 27 Forsyth Street has its own history predating the parish. It was originally constructed in 1892 as a synagogue for the Congregation Kol Israel Anshe Poland, serving the waves of Jewish immigrants who made the Lower East Side their first home in America. When the synagogue was foreclosed upon in 1926, a community of Greek Orthodox immigrants acquired the property, and in 1934 the deed was formally signed and the building was consecrated as Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church. In the years that followed, newly arriving families from Greece found spiritual solace at her door, and the church became a thriving center of Greek Orthodox life on the Lower East Side, a neighborhood that had successively sheltered Germans, Jews, Greeks, and eventually the Chinese community that surrounds it today.
During World War II, Saint Barbara held special significance as the patron saint of firefighters and artillerymen, and the church was a haven for those connected to the war effort. As the decades passed and the Greek community of Lower Manhattan dispersed to other boroughs and suburbs, the congregation grew smaller. The parish is today maintained by the second, third, and fourth generation descendants of the original immigrants, sustained in large part by the generosity of Orthodox Christians from across the country who recognize the historical and spiritual significance of keeping her doors open.
After September 11, 2001, when Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church on Cedar Street was destroyed in the collapse of the South Tower, Saint Barbara became the only Greek Orthodox church remaining on the Lower East Side, a role it continues to hold to this day. Visible to all who exit eastbound from the Manhattan Bridge, its Romanesque stone tower is a quiet landmark of New York's immigrant history and a living witness to the Greek Orthodox faith in lower Manhattan. Today, Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church stands at 27 Forsyth Street as a parish of the Direct Archdiocesan District of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
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This page serves as a reference resource for Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church of New York, 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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