Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Elmhurst
Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Elmhurst serves the Orthodox Christian community of Elmhurst, Illinois, offering regular worship services and preserving Greek Orthodox faith, traditions, and community life in the region.
Phone:
+1 (630) 834-7010
E-mail:
Website:
Clergy:
Rev. Economos Stamatios S#kas, Presiding Priest
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
Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Elmhurst, Illinois was born from the westward migration of Chicago's Greek families in the mid-1960s. As suburban life drew more and more Greek Orthodox families to the western suburbs of the city, about a dozen people came together in 1966 to establish a parish close to home. Under the leadership of Ted Dulles and his Founding Fathers Committee, the fledgling community raised support and funds, explored names including All Saints and Saint Sophia, and by 1967 had received its charter from the Greek Orthodox Diocese of North and South America as Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of DuPage County. An early home was secured in the Immanuel Lutheran Church, where the young parish set down its first roots.
On February 21, 1970, fire gutted the Immanuel Lutheran building entirely. The community rallied immediately, securing space in the gymnasium of a nearby Lutheran church while searching for a permanent solution. Miraculously, the chalice set, a gift from the Philoptochos Society, and the Kouvouklion that houses the Epitaphios both survived the fire and remain in use at the parish to this day. The Parish Council soon voted to purchase the vacated building of Elmhurst's Churchville Junior High School just down the street. The west building was torn down, the east building renovated, and the south side was reworked as a temporary church while a proper sanctuary was planned. The school was named Pythagoras, and the permanent church was completed under the supervision of Father Panagiotis Malamis and a tireless Parish Council, with outstanding architects, builders, and an iconographer combining their talents to create the beautiful church and adjacent school that stands today at 893 Church Road.
The Pythagoras Children's Academy opened in 1998, originally serving preschool through second grade and eventually expanding through fifth grade, with a Saturday Greek School program added in 2012. The parish serves approximately 600 families in Chicago's western suburbs as a parish of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, a community that turned fire and displacement into the foundation of one of the most vibrant Greek Orthodox parishes in the Chicago area.
This page serves as a reference resource for Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Elmhurst, 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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