Saint George Greek Orthodox Church of Knoxville
Saint George Greek Orthodox Church of Knoxville serves the Orthodox Christian community of Knoxville, Tennessee, offering regular worship services and preserving Greek Orthodox faith, traditions, and community life in the region.
Phone:
+1 (865) 522-5043
E-mail:
Website:
Clergy:
V. Rev. Archimandrite Dionysios Lampropoulos, Presiding Priest; Rev. Protopresbyter Anthony Stratis, Priest Emeritus
Church Type:
Parish
Denomination:
Greek Orthodox
Metropolis:
Metropolis of Atlanta
Affiliation:
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Ecumenical Patriarch:
Bartholomew I of Constantinople
Clergy Information updated Jan 2026
History
The Greek Orthodox community of Knoxville traces its roots to approximately 1915, when the Nicola Cazana family arrived in East Tennessee, soon followed by other Greek families who made the region their home. In 1934, as the community grew and its desire for organized Hellenic life deepened, the Saint George Hellenic Community Club was established. The first Greek Orthodox Divine Liturgy in Knoxville was celebrated in 1935 by Father Demetrios Cassis, marking the formal beginning of parish life in the city.
As the congregation continued to grow through the mid-twentieth century, property was purchased on Kingston Pike and a new church was built at 4070 Kingston Pike. The Door Opening service was held in 1968, and the altar was consecrated in 1978. Constructed in the Byzantine architectural style and adorned with beautiful mosaic iconography, the building became one of the finest examples of Byzantine sacred art in the American Southeast, its mosaics the work of a renowned Italian iconographer.
On Orthodox Easter Sunday, April 12, 2015, a devastating fire broke out at Saint George, with flames climbing the walls into the rafters and causing extensive damage to the sanctuary, stained glass windows, and mosaics. Miraculously, many of the church's precious icons survived. In June 2015 the congregation gathered to thank the Knoxville Fire Department, and the annual Greekfest was held as scheduled that September, a testament to the community's resilience. The restoration of the church, which cost over five million dollars and was covered by insurance, was completed in 2019. The original Italian iconographer agreed to assist in restoring the mosaics, and the reopening service was attended by 275 people. Members of the parish described the fire not as a devastating blow but as a unifying event that drew the congregation closer together.
Saint George Greek Orthodox Church at 4070 Kingston Pike in Knoxville serves the Orthodox Christian faithful of East Tennessee as a parish of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta, a community that has grown from a single immigrant family's arrival more than a century ago into a vibrant pan-Orthodox congregation and a beloved cultural institution in the heart of the city.
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This page serves as a reference resource for Saint George Greek Orthodox Church of Knoxville, 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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