Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church of Belleview
Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church of Belleview serves the Orthodox Christian community of Belleview, Florida, offering regular worship services and preserving Greek Orthodox faith, traditions, and community life in the region.
Clergy:
Rev. Presbyter Gabriel Gadah, Presiding Priest; Rev. Economos Alexander Lukashonok
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
Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church of Belleview, Florida was born from a miracle of community and improvisation in the closing weeks of 2003, when members of the greater Ocala area decided through the guidance of the Holy Spirit to found a new Greek Orthodox Mission. Father George Papadeas, whose years of service in Christ were already well-known and respected throughout the Metropolis of Atlanta, agreed to provide spiritual leadership and guidance to the new community.
In January 2004, the principal of Trinity Catholic High School offered the use of the school's chapel for the Mission's Sunday services and its cafeteria for the Agape coffee hour that followed. With no funds and no liturgical supplies, the founding community came together within one week to make the first liturgy possible. An altar cloth was sewn, makeshift icons were fashioned by enlarging internet graphics and mounting them on cardboard, essential liturgical supplies were provided by a retired priest in Miami, and on January 11, 2004, the first Divine Liturgy took place. Within two months the Mission had been formally incorporated with the State of Florida as the Greek Orthodox Mission of Greater Ocala and had already grown to twenty-five parishioners, with more joining every week.
That first Pascha together produced another miracle of improvisation and devotion: a parishioner constructed an Epitaphio from PVC pipes, and the women of the community decorated it with flowers, ferns, and greenery until it was a beautiful sight. The beloved Presbytera Bess Papadeas was present for that Easter celebration and participated in the joy of the Holy Resurrection. One week later she reposed in the Lord, leaving the community with the grace of her final Pascha as a parting gift.
Land at 9926 SE 36th Avenue in Belleview was purchased in January 2006, and through intense and constant fundraising the community paid off the mortgage within three years. A chapel was built on the property that continues to serve the parish as its worshipping home while the community works toward the construction of a permanent and proper church temple.
Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church at 9926 SE 36th Avenue in Belleview serves approximately 100 faithful on a typical Sunday and more than 75 pledged stewards as a parish of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, a community that describes its brief but colorful history as nothing short of a miracle through which the Holy Spirit continues to work.
This page serves as a reference resource for Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church of Belleview, 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 Saint Mark
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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