St. John Greek Orthodox Church of Charleston
St. John Greek Orthodox Church of Charleston serves the Orthodox Christian community of Charleston, West Virginia, offering regular worship services and preserving Greek Orthodox faith, traditions, and community life in the region.
Clergy:
Rev. Presbyter Isaac Williams, Presiding Priest
Church Type:
Parish
Denomination:
Greek Orthodox
Metropolis:
Metropolis of Pittsburgh
Affiliation:
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Ecumenical Patriarch:
Bartholomew I of Constantinople
Clergy Information updated Jan 2026
History
Saint John Greek Orthodox Church of Charleston, West Virginia was founded in 1957, the product of the sustained determination of two groups that together made it possible: the Ladies Hellenic Society, whose members accomplished the practical work of establishing the church, and the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, whose encouragement gave the effort its organizational momentum. The Charleston Greek community decided to purchase a church building in the Kanawha City neighborhood and dedicate it to Saint John the Forerunner, the great prophet who baptized Christ in the Jordan and is venerated throughout the Orthodox world as one of its most beloved saints.
After the community appointed a formal committee on October 20, 1957, it met with Father Constantine Mitsopoulos of Huntington and Bishop Polyefktos to formalize recognition by the Archdiocese. Plans were drawn up for an extensive remodeling of the building, work began on November 10, and the community progressed sufficiently to celebrate its first Divine Liturgy at Saint John on Christmas Day, 1957, a fitting occasion for the inaugural service of a parish named for the Forerunner of Christ.
Saint John Greek Orthodox Church at 3512 MacCorkle Avenue S.E. in Charleston serves the Orthodox Christian faithful of the Kanawha Valley as a warm, family-oriented parish of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, conducting services primarily in English while honoring the ancient Christian tradition with hymns in Greek.
This page serves as a reference resource for St. John Greek Orthodox Church of Charleston, 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 St. John
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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