The 2000's - Parish Advancement - Accessible To All

History of the St. Vasilios Parish Advancement Campaign

The roots of the St. Vasilios Parish Advancement Campaign trace back to 2012, when under Parish Council President Sophia Nanis, a comprehensive Master Plan of the St. Vasilios campus was developed by the Spencer Preservation Group. This plan envisioned a long-term strategy to preserve, restore, and modernize the parish campus to meet the needs of future generations.

The first phase of that plan was realized in 2014 with the restoration of the Church Bell Towers and Roof, a major project that replaced the failing asphalt shingles with a seamless copper surface, and ensured the protection and preservation of the historic Byzantine style wood structure. Building upon this success, fundraising efforts continued under Parish Council President Pam Katsiris in 2015, resulting in meaningful accessibility improvements. These included a new handicapped entrance at the front of the church, a lift within the sanctuary, and accessible bathrooms on the office level. While these changes were greatly appreciated, the parish remained only partially accessible.

At this time, the St. Val’s Men’s Club began grassroots fundraising efforts for an elevator, highlighting the ongoing need for improved accessibility throughout the campus. However, no formal implementation plan was yet in place. Under Parish Council President Steve Stephanides in 2018, a formal elevator feasibility study was conducted, offering early conceptual designs and identifying potential solutions to improve access to all levels of the church and educational facilities. Unfortunately, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic stalled progress and delayed further planning.

In 2023, the vision was revived under Parish Council President John Maihos, who reignited the parish’s commitment to accessibility and modernization. The St. Vasilios Philoptochos Society held a fundraiser and contributed to this effort.  Recognizing the importance of a holistic approach, parish leadership unveiled a broader vision—not only to install an elevator but to reimagine the campus with universal access and modernized facilities that would better serve parishioners of all ages and abilities.

To lead this renewed effort, Christine Hasiotis Martins and Speros Venios were appointed as co-chairs of the newly formed Parish Advancement Committee, which launched the St. Vasilios Parish Advancement Campaign. The campaign’s scope grew beyond accessibility, incorporating architectural enhancements, energy efficiency improvements, and aesthetic updates that honored the parish’s rich history while preparing it for the future.

Planning went into full swing in mid 2023, as the parish re-engaged the Spencer Preservation Group to refine the designs and bring the revitalized vision to life. In 2024, under Parish Council President Dionisios Pissios, the campaign entered its most ambitious phase. Partnering with fundraising consultant Nick Chakos, the Parish Advancement Campaign set out to raise an additional $2 million to complete the project.

In June 2024, a contract was awarded to ZVI Construction of Brookline to bring this vision to reality. Under their construction management, the parish achieved the original scope of the project—construction of a four-stop elevator, creation of the Church–Educational Center connector, upgraded plumbing and electrical infrastructure, and fully accessible bathrooms in the Educational Center, along with a renovated lobby. As fundraising progressed successfully, the campaign was also able to include additional improvements such as air conditioning in the Parlor and Youth Rooms, and new floors, ceilings, and lighting throughout the lower level and classrooms. A Church iconography project was also integrated, enriching the spiritual beauty of the sanctuary and reinforcing the parish’s deep connection to its Orthodox faith.

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community, $1.2 million was secured through grants from Thomas Demakes and Family, the Gerondelis Foundation, and an anonymous donor, with an additional $700,000 pledged by parish stewards over the next three years. These contributions made it possible to complete the comprehensive renovations and fulfill the parish’s long-held dream of a fully accessible, welcoming, and modern campus.

Today, we celebrate the completion of this transformative project, representing nearly $3 million in improvements. The St. Vasilios Parish Advancement Campaign stands as a testament to the faith, vision, and generosity of our community—a legacy that will serve generations to come.

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