Who We Are - A Christ Centered - Loving Parish
The first Greek immigrants arrived in the city of Peabody area on or about the year 1900. As their numbers increased, they joined together in a community, and consolidating their meager savings, purchased a wooden structure on Walnut Street which they remodeled into a house of worship.
In January of 1906 they observed their first religious service together, and on February 26, 1906 were incorporated and chartered by the Commonwealth, naming their parish "St. Vasilios", after the great hierarch of church tradition.
As the parish expanded, the small building on Walnut Street became inadequate, and in 1912 land was purchased on English Street, later renamed Paleologos Street, for the construction of a new church.
The church was constructed and dedicated in 1917, and remains as our house of worship to this day. In 1923, a school building consisting of four classrooms was erected adjacent to the church for purposes of religious and cultural instruction.
In 1967, the present church complex was completed with the dedication of the Educational Center. In more recent years, the parish completed a land acquisition program for the purpose of developing much needed parking facilities.
During this time, St. Vasilios Church has also grown until it numbers approximately 1600 families in its membership. It continues to strive to bear more effective witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as expressed in the apostolic tradition and worship of the Greek Orthodox church. We invite you to also participate in this witness by joining the worship and fellowship of our parish.
Ministry Resources
ORTHODOX LIFE: MONTHLY BULLETIN
Archives of the St. Vasilios monthly bulletin Orthodox Life. Learn more »
PARISH MINISTRIES BOOKLET
Information about various ministries at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church Learn more »
Orthodox Marketplace
The official online store of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Learn more »
Send an Iconogram
Send a message to a loved one or a friend in celebration of a name day, feast day, or sacrament. Learn more »
Upcoming Events
2026 JULY CHURCH SERVICES > Click Here
2026 AUGUST CHURCH SERVICES > Click Here
Explanation of Hymns Following the Gospel
Apolytikion
The Apolytikion, or “dismissal hymn,” is a short Orthodox hymn that summarizes the meaning of a feast day or honors the saint of the day. Sung at Vespers, Matins, and the Divine Liturgy, it reflects the spiritual theme of the celebration.
Kontakion
A Kontakion is a short Orthodox hymn or “poetic sermon” that reflects the meaning of a feast or sacred theme. Originating in the Byzantine era, it was once a longer hymn, though today only its opening verses are typically sung in worship.
Sunday Worship Services (live streaming on 1st Sunday of the month only)
Orthros at 8:00 am
Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am
Memorial Service follows the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy
Special Liturgical Services & Commemorations
Service of Proskomide
The Proskomide, or Office of Oblation, is the preparation service for Holy Communion during the Divine Liturgy. Parishioners may submit names of the living and departed for commemoration by the priest during the service. Please provide names to the sexton in the narthex before Orthros begins.
Artoklasia
Artoklasia, meaning “breaking of bread,” is a special thanksgiving service offered on feast days or family occasions. Celebrated at the end of Divine Liturgy or Great Vespers, it commemorates Christ’s blessing of the five loaves that fed the five thousand. Please contact the church office at 978-531-0777 to schedule an Artoklasia.
Memorial Services & Kollyva
Kollyva, a blessed offering of boiled wheat, is prepared for Memorial Services in remembrance of the departed, especially the 40-day memorial. A Trisagion is a shorter memorial prayer service offered in church or at the gravesite without Kollyva. Please contact the church office at 978-531-0777 to schedule a Memorial Service.
Kollyva for Mercy Meals
Kollyva for the Mercy Meal following a funeral may be ordered through a parishioner volunteer. Please contact Niki at 978-578-7292for information or orders.