Our Parish History
At the turn of the 20th century, Greek immigrants left family and the familiar in search of new opportunities in America. Many found those opportunities working in the mills and factories in Keene, NH. The money they earned supported family who remained in Greece and some were able to save enough to start a small business or pursue a career requiring specialized education or training.
1928 - Orthodox Liturgies in Keene
Work alone does not make a fulfilling life and, by the 1920’s, Greeks in southern New Hampshire and Vermont were longing for a place to practice their Orthodox faith and share cultural practices. On September 30th 1928, 32 Greek Orthodox families of Keene arranged to have Fr. John Michaelides from the Greek Orthodox Church in Fitchburg, MA celebrate services once each month in Keene. Without a church building, the first liturgies were celebrated in various places with parishioners contributing 50 cents each month to pay the priest’s salary and hall rental.
1930 – First Administrative Council Elected
By 1930, the Greek Orthodox community was firmly established and on October 20th 1930, 200 faithful elected the church’s first administrative council. During the next year these leaders worked together to organize a permanent self-sufficient parish.
1931 – First Church Constitution Adopted
On October 11, 1931, the first church constitution was adopted by 53 faithful and the Orthodox Community of St. George was officially approved by the Greek Orthodox Diocese in Boston. Worship services were initially held in Keene on Main Street at the Bon Ton Restaurant building and the St. John’s Block building, as well as the Episcopal Church on West Street.
1941 – Church Property Purchased
Ten years after the official founding of the St. George community, on July 16, 1941, the parish found its home with the purchase of the Faulkner Mansion at 70 West Street. Work soon began to transform the building into an appropriate house of worship. An iconostasis (partition of icons separating the altar from the main part of the church), colored glass windows, and a church office were some of the first modifications made.
1944 – Church Hall Dedicated
As envisioned in 1928, the Greek community now had a place to practice their Orthodox faith and soon they would be sharing meals, music and conversation in their church hall. The carriage house behind the church was converted to a gathering space which was dedicated by the parish on March 25th (Greek Independence Day) in 1944.
1960s – Church Renovations
In the early 1960s, the parish renovated the church interior. The beloved iconostasis with hand-painted sacred images was installed and still stands before the altar today. Beautiful new oak pews, then and now, contributed to St. George’s uniquely bright and warm aura.
1970s – A Vibrant Community
St. George continued to be a vibrant community as a self-sustaining parish with full-time pastors through the mid-1970’s. By the late 1970’s, due to financial considerations and the availability of priests, the parish was holding services only on Sundays.
2000 – Hellenic Hall Dedicated
After years of planning and fundraising, the parish constructed a large modern gathering space accessible from the church. The Hellenic Hall was dedicated on November 19, 2000 and serves as an attractive venue for social, educational, and cultural events for the St. George church family and the wider Keene community.
Today’s Orthodox Community of St. George
Today’s Orthodox Community of St. George is not a community of new Greek immigrants but of second, third and fourth generation Greek-American Orthodox, Orthodox Christians of other ethnicities, and converts to Orthodoxy. Both English and Greek languages are integrated into services and all are welcome.
Our Priests Since 1952
We have been blessed to have numerous priests serve our parish over the years. Unfortunately, church records are incomplete prior to 1952. The following lists clergy from 1952 to the present:
1952-1952: Fr. Christofors Tsarouhas
1953-1953: Fr. Athansios Hararis
1953-1956: Fr. Peter Koskores
1957-1958: Fr. Spencer Kezios
1958-1961: Fr. Elias Kalariotis
1961-1963: Fr. Joseph Antonakakis
1963-1972: Fr. George Papaloukas
1972-1973 Fr. John Mahalares
1973-1973 Fr. Timothy Andrews
1974-1978 Fr. James Karalexis
1978-1979: Fr. Theodore Stylianopoulos
1980-1981: Fr. Peter Kostakos
1981-2012: Fr. Theodore Stylianopoulos
2012-2015: Fr. Leo Scheffe
2015-2015: Fr. Emmanuel Lemelson
2015-2018: Fr. Eugene Pentiuc
2018-2021: Fr. Constantine Cambas
2021-2022: Fr. Robert Athas
2022-2022: Fr. George Parsenios
2022-2023: CH(MAJ) Chris Moody
2023-Present: Fr. Ephraim Peters
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