PALOS HILLS, IL – Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Palos Hills celebrated its 115th Anniversary on September 28 and the 114th year of its full day PreK-8th Grade Greek Orthodox school, Koraes Elementary School. Koraes currently has 197 students enrolled. The school will graduate is 109th 8th grade class in 2025.

The community shared its history with The National Herald, noting that the church was officially organized on April 25, 1909. Its first location was on 61st Street and Michigan Avenue. The full day school, Koraes Elementary School, opened in 1910.

The community commented on the meaning of celebrating 115 years within the Palos Hills community, noting that “we are celebrating 115 years as a parish, and 50 years in Palos Hills. This momentous occasion is an important reminder of the dedication of our community to the Orthodox faith and their Hellenic cultural heritage that has persisted for over a century from families who come from across the south and western suburbs, the city of Chicago and beyond. Additionally, we have grown as a community and welcome many parishioners from many ethnic backgrounds who are excited to be a part of such a supportive, active and family orientated community. The support of Palos Hills over the last 50 years has been tremendous and we are grateful to have such a positive relationship with our city, public works and emergency service departments.”

“Our Church and School facilities are truly a testament to the support of our parishioners and Koraes School families. We have a full soccer field and baseball diamond (Kladis Field), a full size gym/auditorium (Pierre Austin Demets Auditorium) and an event space, Graven Hall, that can accommodate up to 350 guests. Graven Hall was just recently completely renovated and dedicated in honor of benevolent stewards, John and Anastasia Graven. Last spring, a new outdoor patio project was completed in the back of our facility, which will be dedicated soon, with new lighting, planter boxes, landscaping and entrances to Graven Hall. Our school has a large playground space, an expansion of which is currently in progress due to the generous fundraising efforts of our Koraes School Families. Additionally, the hall, gymnasium, lobby, offices and school’s roofs were replaced as well as the school’s HVAC systems. Overall improvements to all the facilities in regards to lighting, plumbing and electrical have been completed or are well on their way to being completed.”

“In 2023, we had 585 Individual Stewards or Steward Families, and as we look at our stewardship numbers this year we hope to grow and bring more people to the love of Christ and His Church.

“Our liturgical cycle is very robust. Every Sunday morning, we gather for communal worship. Our Matins service begins at 8:15 AM and The Divine Liturgy at 9:30 AM. We encourage all in our community, and the wider community of Palos Hills to join us as we are open to all. Throughout the year, Divine Liturgies are held during the week for the feasts of the saints as well as the salutation and paraklesis services to the Mother of God. During the different times of the year, such as the Advent Season and the Lenten Season, many more services are added to the liturgical cycle and calendar.”

Of what makes the church so special, the community noted that “when a community of believers comes together in faith and the love of Christ, then He is present. For 115 years this community, through four different edifices and areas of the city of Chicago and now in the southwestern suburb of Palos Hills, has been a bastion of faith, witness, worship and fellowship for tens of thousands of believers. The early immigrant families established a community that kept its traditions and faith alive for the following generations. Through the Church and Koraes School, the faith was spread and the cultural heritage of our forefathers and mothers was preserved and imparted to future generations. Having a parochial school where generations of Orthodox students have been taught and have lived their faith is quite unique. The dynamic combination of Church and School has been one that has preserved this community, has grown this community, has spread the faith and has brought the love of Christ to all that have been part of them.”

Presiding priest Rev. Father Chris Avramopoulos noted: “As we celebrate the 115th anniversary of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, I reflect on the profound impact this parish has had on the faithful and the broader community. This milestone signifies not only a rich history of the spiritual growth, Hellenism and fellowship of its people but also the enduring commitment of our congregation to preserving and sharing our Orthodox faith. Saints Constantine and Helen has stood as a beacon of faith, cultural heritage, service, and philanthropy for generations, and their legacy continues to inspire and strengthen our collective journey in Christ. As we look to the future and continuing to grow this great gift that we have inherited, let us heed the words of St. Paul who says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”(Hebrews 10:23).

On September 28, the community celebrated its 115th in the parish’s newly renovated and renamed, Graven Hall. The event featured cocktails and appetizers on the patio, followed by a five-course plated meal. The evening was emceed by Basile the Comedian and included entertainment from Ormi Orchestra. On September 29, they celebrated the Divine Liturgy with the Rev. Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Elias Villis, who was born and raised in Chicago, IL, and attended the community’s sister parish of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Justice. In addition, the Koraes School will be hosting its 8th Annual Gala, ‘A Night at the Disco’ on October 19 at Gibsons Bar and Steakhouse Oak Brook. Tickets are available online: https://www.stconstantinehelen.org/events.

The parish is led by Rev. Father Avramopoulos, who is assisted by Rev. Father Nicholas Dahdal, and lay assistant Mr. Theodore Kontoravdis.
All are welcome to come and visit. It should be noted that the annual Palos Hills Greek Fest will be held August 16-17, 2025. Also, Koraes Elementary School is currently raffling off two tickets to see Taylor Swift live at her second to last Eras Concert (also included is hotel and spending cash), proceeds will benefit the school and help to cover the costs of the new roof. Raffle tickets are available online through October 20: https://shorturl.at/l9jzr.