Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church

As the Greek population in Waukegan increased in the early 20th century, the need for church facilities became a necessity for the Greek Community. By 1925, about sixty Greek families formed the Greek community, and yet, they still had no place to worship. Some of the well-established settlers took turns hosting religious services in their homes whenever a priest from Chicago or Milwaukee was available, which was about twice a year. Then in 1929, at a time when Waukegan was hit with severe depression and unemployment, like the rest of the country, the Greek community managed to pull themselves together and plan for their spiritual needs and facilities for the welfare of their children.

The first Parish Council members elected in 1929 were: Chris Conteas, President; Gust Koulentis, Vice-President; L. Constantanakis, Secretary; Sam Damos, Treasurer; Peter Canelakas, Gust Constantinidis, Peter Dracos, Peter Helis, John Kontoyannis, James Kyritsis, Peter Lambiris, James Nakis, John Pilafas, Charles Rafil.

In 1931, James Nakis, then the president of the parish council, with the parishioners’ approval, rented The German Ebenezer Congregational Church for $20 per month. However, to complete the lease agreement, an emergency General Assembly meeting was called to order, to decide a name for the church. It was then that St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Waukegan and North Chicago was chosen; and on the Sept. 25, 1931, Archbishop Athenagoras, who later became the Ecumenical Patriarch, appointed Archimandrite Kallistos Glavas to serve as a full-time priest to the St. Demetrios community.

Prior to 1942, St. Demetrios Church moved from one location to another, with no permanent house of worship. Then in June 1942, a downtown Waukegan building was bought with money received from the sale of a previously bought lot. This building was originally an old army armory.

In the mid 1950’s, there was an influx of New Greek immigrants arriving in Waukegan. The community grew and the existing facilities became inadequate. On April 29, 1959, a Groundbreaking Ceremony took place at the corner of Glen Flora and North Ave., and on July 4, 1960, Archbishop Iakovos officiated the Opening of the Door ceremony, assisted by Fr. George Nicozisin and Fr. Emmanuel Leonakis.

On Oct. 4, 1970, Bishop Timotheos and Metropolitan Paul of Ierissou from Greece, officially consecrated the church at which time the holy relics of St. George and St. Theodore were sealed in the Holy Table. Assisting with the consecration was Fr. Sarantos Serviou, the parish priest. Gus Gorgan was the parish council president.

In 1983, a parcel of 25 acres of land was purchased on O’Plaine Road, of which 10 acres were later sold. Fr. John Sardis was the parish priest and Bill Camacaris the parish council president. The property was paid off in just a few years, and the community worked on plans to build and move.

In May 2005, a special General Assembly met and voted unanimously to build a new church and Fellowship Hall on O’Plaine Road. In 2006, Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony on O’Plaine Road, assisted by Fr. Cosmas Halekakis, parish priest. John Iskalis was the parish council president.

In April 2008, Metropolitan Iakovos officiated at the Opening of the Doors ceremony of our new Church. God-willing, after decades of struggle, sacrifice and dedicated, our beloved Church has found her permanent home. Our new church continues to sacrifice and grow. Our bright gold dome shines like a beacon drawing new families, and it glows like a lighthouse welcoming our long-time members to their spiritual home.