Greek Orthodox Church Purchases Roman Catholic Church Site

The Saint Athanasius the Great Greek Orthodox community in Arlington, MA announced today that it has purchased - with the blessing and support of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston - the St. James the Apostle Roman Catholic church property. The four-acre campus located at 4 Appleton Street / corner of Massachusetts Avenue, was purchased from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese for $6,000,000. After more than forty-one years at its location on 735 Massachusetts Avenue, across from Town Hall in Arlington, MA, the St. Athanasius community is moving into a new, notably larger site to accommodate the growing Parish needs of over 800 families. The official name of the new church remains Saint Athanasius the Great.

The final Divine Liturgy at the 735 Massachusetts Avenue location will take place on Sunday, November 27, 2005. Following the Liturgy, the entire parish, led by Fr. Nicholas M. Kastanas, will mark the ecclesiastical transition with a traditional Eastern Orthodox procession up Massachusetts Avenue to their new home. Upon arriving, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a warm reception for all.

On Saturday, December 3, 2005 at 7:30 pm, the first Greek Orthodox religious service at the new site will be an evening Vespers Service celebrating the feast day of St. Barbara the Great Martyr. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios will officiate with many area clergy participating.

The new Appleton Street church complex readily accommodates the needs of the congregation. It offers ample parking, classroom space, social areas, and a chapel in the community center to be dedicated to St. James (St. Iakovos). Additionally, the complex’s third building is a full school which is currently being offered for lease to the community at large. It contains 14 classrooms, a number of rooms for faculty and administration, plus spacious student recreational facilities.

This endeavor was made possible with the prayers and the financial support of countless individuals. The fundraising effort continues in earnest. Anyone interested in contributing to this major undertaking can make a tax-deductible donation to the "Saint Athanasius Share the Vision Fund", Four Appleton St., Arlington MA 02476.

The Parish membership wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to all who helped make this dream a reality. “Glory be to God for all things” said Fr. Nicholas M. Kastanas.

The church office can be reached at (781) 646-0705 or parishcouncil@saintathanasius.org for any questions or additional information.