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A Legacy of Faith and Community:

The History of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Media, Pennsylvania

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Early Greek Orthodox Presence in Delaware County (1915-1930s)


The history of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Media, Pennsylvania, is deeply rooted in the aspirations and faith of Greek immigrants who sought to preserve their Orthodox Christian traditions while establishing themselves in the United States. The first recorded effort to organize a Greek Orthodox community in Delaware County dates back to 1915, when a group of Greek families in Chester, PA, recognized the need for a church in the area.


Despite their initial enthusiasm, the project was ultimately disbanded by 1920 due to a decline in activity. However, the dream of having a Greek Orthodox parish in the area was rekindled in 1926. Unfortunately, the Great Depression soon followed, delaying the project indefinitely.


The Founding of St. George (1937-1950s)


The movement to establish a church gained momentum in 1937, when the Athena Sisterhood, the forerunner of the Philoptochos Society “Ai Miroforoi”, played a crucial role in rallying the community. They helped establish a Greek School and Sunday School, ensuring that both Orthodox faith and Greek heritage were passed down to future generations.


With an initial fundraising effort raising $3,700, the parishioners set their sights on acquiring a place of worship. By 1942, the funds had increased to $16,000, enabling them to purchase a stone house located on West Seventh Street, between Butler and Kerlin Streets. The church was finally built between 1949 and 1950, funded by community members and named in honor of St. George. The church’s godfather, Andrew Varikis, dedicated the parish in memory of his brother, who had tragically lost his life during World War I.


The Growing Parish and Relocation (1950s-1970s)


During the 1950s and 1960s, the Greek-American population in Delaware County experienced significant growth and suburbanization. Many parishioners began relocating to the suburbs, making it evident that St. George would eventually need to relocate and expand to better serve its congregation.


By 1966, a Building Committee was formed to explore options for relocation. After careful deliberation, in 1970, the committee acquired a six-acre site in rural Lima, Middletown Township, a location that offered both room for expansion and accessibility for the growing community.
A historic moment for the church took place on September 25, 1977, when the groundbreaking ceremony for the new St. George church was held. Just two years later, on September 9, 1979, Metropolitan Silas officiated the first Divine Liturgy at the newly constructed church on East Forge Road. On the same day, the Thyranoixia (Opening of the Doors) Service was performed, symbolizing a new chapter for the parish. The church’s benefactor, Lothar Budike, played a pivotal role in helping open the doors of this new house of worship.


Expansion and Development (1980s-1990s)


With the successful transition to its new location, St. George entered a new era of growth and community engagement. To meet the needs of its growing congregation and expanding ministries, St. George added more classrooms, meeting rooms, an event pavilion and storage facilities.


A Historic Visit – Archbishop Elpidophoros (2023)


A defining moment in the modern history of St. George took place on April 10, 2023, during Holy Week, when the parish welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. His visit marked the first time an Archbishop visited the church, a momentous occasion that strengthened the spiritual significance of the parish within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.


Founding Members


The following individuals played a key role in establishing and sustaining St. George:

  • Andrew Beldecos

  • John Chihlas

  • Kostantinos Hionis

  • Gregory Keffalas

  • Nick Moularakis

  • Nick Bourdakis

  • Demetrios Gouvelis

  • George A. Kapourelos

  • Panagiotes Makris

  • William Mehalopoulos

  • Peter Pahides

  • William Stolis

  • Louis Sitaras

  • Andrew Varikis

  • Giovanni Mallas

 

From its humble beginnings in 1915 to its establishment, growth, and expansion, St. George Greek Orthodox Church has remained a steadfast spiritual home for generations of Orthodox Christians. Through faith, perseverance, and dedication, the parish continues to thrive, preserving Orthodox Christian teachings and Hellenic heritage while welcoming all who seek the embrace of the Church.


As St. George looks toward the future, it remains committed to being a beacon of faith, culture, and service, ensuring that the next generation carries forward the rich traditions and values that have defined this remarkable community.

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