A Brief History of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

O Lord, I have cried to thee; hear me, attend to the voice of my supplication, when I cry to thee.
— Psalm 141:1

This is how it all began in San Jose when some 75 families took the above words and with the Grace of God transformed them into a goal. Although the nucleus formed in the 30’s, the community officially began in 1945 when charters were issued from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of the Americas and from the State of California. From a choice of several sites, 1260 Davis Street was purchased for $5,500 in 1948. Several Protestant Churches in the area permitted us to use their Sanctuaries. Plans for a Church edifice were drawn up and completed in 1949. At last, in 1950 the dream of the Charter Members came true – Our own House of Worship.

Fathers Panagiotis Germanos, John Petropoulos, Constantine Statheros and George Mestakides gave pastoral guidance for the first nine years. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Athenagoras (presently Metropolitan Archbishop of Thyateira and England) conducted the Opening of the Doors Ceremony in 1950. During the same year the official name was given of St. Nicholas and Mr. Nick Ellis, Mrs. Christine Mack and Mr. Nick Lymberis became co-sponsors. Father George Makos assumed the duties of Pastor in 1954. In 1955 the Rt. Rev. Bishop Demetrios consecrated our Church. Under Fr. Makos’ guidance a Sunday School, Greek School and Youth Group were organized. The same year the Community Center was erected, many members, along with Philoptochos, Ahepa, Arcadians, and our fellow American friends contributed toward this building. Father Makos suffered a fatal heart attack in September 1961 and left a void in the hearts of those who loved him dearly. He was succeeded by Father Constantive Palassis and later Father Ireneus Churis. During this period our schools grew, the Parish House property was purchased at 980 Chapman Street and our membership steadily increased.

In March of 1963, as the request of Bishop Demetrios of our Western States Diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos assigned Father George Nicozisin as our Priest. In February 1964 the membership voted to expand our present Church by an additional 58 feet and add offices of our Community Center. This project was finished in June the same year at a cost of $55,000.00. In 1995 the additional pews were donated by the membership and installed. Also, the adjoining property was purchased, the old house razed, and the parking lot was completed.

The Parish House on Chapman Street was remodeled into a small School Building. During these past decades an unbelievable phenomenon had taken place in the Santa Clara Valley. The Space Age brought a multitude of industries and an unbelievable influx of newcomers to Santa Clara County. The 75 families multiplied into over 400 families. This has transpired in the last years because a handful of families “O Lord…cried out to thee”. Yes, nostalgically, we reflect in retrospect when a handful of Greeks migrated to this area with a ray of hope to perpetuate their faith, heritage and culture. But more than this, we pledge to build upon their past and show that we too are worthy of their labors; are ready to do our part.

by James Karas