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Church History
Panaghia of Island Park
Past, Present, & Future
1981 – Present
Our story began in March of 1960, when the Icon of Panaghia – The Virgin Mary teared in the home of Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Catsounis in Island Park. It is this miracle that showed our community the sign, and the duty to form the beautiful parish that stands today.
On February 1, 1981, the first organizational meetings were held. Peter Karlis was elected president, Arthur Katsafouros Vice President, Sam Diaconis Secretary, and Peter Lambrou as Treasurer. This admirable group of officers were the backbone of the Panaghia of Island Park story, as they continued to provide for the church as it grew, and became what it is today. A week later, on February 8, 1981 the first pledges were given to help jump start the community. In July of that year, His Eminence Metropolitan Silas attended a meeting, and the parish achieved the recognition of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and officially chose the name “Kimisis Tis Theotokou – Panaghia of Island Park”
The first Divine Liturgy was conducted on November 9, 1981 (the Feast of St. Nektarios) in the early morning hours by Fr. Nikolaos Psaros. The church was full for this historic occasion. The service was held in the brand-new church, which was originally where our current main office, Greek School, and priest’s office is today. Our beautiful church in which we worship today was not built until later. In 1982, the First Annual Dance, first Pascha services, and first Annual Festival were held.
In May 1982, Fr. Nick Papageorge with his extended experience, came to Island Park, along with Presbytera Madeline. Presbytera was head of the Sunday School and along with Fr. Nick, assisted with the start of all regular church programs. Fr. Nick guided the church for three years. At this time, Yola Pittakas became our first Church Secretary, holding the position for four years. Her service promoted the community in an extraordinary manner, and her commitment to our parish was evident, and still is today.
In 1985, due to an illness, Fr. Nick Papageorge was replaced by Fr. Gregory Constantinos. During Fr. Gregory’s year of service, he instituted a Senior Citizens monthly program and a Sunday sermon for the youth.
On July 1, 1986, Fr. George Kalangis became our priest and served for two years. He began a series of luncheons designed to provide funds for the construction of a Shrine on the Church grounds. The following May, a group of parishioners with friends & relatives went on a memorable trip to the Holy Land.
On November 1, 1988, Fr. Nick Retselas became our parish priest and served until 2005. With experience and knowledge of the area, Fr. Nick immediately began renovating the church office, altar, and Choir Loft. The choir performed under the direction of John Galanoudis. For this first time, the adults choir began Christmas Caroling and began visiting the homes of parishioners to sing the Kalanda. The choir was also chanting during Divine Liturgy on Sundays, and on all major feast days.
At the General Assembly Meeting of February 1989, the parish agreed to hire an expert architect to help with the construction of the “New Church” in the lot next door (where the church office was). On June 11, 1989, His Grace Bishop Philotheos of Meloa conducted the Groundbreaking Ceremony. His Grace then conducted a fundraising drive, which brought in many pledges and donations. On April 12, 1990, the house where the church office was, got knocked down and excavation for a foundation began. Along with this, came the extension of the hall and the renovations of the restrooms. The goal was to encourage more community events and assist in the growth of the church community.
In May 1991, Artemios Gavalas was hired as the supervising general contractor after the approval of the construction plans. At this time the church hall was complete with renovations.
On November 21, 1993 (the feast of the Presentation of our Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple), we permanently moved into the “New Church.” During this period up until the Feast Day of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15, 1994, many additions came to the church. Parishioners donated pews, the ikonostasi, and the stasidia (standing seats). The marble floors were installed, some iconography was put up (including the Platyera, Pandocratora, and Zoodoghos Peghe), and the church was painted.
On Monday, August 15, 1994, His Grace Bishop Philotheos of Meloa returned to our parish with great excitement. His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos of North & South America visited our parish for the first time and performed the official grand opening ceremony. His Eminence knocked on the locked door of the church and said “Open the gates to enter the King of Glory!” and to the question: “Who is the King of Glory?” His Eminence answered, “The mighty Lord and powerful, the Lord who is strong in war, this is the King of Glory!” Following this ceremony, the first Archieratical Divine Liturgy, with His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos, His Grace Bishop Philotheos, Fr. Nick, and Deacon Peter Orfanakos was held. This was also the first Divine Liturgy in the permanent new church, marking a moment of great significance in the history of our community.
In 1994, with the help and contributions of several parishioners, particularly through the generous contribution of Mike Demas, the balance of our mortgage was paid off. On May 23, 1999 His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon performed the consecration of our Church placing the relics of St. Panteleimon, St.Kyrikos, and the Holy Fathers martyred in Sinai at Raitho in the Holy Altar.
Our parish then continued to grow, all thanks to the hard work of the dedicated Parish Council, parishioners, and of course Fr. Nick Retselas. May his memory be forever eternal! After Fr. Nick reposed in the Lord, Fr. Apostolos Panos, Fr. Constantine Combitsis, and Fr. Demetrios Kehagias each briefly served our parish.
In 2016, Hurricane Sandy caused significant damage to the church. Under the leadership of Fr. John Paizis and Parish Council President, Peter Rizik, new HVAC systems were installed and the kitchen and parish hall were renovated.
In 2018, the “Panaghia” sign at the corner of Long Beach Road and Newport was installed. The sign was donated in memory of Jordan Salomides.
In January 2022, our community was blessed to receive the dynamic Fr. George Kazoulis as our parish priest. His passion, energy, and steadfast commitment to the ministry of our church along with the support of the Parish Council and dedication of President George Nikias revived and strengthened our parish. Fr. George brought new life, warmth, and visionary leadership to Panaghia. Under his faithful guidance we saw a revival of our ministries and programs. Fr. George, together with the expertise and dedication of Presbytera Dimitra, brought renewed energy to our parish’s youth initiatives. Their leadership revitalized the Greek School, Sunday School, HOPE/JOY, and GOYA, introducing greater structure and enthusiasm to all aspects of these programs. By focusing on meaningful faith formation, they created opportunities for children and teens to grow spiritually, deepen their understanding of their heritage, and actively participate in parish life. In addition, he championed the creation of Panaghia’s playroom, revitalized the Mommy & Me Little Angels program, and launched our Blessed Beginnings Toddler Learning Program, providing important early spiritual and social formation for our youngest families.
Fr. George’s pastoral vision also shaped our physical and spiritual home. Through his guidance and care, the majority of our church is now adorned with beautiful iconography, and we are in the final stages of completing this transformative project. His devotion elevated our prayer life and worship—deepening the faith of parishioners and drawing more people into regular participation and fellowship. Numerous donations of new ecclesiastical items, including altar boy robes, new kandilia at the temblo, embroidered altar covers, icon stands, and much more have upgraded and beautified our church.
Fr. George, our Parish Council and President George Nikias have played a vital role in fostering a strong sense of community within our parish. Annual events and fundraisers unite us in fellowship and service, while allowing parishioners to strengthen their bonds and encourage a spirit of generosity and togetherness.
Looking ahead we are continuing to make significant progress toward expanding our parish. We are actively pursuing the opportunity to acquire additional property to accommodate the growth of our ministries. Plans are also underway to complete the renovations of our kitchen and parish hall. These efforts will provide enhanced spaces and resources for all our programs and ministries, ensuring greater opportunities for participation and enrichment within our community.
With faith and optimism, we look ahead as we continue to lay the groundwork and build for our future.
It All Began With a Miracle
On March 16, 1960, at approximately 8:30 p.m., in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Panagiotis Catsounis of Island Park, a miraculous event took place. As Mrs. Catsounis began to pray, the icon of the Panaghia, the Weeping Mother, was seen shedding a tear.
The icon—simple in form, printed on plain paper—began to weep within their home, bearing witness to a moment of profound grace and faith
Two days later, Archbishop Iakovos personally came to Island Park to witness this miracle. By his directive, the sacred icon was subsequently entrusted to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. Paul, where it was preserved with great reverence.
Later that same year, on April 13 during Holy Week, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Koulis of Oceanside experienced a similar miracle with another icon of the Panaghia. This icon, bleeding from the cheek, also began to weep within their home.
The following day, Archbishop Iakovos returned to Long Island and witnessed yet another sign of God’s grace. The second weeping icon was likewise brought to St. Paul’s Cathedral, where the two icons wept side by side, a powerful testimony of faith for all who beheld them.
These events marked two of the three miraculous occurrences involving icons of the Panaghia that took place during the spring of 1960, bearing lasting witness to the faith of the faithful and the presence of God’s grace among His people.
