In 1928, during the first signs of the Great Depression, a few determined Greek Orthodox families formed Saint Demetrios Church in Newark, NJ.

Throughout the following years the parish was relocated to various sites in Newark until settling at a church on Clinton Avenue in 1947. The church remained there until moving to its current location at 721 Rahway Avenue, Union, NJ in 1983.

This year the community is celebrating its 75th Anniversary with cultural and educational programs.

The following is an outline of the functions scheduled throughout the year.

• April 12, 2003

  Lenten & Easter Hymnology of Byzantine & Slavonic Music, presented by the Byzantine choir of the Russian Cathedral of New York under the direction of Maestro Demetris Fousteris.

  The concert, which begins at 7:30 PM, will be performed in the church located at 721 Rahway Avenue, Union, NJ. A donation of $20 also includes coffee and pastries served in the church hall following the concert.

• June 14, 2003

  The dinner cruise, aboard the Cornucopia, leaves from Perth Amboy at 5PM and returns at 1AM. All are welcome. Tickets are $85 per person and reservations must be made by June 1st.

 

• September 4,5,6 and 7, 2003

  The annual Greek Festival allows everyone to be "a Greek for a Day". Great food and live music and performances by the Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey highlight the weekend, which will be extra special this year in celebration of our 75th anniversary.

 

• October 25, 2003

  Great Vesper services with visiting Priests

 

• October 26, 2003

  St. Demetrios Feast Day Celebration, highlighted with a pontifical visit. A luncheon follows the church service. Donation is $15 per person

 

• November 15, 2003

  75th Anniversary Gala Dinner-Dance. This dinner-dance, held at Snuffy's Pantagis in Scotch Plains, NJ, is the culmination of the year's events. Tickets will be $75.

For ticket information, or if there are any questions regarding any of the above mentioned events, please call the church office or the Very Reverend Alexander Kile at 908-964-7957 between 9AM - 2PM