CHICAGO - Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church left its old building after going through bankruptcy.
But after years of searching, and just in time for Christmas, it's found a new home in Schiller Park.
On Wednesday morning, a blessing ceremony was held inside its new location.
Holy Trinity's new building used to house Saint Maria Goretti Roman Catholic Church at 10050 Ivanhoe Ave. in Schiller Park.
Cardinal Blase Cupich joined the Bishop of the Greek Orthodox Church in the Midwest, Metropolitan Nathaniel, in a dedication and blessing ceremony.
Holy Trinity Chicago was established in 1897, making it the second-oldest Greek Orthodox Church community in the U.S.
At the ceremony, His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael announced that the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago will collaborate with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago to establish a shrine to honour the legacy of St. Maria Goretti.
Approximately 130 families, or nearly 220 people, participate in liturgy, ministries, and programs at Holy Trinity. The parish continues to manage programs that support local food banks, organize clothing drives, and provide financial assistance to low-income residents in the area. For more information, visit: https://www.holytrinitychicago.com.
Timeline of Events from 2019-2023:
December 29, 2019: The Holy Trinity parish holds its last Divine Liturgy at its Diversey Avenue campus.
January 5, 2020: Parish begins holding services at the St. Lazarus cemetery chapel in Park Ridge.
February 1, 2020: Parish begins to search for a new spiritual home.
March 22, 2020: Due to COVID restrictions, parish moves services to Holy Transfiguration chapel at Elmwood Cemetery in River Grove.
April 22, 2021: Parish leases the St. Maria Goretti campus in Schiller Park.
October 2022: Parish begins negotiations for purchase of the St. Maria Goretti campus.
May 1, 2023: Parish receives a full-time priest. Ministries and programs for Sunday school, athletics, women’s group expand.
July 1, 2023: Parish raises more than a half-million dollars toward the cost of acquiring a permanent church location.
September 22, 2023: Holy Trinity closes on the acquisition of the St. Maria Goretti Roman Catholic Church campus.