Greek-American Businessman Condemns Demolition of Historic Orthodox Church, Offered $200,000 to Save It

NEW YORK – Greek-American businessman Demetri Patitsas voiced his profound dismay to The National Herald over the demolition of the historic Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, despite his efforts to save it.

The cathedral, part of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), was established in 1892 by St. Alexis Toth and held immense historical and spiritual significance as a hub for thousands of Orthodox faithful in the late 19th century.

Patitsas revealed that the Resurrection parish decided to close in 2024 due to declining attendance and high maintenance costs. The Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania approved the sale of the church and rectory for $300,000. Patitsas offered $200,000 to purchase the property to house the St. Paul’s Fellowship of Labor organization and maintain its spiritual role, but his offer went unanswered. Soon after, a demolition permit was issued.

“I contacted the priests and offered $200,000 to keep the church active as a spiritual center and our organization’s headquarters, but we never received a formal response,” Patitsas said.

Despite interventions from Mayor George Brown, city councilor Tony Brooks, and state officials urging a halt to the demolition, the OCA Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania proceeded. “I watched the church being torn down. It was heartbreaking. Generations were married, baptized, and prayed there,” Patitsas shared emotionally.

The restaurateur and son of an Orthodox priest called the OCA’s decision “unjustifiable and unfair,” noting that technical reports confirmed the building was structurally sound, requiring only routine maintenance. “It could have been saved with minimal effort,” he stressed.

Patitsas vowed to continue his mission to preserve Orthodox landmarks in the U.S., warning that the demolition of the Wilkes-Barre cathedral is a wake-up call for Orthodox communities. “Our faith and history are more than bricks and domes—they are the heart of Orthodoxy in America,” he said.

Source: www.thenationalherald.com