Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Trending
    • A Different Kind of Pope – Analysis by Theodore Kalmoukos
    • A Zoom Retreat on “Pride” for Clergy Wives and Widows
    • Pascha With St. John of Shanghai
    • Over 200 Entered the Church this Pascha in Hatfield, UK
    • On the Unity of the Church: An Interview with Dr. Symeon Paschalidis
    • OCA Delegation Attends Funeral of Pope Francis
    • Another Joyful Milestone at St. Vladimir’s Seminary
    • The “Chernobyl Savior” Icon
    Orthodox Christian Laity
    Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
    • Home
    • OCL
      • About OCL
      • Leadership
      • OCL News
      • OCL Publications
      • Focused Study and Research Topics
      • OCL Archives at DePaul University
    • Orthodox News & Links
      • Orthodox News Stories
      • Headlines & News Archives
      • Governance & Unity
        • Governance Top Stories
        • Governance & Unity Essays
        • Grassroots Unity in Action
      • OCL Forums
      • Orthodox Christian Laity News
      • Web Links
    • Audio & Video
      • Audio Index
      • Video Index
    • Contact
    • Make a Donation
    Orthodox Christian Laity
    You are at:Home»Governance & Unity News»Unification of the Communities of Saints Constantine and Helen in Chicopee and Holy Trinity in Holyoke, MA

    Unification of the Communities of Saints Constantine and Helen in Chicopee and Holy Trinity in Holyoke, MA

    2
    By Webmaster on March 30, 2025 Governance & Unity News, Governance Top Stories
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email Telegram WhatsApp Copy Link

    Source: The National Herald

    By Theodore Kalmoukos

    The congregation from the unification of the two communities of Saints Constantine and Helen in Chicopee and Holy Trinity in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Photo: Metropolis of Boston

    BOSTON – A modern-day ‘miracle’ has taken place in the Metropolis of Boston, specifically in the state of Massachusetts, where two historic communities -Saints Constantine and Helen in Chicopee and Holy Trinity in Holyoke – have merged or, more accurately, unified. Each of these communities has existed for approximately one hundred years and are located near each other. The number of members, particularly in Saints Constantine and Helen, had declined, making unification necessary and bringing hope for the future of Holy Trinity in Holyoke, which is larger and generally stronger in terms of parishioners.

    The unification was announced by the Metropolis of Boston during a Presanctified Divine Liturgy, which was the last service held at the church of Saints Constantine and Helen in Chicopee, presided over by Metropolitan Methodios of Boston. The liturgy was officiated by Fr. Dionysios Koulianos, the presiding priest of the neighboring Saint George community in Springfield, along with Deacon Andreas Boysel. Priests from the Western Massachusetts region were also present. The presiding priest of Holy Trinity in Holyoke is Fr. Thomas Kokotis.

    Metropolitan Methodios of Boston places the relics transferred from the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen in Chicopee onto the Holy Altar of Holy Trinity Church in Holyoke. Father Tom Kokotis is visible. Photo: Metropolis of Boston

    Following the Presanctified Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Methodios, the clergy, and a large gathering of devoted parishioners participated in a solemn yet hopeful procession to the Holy Trinity community in Holyoke. During the procession, the sacred relics that had been housed on the Holy Altar of Saints Constantine and Helen were reverently transferred to their new home on the Holy Altar of Holy Trinity, symbolizing the union of the two communities.

    Metropolitan Methodios told the National Herald that “this is a historically significant event for the ecclesiastical life of our Metropolis. The new demographic realities in the area made this unification necessary to strengthen the congregations of both communities numerically, spiritually, and socially, allowing them to move forward with optimism into the future.”

    He further emphasized that “this creates favorable conditions and prospects for future generations, as it is the children who will continue the legacy of our Church and our Greek-American community.”

    Metropolitan Methodios also spoke warmly about the priests, Parish Councils, and members of both parishes, praising their deep faith, maturity, and integrity in bringing about this unification, which he described as “the work of God.” He expressed hope that “this initiative by the Chicopee and Holyoke communities will inspire other small communities to follow suit in order to ensure growth and sustainability.”

    A communal dinner for the members of the unified community followed the Presanctified Divine Liturgy and the unification ceremony. Photo: Metropolis of Boston

    He highlighted that “this historic evening was a celebration of the legacy of Saints Constantine and Helen, which had been a pillar of faith in Chicopee since its founding in 1921. The contributions of its founders, dedicated members, and devout clergy were honored and commemorated with deep appreciation. As this chapter closes, a new one begins for Holy Trinity in Holyoke, which will now continue the shared traditions, history, and faith of both communities. May this new chapter bring spiritual enrichment, community harmony, and continued blessings for future generations.”

    A communal dinner followed for the newly unified parish, during which, as a gesture of gratitude and commitment to the future of Orthodox youth, the faithful generously presented Metropolitan Methodios with a check for fifty thousand dollars. These funds will be used for scholarships, allowing children to attend the Metropolis of Boston’s Summer Camp, ensuring that faith and Church traditions continue for the next generations.

    According to historical records compiled and published by longtime presiding priest of Holy Trinity in Holyoke, Fr. Haralambos Voulopas, the community traces its origins back to approximately the year 1900.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email WhatsApp Copy Link
    Previous ArticleMetropolis of Chicago Pioneers New Digital Registry to Better Support Clergy and Laity
    Next Article Developments in Albania and Estonia & other news

    Related Posts

    May 9, 20252 Mins Read

    A Different Kind of Pope – Analysis by Theodore Kalmoukos

    April 30, 20251 Min Read

    A Zoom Retreat on “Pride” for Clergy Wives and Widows

    April 30, 20254 Mins Read

    Pascha With St. John of Shanghai

    2 Comments

    1. Contra Nent Doctores on April 6, 2025 5:32 pm

      What? A miracle? This is just a symbol of the decline of Greek Orthodoxy in Massachusetts. When I read the headline, I thought it was something akin to parishes of two different jurisdictions uniting into a pan-orthodox parish in a bigger church, perhaps because the two previous parish churches were close together and too small to fit the crowds of converts. I suppose if my imagination had been correct, then it could’ve been called a proper miracle – instead, it’s spin doctoring demographic decline. Please don’t do that in the future.

      Reply
    2. Veras Coltroupis on April 21, 2025 11:23 am

      We have some old churches that operate twice a year. They belong to the archdiocese. What is the GOA procedure for closing such churches?

      Reply
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Sign the Declaration for Orthodox Christian Unity

    Enter the Slogan Contest

    Share this page
    DISCLAIMER

    All articles represent the views of the authors and  not necessarily the official views of Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL). They are posted to encourage thoughtful discussion on topics and concerns relevant to Orthodox Christians living in a pluralistic society. OCL encourages your comments.

    Stay Informed!

    Subscribe to our Newsletter

    WE WELCOME YOUR INPUT AND SUPPORT!

    Your donation impacts and helps advance the unity of the Orthodox Church of America.

    DONATE NOW

    THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

    Upcoming Events
    There are no upcoming events.
    Recent Comments
    • Webmaster on St Catherine’s Circle: Lenten Lectures on Tuesdays at 2:00 pm Eastern
    • Joy smith on St Catherine’s Circle: Lenten Lectures on Tuesdays at 2:00 pm Eastern
    • Webmaster on Ethiopian Bible is the oldest and complete bible on earth
    • Gloria on Ethiopian Bible is the oldest and complete bible on earth
    • Webmaster on A Different Kind of Pope – Analysis by Theodore Kalmoukos
    • Irvinjacksonjr on Ethiopian Bible is the oldest and complete bible on earth
    • George Marakis on A Response to “Xenophobia in the Cloak of Progress How English Liturgies Hurt the American Orthodox Church”
    • Gerry Perdilas on A Response to “Xenophobia in the Cloak of Progress How English Liturgies Hurt the American Orthodox Church”
    • Lakis Velotris on Is Trump the New Constantine?
    • Mary Zaras on Is Trump the New Constantine?
    OCL Archives Online
    Project for Orthodox Renewal
    renewal-resize
    OCL Digital Newsletter

    Subscribe to our Newsletter

    MAKE A DONATION

    St. Symeon the New Theologian and St. Photini are the Patron Saints of OCL

    footer-fnl

    Orthodox Christian Laity
    PO Box 6954

    West Palm Beach, FL · 33405
    561-585-0245

    Sponsored by Ann Souvall in memory of husband George

    DISCLAIMER: All articles represent the views of the authors and  not necessarily the official views of Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL). They are posted to encourage thoughtful discussion on topics and concerns relevant to Orthodox Christians living in a pluralistic society. OCL encourages your comments.

    ©2025 Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) ·  Login

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.