A Short History of Our Community
Before a parish was established in Columbia, Missouri, Orthodox Christians gathered for 30 years to celebrate the Divine Liturgy in various churches throughout Columbia and Jefferson City through the dedicated assistance of visiting clergy from St. Louis and Kansas City.
In 2001, under the guidance of Fr. Joseph Strzelecki of the Assumption Church, Town & Country, MO, a steering committee was formed to establish a parish in Columbia. In 2002, the Metropolis of Chicago appointed a priest to celebrate Holy Week and Easter services. Shortly thereafter, the steering committee petitioned the Metropolis for parish status and a permanent priest.
In September of 2002, the Rev. Dean A. Panagos was assigned to the parish. In October of the same year we received a temporary charter from the Archdiocese, and the name of our parish – St. Luke the Evangelist.
Saint Luke the Evangelist is the only Orthodox Church between Kansas City and Saint Louis; and as such it ministers to all Orthodox Christians within a two hour driving radius of Columbia.
During the years 2002-2005 the parish owned two homes – 901 and 903 West Broadway. One home was converted into a church; the other home was used for classes and fellowship.
In 2005, we purchased and moved into the former Church of Christ located at Stadium Boulevard and Highway 63. The church sanctuary seats 150 people, with classroom space and an outdoor play area.
When Fr. Dean was reassigned in 2006, the community welcomed Fr. Emmanuel Hatzidakis and his family in July of 2007. Fr. Emmanuel serviced the community until early 2009 when he decided to retire from active parish ministry.
Fr. Emmanuel Hatzidakis, Fr. Michael Monos & Fr. Joseph StrzeleckiIn January 2009 the Parish Council was excited to learn that a priest had been found to service St. Luke and would arrive on February 1, 2009. Fr. Michael Monos celebrated his first liturgy at St. Luke on that day, and was welcomed to his new parish home. With Fr. Michael's assignment, the entire parish is hopeful about its future, as it continues to focus its energies on ensuring the presence of a vibrant Orthodox Christian presence in Columbia, Missouri.
We currently have about 90 stewards. We provide Church School for children, have a very active active Women's Philanthropic Society (Philoptochos), and offer adult educational classes and Catechism instruction for those wishing to become members of the Holy Orthodox Church. We also have a Greek language school that meets weekly.
The parish operating budget is sustained through the stewardship program. The parish also sponsors many events which support a Building Fund. In spring we sponsor an Easter picnic for parishioners and a golf tournament fundaiser. In the fall we invite the Columbia area community to our Greek Festival and in February we host a dinner dance and silent auction.
By God’s grace, we hope to build a permanent home for the parish in the near future.