As increasing numbers of Greek Orthodox families settled in Delaware and Montgomery Counties, the need arose for a parish closer to their homes, one that could serve both their spiritual life and their cultural traditions.
In the late 1950s, a small group of faithful began meeting to explore the establishment of a new Greek Orthodox parish in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. Among those involved in these early efforts were Gregory Alexander, Dr. Louis Alikakos, John Kusturiss Sr., Arthur Nannos, James Nannos, George Nichols, and Zenon Trivelis.
Over the next several years, officers were elected, pledges gathered, and the dream gradually became a reality. A Women’s Auxiliary was organized in 1960 to support the new community through service and fundraising.
By 1962, the parish had purchased its present property, received recognition from the Archdiocese, and was granted a nonprofit religious corporation charter by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Groundbreaking for the first church building took place in December 1962, with His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory officiating.
Education was important from the very beginning. The Greek Language School was established on October 1, 1962, under Marcella Tzodos, with its first forty students meeting at Trinity Lutheran Church in Havertown.
In September 1963, the Reverend George D. Gregory became the parish’s first spiritual leader. Dr. and Mrs. Louis Alikakos, serving as Godparents, named the parish in honor of Saint Luke the Apostle and Evangelist, who, like Dr. Alikakos, was a physician. On September 22, 1963, Saint Luke celebrated its Thyranixia - the Opening of the Doors.
The young parish grew rapidly. Sunday School was organized under Dr. Maria Hector, and within eighteen months enrollment exceeded 250 students. To accommodate this growth, Saint Luke moved forward with construction of an Educational Building, with groundbreaking taking place in 1965. The parish choir was established under Louise Nichols, with Helen Vounas serving as organist. In 1966, a choir loft was constructed above the Narthex.
The Ladies Auxiliary also undertook the responsibility of providing a home for the parish priest and his family. Completed in 1969 and formally opened in 1970, the Parish House became much more than a residence. For many years it was a place of hospitality, pastoral care, fellowship, meetings, celebrations, and countless moments in the daily life of Saint Luke.
As the community continued to flourish, two adjacent properties were purchased in 1979 to prepare for future growth.
That same year, Parish Council President Dimitri Petrides introduced the concept of stewardship as an alternative to traditional parish dues. In January 1980, Saint Luke became the first Greek Orthodox parish in the Delaware Valley to adopt stewardship, an important milestone in the life of the community.
By the early 1980s, parishioners believed the time had come to fulfill the original dream of constructing a permanent church. A General Assembly overwhelmingly approved the project, and Steering and Building Committees began the enormous task of planning the new sanctuary. Architect Herman Hassinger was selected in 1982 to design a church that would be a modern expression of the Byzantine tradition, inspired by the great heritage represented by Hagia Sophia in Constantinople.
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on September 8, 1982. The Blessing of the Foundation followed on April 8, 1984.
On February 25, 1985, parishioners gathered for the final Divine Liturgy in the original church. Just weeks later, on March 17, Archbishop Iakovos presided at the Thyranixia of the new Saint Luke Church. Mr. and Mrs. John Kusturiss Sr. were given the honor of opening its doors with the Golden Key. Later that year, His Eminence Metropolitan Silas of blessed memory presided over the laying of the cornerstone and dedication of the lower-level chapel.
After thirty years of devoted ministry, Father George Gregory retired in June 1993. Father Stephen Theophilos, who had served as his assistant, succeeded him as the parish’s second spiritual leader and subsequently became the Proistamenos. During these years, the interior of the church was progressively beautified with extensive iconography in the 4 upper corners and the dome with sacred imagery depicting Christ, the Panagia, the Prophets, Evangelists, angels, and major events in the life of Christ.
In 1998, another important milestone was reached when a successful campaign enabled Saint Luke to pay off its remaining mortgage.
Now debt-free, the parish prepared for one of the most sacred events in the life of an Orthodox church.
On April 24 and 25, 1999, Saint Luke was solemnly consecrated. Archbishop Spyridon presided over the ancient rites during which the church was washed, anointed, sanctified, and permanently dedicated to God. Relics of the Saints were sealed within the Holy Altar. Saint Luke was now a consecrated House of God.
In the autumn of 2000, the Reverend Father Christ Kontos became the third priest to shepherd the Saint Luke community.
As the parish entered the 21st century, membership and participation in parish life continued to grow. Religious education, youth programs, fellowship groups, cultural activities, and ministries placed increasing demands on facilities that had served Saint Luke faithfully for many years.
A Building Committee was established to evaluate the parish’s needs and develop a comprehensive Master Plan for the future. After extensive study, the parish determined that the existing education building could no longer adequately meet the needs of the growing community. Plans were developed for a new Educational and Cultural Center, along with expanded parking and other improvements to the parish campus.
The original Educational Center was carefully demolished, and construction of the new facility began. The project was completed in January 2008. On February 17, 2008, His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos formally blessed the new center.
In 2012, the building was officially named the John and Tula Colyvas Education and Cultural Center, and later, the Colyvas and Valko Education and Cultural Center, in grateful recognition of their generous bequest to Saint Luke.
The years that followed brought a renewed focus on the spiritual life of the parish as well as the continued beautification of the church. The iconography and stained-glass windows were completed in the summer of 2016. Between 2022 and 2023, marble was added throughout the sanctuary along with the brass railing system and the gold mosaic Double-Headed Eagle.
The final phase of the church's beautification was completed in 2025 with the transformation of the Narthex. Its iconography now tells the story of the life of Saint Luke while also depicting parables and miracles found throughout his Gospel.
The buildings and ministries of Saint Luke have changed dramatically since those first gatherings of faithful families more than seven decades ago, but the purpose of the parish remains unchanged.
Each generation has built upon the sacrifices of those who came before it. Clergy, parish leaders, teachers, volunteers, benefactors, parents, young people, and countless faithful parishioners have each contributed to the life of Saint Luke.
Today, our parish continues to gather around the Holy Eucharist while providing opportunities for worship, Christian education, fellowship, service, youth ministry, cultural enrichment, and outreach.
The history of Saint Luke is therefore not simply a story of buildings constructed or milestones achieved. It is the story of a community of faith, people working together from generation to generation to build a spiritual home centered in Christ.
As we look toward the future, we remain grateful for those who came before us and committed to the same calling that inspired our founders: To worship God, proclaim the Orthodox Christian Faith, nurture our children, serve one another, and welcome all who seek a life in Christ.