Baptist

Published by the Elk Grove Times, November 25, 2004

St. John Baptist Greek Orthodox thriving at 45

BY PAT KROCHMAL
STAFF WRITER

St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, a pillar of Des Plaines, is celebrating a landmark 45th anniversary because of its members, who come from near and far to be a part of the congregation.

The parishioners are not only from Des Plaines, but also Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights, Park Ridge, Niles, Norridge and the Northwest Side of Chicago, as well as from Arlington Heights to Zion and communities in between.

"This was the first (Greek Orthodox) church in the northwest suburbs. As people left Chicago to move their families to the suburbs, they found it necessary to establish a church. It was the commitment of the parishioner's, their dedication and zeal, and the desire to minister to the surrounding area -- as well as their commitment to and faith in the word of God in the Greek Orthodox traditions -- that has made this 45th anniversary possible," said the Rev. John Rallis, St. John's proistamenos (pastor), who lives in Arlington Heights with his wife and three daughters.

"I also think this church has been so successful because it was named after a soldier (John Karavidas) who was killed in World War II. Many times, the names of churches have been decided by the person who gave the biggest donation (with them choosing the saint to name the church after). That didn't happen here. It was named St. John (the Baptist) because of someone who helped other countries become liberated. He (Karavidas) fought against tyranny. He sacrificed his life for those ideals, which was even far more noble than donating $100,000," Rallis added.

Stella Bastounes of Des Plaines, an 80-year-old member of one of the church's founding families, noted that the same interest in the church that was present when it was first founded through the efforts of the Northwest Suburban Women's Club has continued over the decades.

"The enthusiasm was evidenced by the great number of people who attended the banquet celebrating the (45th) anniversary (earlier this month). Those who came were young and old, long-time (church) family members, as well as new members who attended with their young children or family friends," she added.

Something for all

The members planned everything from a fashion show to a rummage sale to mark the year-long celebration with 45 works of philanthropy, said Katherine Dagres of Norridge.

"No other church in the entire area has a seniors club like St. John's has -- the whole church is like a club! In fact, there are a lot of activities here for children and golden-agers. There are a lot of wonderful people here who do a lot for others, and are very, very giving," Dagres said.

"That is why even though we lived at Clark and Belmont in Chicago, my mother and I came all the way to Des Plaines to worship," she said.

"It's nice to have a building to worship Christ and participate in his sacraments, but it is really the people. I do have a family that I am close to, but these people are also family. The people who I have come to know have had an impact on my daily life," said Alexander Kapotas of Prospect Heights, a steward who has been part of the church community for eight years.

"If I've been sick and couldn't go to work, they tell me, "Why haven't you called?' As Father John has said, 'We're here for you.' They aren't 'like' family, they are family!" he added.

Mary Jane Terpinas of Niles has belonged to the church for 35 years for a number of reasons.

"Orthodox means unchanging. Our divine liturgy is from the 4th century and is of the early church and the early church fathers. I am a cradle Orthodox, but I remained an Orthodox Christian because I believe that is where the truth of the early church lies," Terpinas said.

"St. John gives me the religious, cultural and social outlet that I wanted my family to be raised in. I have three children, now all adults and married, who grew up in the church. I continue to belong because it is my home," she said.

Some, like Eleni Anast of Mount Prospect, an epidemiologist, and her husband, Philip, who works in public relations for Tech Image in Buffalo Grove, became members because of the emphasis that the church puts on spirituality and faith, as well as the church's young adults group.

"We also like the fact that there are so many young families who belong and so many programs to support them. There is a strong Sunday school program, a preschool program, and a program for toddlers and their moms," she added.

"We had visited other churches, but found Father John to be the real draw. He is very spiritual. He doesn't just go through the motions. His whole heart and soul is in what he is doing. You can feel his closeness and his love for God," said Dina Dalianis of Park Ridge, an attorney presently raising two children with her husband, Ares, also an attorney.

And Laura Paulus of Des Plaines, one of the newer members, said she moved from Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood to Des Plaines just to be closer to the church.

"It has incredible spiritual leadership; wonderful warm, welcoming people; and rich services," Paulus said. "I wouldn't be surprised if St. John's celebrates 45 times 45 years because of where we are right now."



Volume 6 Number 48 - Tuesday, November 30th, 2004	A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY