“Behold, I Make All Things New”
The restoration of Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church -
For the glory of God and His people
“Behold, I Make All Things New” (Rev. 21:5) is the theme for our community’s 75th anniversary.
It is about growing the community. It is about restoring the interior of the church. It is about faith.
In 1950, the dream of a magnificent new church became a reality. When completed, Saint Spyridon contained some of the finest Byzantine iconography and architecture in the world; a wonderful place to serve God and promote our Greek heritage.
The Mission Remains The Same
More than 50 years later, the entire Church must shine brilliantly once again, not only by its Icons, but by its faithful family members. Christ Himself said you don’t light a lamp and then hide it under a bush, but you raise it high for all to see and be guided by. This is what is being done with the restoration of our church. Creating a unique liturgical experience is part of a larger plan to attract the faithful to Saint Spyridon. That, along with a growing school and dramatically improving neighborhood lay the foundation for a bright future for our community, a future we can all be proud of. But it all starts with a deep faith that it can all happen.
Conrad Schmitt Studios has been commissioned to undertake the complete restoration of the interior of our church. This $1.5 million project includes new heating and air-conditioning, rewiring, improved sound and lighting and fire and security systems. For more than 100 years, from the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame, the Studio has been involved in the decoration, restoration and renovation of buildings of architectural and historic significance throughout the United States.
The Momentum Begins
The Studios’ first commission for our church is the Restoration Sample of the icon of Saint Spyridon and the Annunciation (above left: a computer generated rendition shows a portion of the Pantokrator and what the icon would look like when cleaned and restored). Before the interior space is restored, it often is difficult to convey just how dramatic the improvement will be. A few will recognize our church as an unpolished jewel; but, many others will see only what is there. The Restoration Sample allows everyone to share in the vision of what is possible. When a Restoration Sample is commissioned, a portion of the iconography is restored as an exact illustration of the finished work. The importance of making a restoration happen can be deliberated for a day, a month, or a decade. But when a decorative sample is unveiled, seeing is believing, and the momentum begins.
Come Celebrate With Us
Our community celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2006. Help bring the brilliance back to Saint Spyridon by making a donation to the Restoration Fund. Join us throughout the year for special events that will bring new and old friends together. Come to the Official Anniversary Luncheon on Sunday, June 25th at the New Leaf Café in Ft. Tryon Park and the Grand Dinner-Dance Celebration on Saturday, October 14th at the New York Hilton. For more information call the church office or visit our new website at www.saintspyridon.net.
Learn More
To receive additional information on how you can help to Restore The Dream at Saint Spyridon Church please click here.