St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox parishioners begin worship at hall

 

 

 TUCSON-Parishioners of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church are now worshiping at the church's hall.
It's been 46 years since services have been held at the hall.
Parishioners couldn't wait to get the liturgy started at the hall.


"Now we're coming back home," said Sava.
Five months ago, a fire destroyed the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.
"Our sanctuary is pretty much gone. It most likely will have to be torn down or at least we're talking about it, but it's been gutted," said Father Earl Cantos.
There was smoke and heat damage in the surrounding buildings including the hall.
"They had to fix the air conditioning the lighting they had to fix the plumbing," said Sava.
"When I heard about the fire, I got so scared it was terrible. It was very hard to lose our church," said Olga Gridizis, parishioner.
The parishioners worshipped at Holy Resurrection while the hall was repaired.
It took 600 thousand dollars of insurance money to get the Sunday school rooms, kitchen and hall refurbished.
"We're just happy to be back home. Very happy to be home," said Father Earl Cantos.
In time, the plan is to replace or repair the sanctuary as well.
Services will be held in the hall until that happens.