When our buildings were constructed many years ago, accessibility for those with disabilities was not a consideration. Times have changed, and we must make our church campus physically accessible to everyone, regardless of ability or age. This project will improve walkways between the buildings and install a multi-level elevator for all parishioners and guests to move freely through our facilities. These renovations will allow St. Vasilios to continue the vitality of our parish’s Liturgical services, ministries to our parishioners, and outreach to the community at large.

The General Assembly in May 2023 approved a “Parish Advancement” committee and campaign “PAC” to raise the funds needed for these renovations. To date, through the efforts of generous parishioners and fundraising by various parish organizations, we have approximately $1 million of the funds raised to date. The balance will be raised through a capital campaign that will seek donations from supporters and stakeholders of the parish.

$2 million needs to be raised to complete renovations, accessibility additions, exterior building repairs, mechanical infrastructure upgrades and to invest in our active ministries. Construction began in July 2024 and the anticipated completion date of all renovations is May 2025.

These projects are the culmination of years’ worth of research and routine maintenance. In 2012, Fr. Chris and Parish Council worked closely with Spencer Preservation Group, who are specialists in church renovations, to develop a “Master Plan” for parish upgrades and renovations. Parishioners have volunteered hundreds of hours to ensure all work is cost-effective and will directly improve our facilities ensuring safety, compliance with regulations, and our ability to increase our engagement with parishioners and the community at-large.

This Parish Advancement Campaign goes beyond addressing overdue maintenance and capital improvements. It aims to blend both the physical and spiritual renewal of our campus. In addition to facility improvements, we will modernize our technology, database, and online infrastructure, which will allow us to continue engaging future generations of parishioners.

The aim of the Thriving Congregations initiative is to help congregations thrive by strengthening ministries for people to deepen their relationship with God, enhance their connections with each other, and contribute to the flourishing of their communities. The initiative has been funded by the Lilly Endowment to develop and strengthen parish ministries that were deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Endowment supports programs that help congregations to understand their rapidly changing social and cultural contexts, gain greater clarity about their values and mission, and draw on practices from their theological and ecclesial traditions to adapt their ministries to the demands of their changing contexts.