A serene oasis for prayer, reflection, and community in Merritt Island, Florida
Welcome to our church, a place of peace and spiritual connection. Inspired by the traditions of the Orthodox faith, we offer a warm and welcoming environment for all who seek God’s presence.
Current immediate needs of our Church:
We're wholeheartedly thanking Debbie & Art Newberg for an immediate support
Join us for cultural and spiritual gatherings throughout the year. All are welcome!
Address: 66 E Merritt Ave, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Phone: (347) 653-5154
Email:Mlimp1969@gmail.com
The creation and history of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Vasiloupolis is linked to the history of the Greek immigrants who came to the United States from Romania, Albania and Great Russia. Several com- munities of faithful and parishes were formed, particularly among these immigrant peoples on Long Island, New York.
Helping many of these Greek people escape to America from Romania, Albania and parts of Russia was Father Alexander Tzuglevitch (pastor of St. Nicholas’ Russian Orthodox Church on Elizabeth Street in New York City.). Father Tzuglevitch was the founder of a refugee program for Greeks and others exiled and emigrating from Slavic nations. Among others, he helped the Russian Bishop Dositheus (Dosifey) and his daughter emigrate to the safety of the United States. Father Alexander originally served in the Metropolia and in 1970 became part of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad. In his later years he was assisted by Archimandrite Pangratios Vrionis in his refugee program.
A group of these Greco-Romanians, Greco-Albanians, and Tzarist Greco- Russians, along with numerous Greek Orthodox Christians, albeit American citizens, residing in Queens, New York had established a parish in 1967 under the pastorate of Father George Karalis, in Woodside Queens, New York, dedicated to Saint Fanourios the Great Martyr. They soon outgrew their humble church at Roosevelt Avenue and 54th Street. The elderly Father Karalis sought the assistance of his younger brother in Christ, Archimandrite Pangratios, in the quest for a larger and more suitable church building. This was realized in securing the location at 47th Street and 48th Avenue, which was dedicated as the Church of the Holy Theotokos of Mercy and Saint Fanourios and began its ministry on Christmas 1969 with Archimandrite Pangratios as pastor and Father G. Karalis as assistant. The parish grew steadily and, through Archimandrite Father Pangratios’ efforts, the estab- lishment of a Greek afternoon school, Day Nursery School and Adult English School was realized. This parish later evolved into the Cathedral Parish, with its present complex on 44th Street at 48th Avenue in Queens, New York.
At the same time, others were appealing to Father Alexander to aid them in obtaining their own bishop. Having been victims of Church disputes, both abroad and in the United States, they had specific requirements.