A Short History of Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church
Colorado Springs, CO

The following is an account of the founding and development of Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado, a parish in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver.

Background

Following the initial forays into the West by seventeenth century Spanish soldiers, missionaries, pioneers, prospectors, miners, businessmen, farmers, ranchers, and adventurers of all types began coming to Colorado in numbers during the 1800’s. Zebulon Pike and others poured in following the trail of gold and silver deposits to coexist and sometimes displace the Native American Utes and other tribes. Eastern Orthodox Christians were among the settlers, seeking a better way of life for themselves and their families in the West, leaving behind urban centers on the East Coast and arriving from as far away as the Peloponnesus, the Greek Islands, and other areas of Orthodox Christianity.

Colorado Springs grew quickly after World War Two as a military hub supporting Ft. Carson Army post, NORAD, and several Air Force bases. The Air Force completed construction of its Academy in 1959. While the city grew, Orthodox Christians had to commute to Denver or Pueblo to enjoy Orthodox fellowship and services. Though St. Constantine and Helen Orthodox Church (OCA) arose in Colorado Springs, there was still a need for a Greek Orthodox Church in the city.

In the mid-1990’s, Phillip Yannias, John Topakas, and other local families, spoke with Father (Fr.) Makarios Mannos, a Greek Orthodox monk and priest at St. John the Baptist Church in Pueblo, about the possibility of standing up a church in Colorado Springs for Greek Orthodox families and other interested believers who wanted a parish in their own city. Fr. Makarios then approached Metropolitan Isaiah, Bishop of the Metropolis of Denver about this project. Metropolitan Isaiah approved and blessed the idea for a new parish and then the community began organizing the stand up of a church.

Planning

As a temporary measure, the Bishop assigned Fr. Luke Uhl, Chancellor of the Metropolis of Denver, as a part-time priest to the city of Colorado Springs. Fr. Luke served the first Divine Liturgy on August 17, 1997. Several churches showed ecumenical largesse by offering space for meetings during the beginnings in 1997. Fr. Anthony Karbo of St. Constantine and Helen Orthodox Church, allowed parishioners to meet at his church. Members also held meetings at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Old Colorado City. Phil Yannias lent people the use of his consignment store on occasion and members later rented the second floor of a store on Galley Road for services.

With the help of Fr. Mark Leondis, Youth Director of the Denver Metropolis (at that time), and Fr. Stephen Powley, from southern Colorado, the priests alternated in conducting services with the church membership and chose the name of Archangel Michael for the parish. Archangel Michael’s celestial reach resonated, recognizing the influence of the Air Force and the flying community in the area. Throughout the planning stages, members also met at Jake and Telly’s Restaurant, of the Topakas family, which served as a community meeting place, in true Greek fashion.

Purchase and Development of the Parish Proporty

Fortuitously, a property became available that fit the needs of the congregation in search of a home. King Solomon Baptist Church was offered for $250,000 with a $60,000 down payment up front. Members scrambled to raise the money and secured the building in short time. Mr. Peter Yannias got pews and other equipment from an uncle in Denver. Sam Marzarvas, a carpenter and furniture maker, helped to re-work the pews and fit them into the newly acquired church. Others helped Sam renovate the building, construct an icon screen, build steps up to the altar, replace lights, install a chandelier, and complete numerous essential construction projects as the team converted a Baptist building into a Greek Orthodox house of worship. Fr. Mark continued to teach religious education by teaching hymns to the parishioners while working with Peter Yannias who was a Reader.