Over one hundred years ago, in Ipswich on the far north shore of Massachusetts, our ancestors had the faith & courage to found a small Greek Orthodox Church.

This church and parish has grown as have the fore founding families. The church still sits where the original one, built in 1907 was replaced in 1934 after a devastating fire. This church remains our place of worship to this day. The purchase of the Hellenic Community Center in 1966, added a place to expand our vibrant activities and gatherings and the growing of our many ministries and organizations. Our Greek Orthodox families now reside and come from most all of the north shore communities. Always welcoming, we look forward to meeting and embracing new parishioners into our parish.

Father John Govostes

After 52 years of service as our beloved Parish Priest, Father John Govostes unexpectedly passed away from Covid on Christmas Eve 2020. He came to Ipswich in 1969 with Presvetera Kathleen and his dedication and love touched so many lives. His commitment, leadership and unwavering devotion to the Greek Orthodox faith will never be forgotten. As the parish mourns his passing, it is apparent how blessed we were to have had Father John in our spiritual and personal lives.

May his memory be eternal.

Our Priest

We are blessed to have welcomed Father Christopher Kolenstas and his wonderful family this July. While Father Chris has only been here for a short time, his faith, energy and enthusiasm have already made a positive impact on our community. Our parish is excited for our future and are happy to have Father Chris to spread the Orthodox Christian faith and reach out to current and new parishioners. We look forward to continuing to see familiar faces and welcome new ones.

Father Chris is joined by his wife Presvetera Kristen and four daughters, Natalia, Kalliopi, Paraskevi and Anastasia. He received his Master of Divinity in 2016 and was assigned to Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Los Angeles. In May 2017 he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by his Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco and later to the Holy Priesthood in June of 2017. Fr. Chris assisted Fr. John Bakas for four years at Saint Sophia Cathedral.

Over one hundred years ago, in Ipswich on the far north shore of Massachusetts, our ancestors had the faith & courage to found a small Greek Orthodox Church.

This church and parish has grown as have the fore founding families. The church still sits where the original one, built in 1907 was replaced in 1934 after a devastating fire. This church remains our place of worship to this day. The purchase of the Hellenic Community Center in 1966, added a place to expand our vibrant activities and gatherings and the growing of our many ministries and organizations. Our Greek Orthodox families now reside and come from most all of the north shore communities. Always welcoming, we look forward to meeting and embracing new parishioners into our parish.

Our Priest

We are blessed to have welcomed Father Christopher Kolenstas and his wonderful family this July. While Father Chris has only been here for a short time, his faith, energy and enthusiasm have already made a positive impact on our community. Our parish is excited for our future and are happy to have Father Chris to spread the Orthodox Christian faith and reach out to current and new parishioners. We look forward to continuing to see familiar faces and welcome new ones.

Father Chris is joined by his wife Presvetera Kristen and four daughters, Natalia, Kalliopi, Paraskevi and Anastasia. He received his Master of Divinity in 2016 and was assigned to Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Los Angeles. In May 2017 he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by his Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco and later to the Holy Priesthood in June of 2017. Fr. Chris assisted Fr. John Bakas for four years at Saint Sophia Cathedral.

Father John Govostes

After 52 years of service as our beloved Parish Priest, Father John Govostes unexpectedly passed away from Covid on Christmas Eve 2020. He came to Ipswich in 1969 with Presvetera Kathleen and his dedication and love touched so many lives. His commitment, leadership and unwavering devotion to the Greek Orthodox faith will never be forgotten. As the parish mourns his passing, it is apparent how blessed we were to have had Father John in our spiritual and personal lives.

May his memory be eternal.