Parish Historical Highlights
  • June 24, 1975 – Orthodox faithful meet at the offices of Paul N. Kotsalis.  Ad hoc committee formed.  Paul Kotsalis named chairman.  John K. Kontinos named Building Fund Chairman.

  • July 20, 1975 – Vespers Service celebrated by visiting clergy at St. Michael Episcopal Church on Sanibel Island sponsored by Organizing Committee.

  • July 28, 1975 – Organizing Committee holds meeting at Fort Myers Exhibition Hall in Fort Myers with Father Demosthenes J. Mckras representing Diocesan Bishop.

  • October 19, 1975 – First weekly Divine Liturgy celebrated by Fr. Nicholas Sitaras of Fort Pierce at Cape Coral Yacht and Racquet Club from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  First Sunday School classes also begin; Helene Boucher, teacher.

  • November 15, 1975 – First fund raising effort.  A bake sale at Publix Supermarket, Cape Coral.

  • January 9, 1976 – Services moved to larger location at
    Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2300 Broadway in Fort Myers.

  • February 11, 1976 – Building fund boosted by $1,500
    donation received from entertainer Frank Sinatra.

  • March 27, 1976 – First Grecian Ball held at Cape Coral Country Club.  Donation $12.50 per person.

  • April 24, 1976 – First Holy Week and Easter services celebrated at Redeemer Lutheran Church location by Fr. Sitaras.

  • August 3, 1976 – Property on Cypress Lake Drive purchased as church building site.

  • August 9, 1976 – First General Assembly held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Bishop Iacovos of Catania presiding.

  • September 10, 1976 – Preliminary plans for church drawn by William Frizzell and Associates, Architects and approved by Organizing Committee.

  • October 1, 1976 – Archdiocese issues missionary status to parish and appoints Father Arthur K. Kontinos as permanent pastor.

  • March 28, 1977 – Purchased mobile trailer for use as temporary chapel.

  • April 3, 1977 – First services on church property in “mobile chapel.”

  • September 11, 1977 – First church picnic with 200+ attending at the German American Club picnic grounds on Pine Island Road.

  • October 4, 1977 – First children’s Greek Language classes begin at room donated by Cypress Lake High School.  Taught by Father Kontinos.

  • December 4, 1977 – First Parish Council elections.  Paul Kotsalis elected President.

  • January 14, 1978 – First Vasilopita Dinner Dance held at The Dunes on Sanibel.

  • February 18, 1978 – First participation in the Edison Pageant Grand Parade of Light.

  • May 6 & 7, 1978 – First Greek Week-End Fort Myers Exhibition Hall.  May 6: Grecian Ball  May 7: FIRST festival

  • October 1, 1978 – Groundbreaking ceremonies for church’s construction.  Reception following at the home of Father Arthur and Presbytera Aspasia Kontinos.

  • April 15, 1979 – Palm Sunday - Naming and Thyranoixia Celebration.  Banquet held at Cypress Lake Country Club.  Bishop John of Atlanta officiating.  Church named “Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.”  Anne E. Kontinos, Anadochos.

  • June, 1980 – Installation of Iconostasion and pews.

  • October 2 & 3, 1980 – Icons installed by iconographer, Constantine Youssis.

  • November 23, 1980 – Parish Council elections.  John Kontinos elected President.

  • March 29, 1981 – Name Day Celebration.  Blessing of new church appointments and furniture following the Divine Liturgy.  Reception followed at the home of Father Arthur and Presbytera Aspasia Kontinos.

  • October 25, 1981 – Blessing service following the Divine Liturgy for new icons and furnishings.

  • February 27, 1982 – First Apokreatiko Glendi.  San Carlos Community Center.

  • March 25, 1983 – Fund drive begins to retire mortgage and erect Social Hall.

  • July 24, 1983 – Groundbreaking ceremonies for Social Hall.

  • February 19, 1984 – Social Hall Dedication, Blessing and Banquet.  Bishop John of Atlanta officiating.

  • January 30, 1987 – Courtyard dedication.  Acoltes Andrew Pappas, Gus Smith and Michael Boucher tonsured by Bishop John of Atlanta.  Testimonial Banquet honoring Father Kontinos for ten years of service to this parish.

  • November 20, 1988 – Mortgage Retirement.  Burning Ceremonies and Banquet at the Sheraton Harbor Place, Fort Myers.

  • May, 1989 – Formation of sister parish in Naples, Florida.

  • January, 1990 – Two and one half acres additional property adjacent to church purchased for future use.

  • June, 1990 – Sister parish in Port Charlotte established.

  • September, 1990 – Ladies Philoptochos Society Chapter organized and Board of Directories appointed by Father Kontinos.

  • October 14, 1990 – Blessing service of new modular building housing classrooms.

  • December 10, 1990 – First Annual Golf and Tennis Tournament held at The Dunes on Sanibel.

  • October 30, 1992 – Iconographer, John Filippakis installs new iconography in choir area of church.

  • January 16 & 17, 1993 – CHURCH CONSECRATION – HIS GRACE PHILIP, BISHOP OF THE GREEK ORTHODOX DIOCESE OF ATLANTA OFFICIATING.fdg

 


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