Greek church to celebrate 50th anniversary of consecration
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MARTINS FERRY -- Members of the Church of the Life-Giving Fountain Greek Orthodox Church, 314 N. Fifth St., Martins Ferry, are getting ready to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their church's consecration on Sunday.
The day will begin with services at 10:30 a.m. followed by a memorial service to remember deceased parish members. Then the church's latest high school graduate will be honored, along with the current parish council members. Three of those members are original to the council -- George Titonis, Emmanuel Mehallis and Steve Koucoumaris.
People also will be treated with the viewing of the original film taken during the consecration 50 years ago. The Rev. Michael Ziebarth, church pastor, had the super 8mm film transferred to DVD for all to see.
Although the present church was built in 1950-52, it was not blessed until June 11, 1967. It was consecrated Metropolitan Iakovos of Philadelphia and Bishop Theodosios of Ancona, who was administering Pittsburgh at that time.
The first Orthodox Christian came to Martins Ferry and Belmont County at start of the 20th Century, at a time when their homelands were under governance of either the Turks or Italians. Greek immigrants came mainly from islands along the Asia minor coast. They established themselves either in good jobs, often in the steel mills, or in their own businesses.