LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Kimisis
Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church of Brooklyn, New York, to be celebrated
on February 3, 2012

WHEREAS, Religious institutions, and the many spiritual, social and
educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development
of the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and this Nation to pay
tribute to those institutions and individuals who have contributed to
the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the
80th Anniversary of Kimisis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church of Brooklyn,
New York, to be celebrated with a Dinner Dance on February 3, 2012; and
WHEREAS, The Greek Orthodox Community of Kimisis Theotokou was founded
in the heart of the Depression; in 1931, a small group of immigrants,
new Americans determined to keep their Greek Orthodox faith alive in
their new country, sacrificed to establish a house of worship and a
community center; and
WHEREAS, The first home of Kimisis Theotokou parish, then known as the
Greek Orthodox Community of Bay Ridge, was located on 4th Avenue, near
32nd Street; its founder and first president of the Parish Council was
Panayiotis Bounacos; in 1932 the parishioners, led by Reverend George
Menexopoulos, sold the original property and purchased 239 17th Street;
in 1933 Reverend Simeon Emanuel joined the community and, along with the
Parish Council, was instrumental in finalizing the purchase of the
church's present home at 224 18th Street; and
WHEREAS, Kimisis Theotokou began to grow and to be known for its
ministry and committment to the community; organizations, events and
traditions which continue to this day flourished including the annual
dance and journal begun in 1931; the Philoptochos Society was organized
by the women of the church in November 1933 and continues to be the
church's most active society; the choir and Sunday and Afternoon Schools
were added in 1933; a Board of Trustees was elected in March 1934; the
annual magazine, THE HERALD published its first edition in 1935; the
youth league and The Chiaki Adelphotita of Aghia Markella, a society
dedicated in helping those in need, were started in 1936; and, in 1937,
the Archdiocese of North and South America, under the leadership of
Archbishop Athenagoras, officially recognized Kimisis Theotokou as a
member church of the Archdiocese; and
WHEREAS, The focus of the community of Kimisis Theotokou has always
been its children; a Greek Orthodox Youth Association (GOYA) was organ-
ized and, as the Kimisis Theotokou community grew, it became more
evident that a school was a necessity and by the 1960s the concept of an
educational center became a reality; and
WHEREAS, Property was purchased and following the demolition of the
buildings on it, a groundbreaking ceremony took place in June 1964 and,
in September 1966, Soterios Ellenas Parochial School opened its doors;
and
WHEREAS, Through the years Kimisis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church and
Soterios Ellenas Parochial School have thrived ably led by outstanding
spiritual leaders and educators; the chapels of Saint Irene and Aghia
Markella have been consecrated along with many other renovations and
improvements to the church's edifice and facilities; Soterios Ellenas
Parochial School has graduated many classes; bible classes have been
invigorated; and the community's senior citizens have felt the comfort
of Kimisis Theotokou's generous parish; and

WHEREAS, Kimisis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church stands on the thresh-
old of tomorrow, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades
while retaining that spiritual resolve which characterizes its past; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of
enduring religious institutions and to bring such institutions to the
attention of the people of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Kimisis Theotokou Greek Orthodox
Church of Brooklyn, New York, to be observed on February 3, 2012, fully
confident that this commemoration reflects the belief in those values
which enhance the dignity and purpose of life; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Kimisis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church , Brooklyn, New York.