Saints Peter & Paul's 50th Anniversary

On Oct. 10, 2010 (10-10-2010...conveniently adding up to 50), Sts. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview, Ill., my home parish since 2001, celebrates its 50th Anniversary!

Obviously, I drove home for the gala that has been planned for almost as long as I've been attending church there. The committee planned a wonderful dinner dance celebration with live music from the Chris Sarlas orchestra, Greek dancing, filet mignon, fellowship and more!

One of the unique aspects of the evening and celebration in itself is that the church planned the event so all speakers and other recognitions were done before, so the actual dance was focused on celebration. This was an exciting attribute and a great way to plan a successful event. Commemorative speakers presented the week before, and an event was held each season in honor of SSPP's 50th year--such as bowling at Pinstripes and more. DVDs of each era of the church along with a photo slideshow were distributed as favors and my family had a great time watching it together!

For me, SSPP's 50th Anniversary was a combination of prom and what Maria, Eleni and I's weddings could only hope to be. About one thousand people were in attendance (!!) at the Westin Hotel's main ballroom in Wheeling, which was beautifully decorated. Not only were we spoiled with updos in our hair, but the hotel gave us a suite upstairs on the 16th floor! You could even see the Chicago skyline and the unappreciated beauty of Wheeling, Ill.!

Maria, Eleni and I started off the night by roaming during appetizers and taking photos with our favorite parishioners. It was nice to see everyone all dressed up and in a setting outside of church! There were some quick speakers, where I realized it really was fascinating for families to get together to create our church. People do this with organizations all the time, but to start a Greek Orthodox church....wow. It's already been a challenge to start organizations at school, but to start a part of a jurisdiction that is joining a diocese, finding people to worship, and following through for fifty years...it must have been awesome for the founders to see the success. SSPP basically has 1000 families are stewards, I'd say it was a success! And not all churches in the Chicago area can say that! Thus, it was great to be home to spend time with family, and not just go to this awesome celebration....but realize its significance.

Essentially all of my friends were in attendance, and at the same table or close enough. So after some ushering, catching up and a wonderful meal....we headed to Greek dance! My legs were sore for five days; I even fell down a couple of stairs at school because my ankles were so weak from the hours of dancing. It is truly a blessing to have such a great network of Greek Orthodox friends, especially coming home to them, and knowing that they all care just as much to come home for the event as well. The entire church could see how unified we were even watching us on the dance floor, and if the 50th was like this...what will our weddings be like?!?

Below is a photo recap of the evening but for now, Happy 50th Anniversary Sts. Peter & Paul! Thank you for all you have given me!

Maria, Eleni and I with our updos

Family photoshoot- we're funny!
Loving Yiayia Sophie
Taking photos with some of our favorite parishioners...the Gouletas'!

Arriving at the beautiful banquet hall, this is only half of it! I want my wedding here!

We all came home from college for this!
With all of the grandparents

Our table :)- Joy, Danielle, Marina, Pam, Amy, Maria, Alexander, Nick, Dean, Anastasia, Christina and I
Let the Greek dancing begin!
The group on the dance floor
We got Angelo and Patricia on the dance floor too!! Family photo to Don't Stop Believin'

The lovely suite the hotel gave us, hanging out with the Poteres clan after the event