A soft afternoon light flows through
the stained glass windows, casting a golden shadow across the pews
and reflecting off of the ornate mosaic-covered walls. Children
fidget, playing with dolls and toys their parents brought to keep
them entertained during the Divine Liturgy. When they are scolded by
their mothers, the children turn to their grandmothers, who welcome
them with open arms. Altar boys dressed in silken robes stand
patiently while the priest reads from the Gospel. The priest's voice
wavers through the church, joined by the choir. Old and young voices
combine with his to create a sweet melody. One of the youngest altar
boys grows restless waiting during the seemingly endless service, and
begins to sway back and forth.
When it ends, everyone gathers in the
basement for the coffee hour. A line forms for the special Sunday
donut and coffee, or orange juice, and chatter fills the room.
Cacophony fills the room when the youngest Sunday School children are
let out of class. They run to the piano on-stage and pound away at
the keys with their fists, laughing as they try to create a melody.
The Transfiguration Greek Orthodox
Church has been home to the Greek Orthodox of the Lowell Acre since
1956. The priests have changed throughout the years, but the families
that have attended the church have been the same. Some families have
been members of the Transfiguration parish since it first opened its
doors. The church not only represented a place of worship, but also
an opportunity for Greeks from all different villages to come
together under one roof, in a new country. They built the church up
together, creating a place they could call home, and their future
children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren could also call
home.
Families that have attended the church
a very long time sit in the same pews every Sunday. The Yiayias lean
on their canes, their white-gray hair set in perfect curls. The
Papous stand by their side, wearing their best suit and tie. Their
weak eyes peer over their gold-rimmed glasses as they read worn
Bibles and sing along with the choir in their soft, old voices.
