1973:
The Bayshore American Hellenic Association (BAHA) formed by early Greek residents of the Bayshore area of Central New Jersey. Meeting in members’ homes, motels, a real estate office, and the Shore Point Inn, the club was organized for the purpose of attracting Orthodox families,
raising funds for a new Church complex, and to provide temporary religious services and a children’s Greek Language school.
1975:
Greek Language classes begun at the Beer Street School. The first service was celebrated at the Holmdel Motor Inn. The Ladies Auxiliary of BAHA was established.
1976:
A delegation formally requested, and was granted recognition and sanctioning from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America for formation of a parish.
▪ Approval of the Uniform Parish Regulations and Articles of Agreement were approved.
▪ First Annual Greek Festival held at Pleasant Valley Farm in Colts Neck.
▪ Fr. George Prassas assigned as first Parish Priest
▪ First Official Liturgy held at Christ Church, Middletown.
▪ First General Assembly meeting. The name "Kimisis Tis Theotokou" was officially adopted for the Parish
▪ Church services and Greek Language classes held at the Beer Street School in Hazlet until 1988.
1977:
The General Assembly approved the purchase of 6.5 acres of property on Hillcrest Road in Holmdel for $64,000 for construction of a Parish Complex. By June, 1979, the mortgage was retired.
1980:
▪ Fr. George H. Dounelis joined us as Parish Priest.
▪ The Ladies Philoptochos Society was established.
•1986:
▪ Ground breaking ceremony for Church building with His Excellency Metropolitan Silas officiating.
1987:
▪ Church construction begun. During the foundation blessing ceremony, on a perfectly clear day, a sudden cloud formed a miraculous cross over site.
1988:
▪ Thryranoixia (Door Opening) Ceremony for Church building with His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos and His Excellency Metropolitan Silas officiating.
▪ BAHA and Mr. & Mrs. Ted Countouroudas become Co-Godparents of the Church.
•1992:
▪ The Platytera, donated by the Ladies Philoptochos Society, was installed.
•1994:
▪ Church pews installed
▪ Kimisis Pre-School Playgroup formed
•1995:
▪ First Annual "Run in Holmdel" sponsored by Kimisis
▪ Annual Greek Festival first held on-site
▪ Order of AHEPA Chapter 517 formed
▪ Kimisis G.O.Y.A. wins 1st Place overall at Sights and Sounds
1996:
▪ Iconostasion, Altar Table and Table of Oblations installed
▪ Archbishop Spyridon enthroned
▪ Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts troops formed
1997:
▪ Construction of Community Center begins
▪ His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon visits Parish on Kimisis name day and blesses the Community Center construction.
1998:
▪ Completion of Phase I of Community Center- enclosed structure. Inside community center finishing work begins.
▪ "Tree of Life" sculpture installed temporarily in Church Hall to recognize Community Center donors
▪ Marble floor installed at altar.
▪ Kimisis G.O.Y.A. wins 2nd Place overall at Sights and Sounds
▪ Kimisis J.O.Y. reactivated
▪ Kimisis electronic web site created
1999:
▪ His Grace, Bishop George, elected as New Jersey Diocesan Bishop and Enthrowned on April 17, 1999.
▪ Kimisis G.O.Y.A. wins 2nd Place overall at Sights and Sounds
▪ Temporary Certificate of Occupancy obtained on June 1, 1999 for the Community Center. Plans are to equip and furnish for use as contributions permits.
▪ Blessing and Door Opening for Community Center on Kimisis Tis Theotokou Nameday, August 15, 1999, following Liturgy.
▪ Officiated by His Grace, Bishop George of New Jersey. Tree of Life relocated to permanent location at entrance to Community Center.
▪ Plaques in recognition of Building Committee members and donors installed.
September, 1999: Sunday and Greek school classes begin in new Community Center.▪ December, 1999: Community Center Gym wood floor installed and gym available for athletic activities 2000.
2000:
▪ First woman elected as president Bessie Drogaris
2001:
▪ Parish is comprised of about 600 families from throughout the Bayshore area. We have over 210 children, ages 3-12 registered in Sunday school, and many also participate in Pre-School Playgroup, Greek Language Classes, Greek Dance, GOYA, Scouting, Altar Boys, and other youth programs. The long-awaited many more activities for our many youth and adult Parish organizations, such as our Prime Timers Seniors, Ladies Philoptochos, AHEPA, Choir, Kimisis Close-Up Newsletter, Bible Study classes, and other organizations.
▪ Stewardship Program began
2003:
▪ GOYA takes 1st place at Sights & Sounds for 3rd consecutive year
2007:
▪ Consecration of Kimisis Tis Theotokou
▪ On Sunday, October 21, 2007 - His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey Chief Celebrant.
2008:
▪ Annual Church Dinner Dance returns, Presbyter Eleni Chakalos is honored
2009:
▪ GOYA Girls Volleyball wins 3rd championship in 4 years
▪ Interior Committee receives approval for new chandeliers and Etched/stain glass windows
2010:
▪ Chandleries installed
▪ Etched Glass windows installation began
▪Annual Greek Festival breaks record for net income and revenue
2011:
Planning New Parking Lot and new two story addition in rear of all purpose room
