In the mid-1990’s, a small group of local families from Colorado Springs, received the blessing from His Eminence, Metropolitan Isaiah, to begin the process of forming a new parish in the city.

Fr. Luke Uhl, Chancellor of the Metropolis of Denver, served the first Divine Liturgy on August 17, 1997. Several churches showed ecumenical largesse by offering space for meetings during the beginnings in 1997. Fr. Anthony Karbo of St. Constantine and Helen Orthodox Church, allowed parishioners to meet at his church. Members also held meetings at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Old Colorado City. Phil Yannias donated use of his consignment store on occasion and members later rented the second floor of a store on Galley Road for services.

Fr. Mark Leondis, Youth Director of the Denver Metropolis, and Fr. Stephen Powley, from southern Colorado, alternated in conducting regular church services. Members also met at Jake and Telly’s Restaurant, which served as a community meeting place. Archangel Michael’s celestial reach resonated, recognizing the influence of the Air Force and the flying community in the area.

A property became available that fit the needs of the congregation in search of a home. Members scrambled to raise the money and secured the building where we are currently located.

Throughout the process of finding a property and raising the funds, several priests, worked hard to realize the dream of establishing a new parish. Fr. Makarios Mannos, a monk who was serving in Pueblo, Colorado, at the time, helped with the initial ideas for a church. Fr. Luke Uhl and Fr. Mark Leondis, at the Denver Metropolis, added their support and gave services in Colorado Springs while working at their primary jobs in Denver. His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah approved and supported the plan for a new parish. Fr. Stephen Powley, assigned to provide spiritual guidance to inmates at the Administrative Maximum Facility (ADX) in Florence, Colorado, helped by giving the liturgy and assisting in numerous ways over the years.

Fr. Dennis Schutte and his family arrived from Massachusetts in 1999 to become the first, full-time priest. He and his family have made their home here, and God Willing, will remain many more years. Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church looks forward to welcoming your family into our community.