- About the Church
A group of Greek Orthodox Christians lead
by Fr. Leon Pachis, formed a mission church in Upland California after obtaining
permission from His Grace Bishop Anthony of San Francisco in 1981. Prior to formation of
the mission in the Pomona Valley few of these Greek Orthodox Christians would take the
time to travel 27 miles to the east to go to St. Elias in San Bernardino or the
alternative 26 miles to the west to go to St. Anthony's in Pasadena. Most of the Greek
Orthodox Christians in the Pomona Valley area did not have the opportunity to attend
Church regularly.
Immediately upon the formation of the
mission 30 to 40 Greek Orthodox Christian families attended services which were performed
by Fr. Leon Pachis and other Priests in the area at St. Marks's Presbyterian Church in
Upland.
In 1982 they purchased the property on 1391
Chaffee Street in Upland, California which is a mile from north of interstate 10 freeway
and a little over a mile from the Ontario Airport.
In 1983. His Grace Bishop Anthony
participated in the event of naming the church. Among the candidate names were St. George,
St. Andrew, St. Demetrios, and St.Spyridon. The name of St. Spyridon was selected as
a result of the highest monetary contribution of Maria Colas of Claremont, California. The
group continued to hold services at that location performed by Fr. Leon Pachis and other
Priests in the area.
In 1987 Father George Manneh was appointed by
His Grace Bishop Anthony as a full time priest for the new small parish.
Over the years a number of dedicated
parishioners remodeled the original building, Which now resembles a small church in
Greece. Currently the Parish Council has undertaken the task of remodeling an old house
adjacent to the church which will serve as a meeting place for all as well as the Priests
office.