Parishioners grateful for community's support after fire destroyed Saint Isidoros Greek Orthodox Church

No one was injured in the fire, but much of the church, which dates back to 1974, suffered smoke, fire and water damage.

News 12 Staff

Jan 29, 2023, 5:19 PM

Updated 657 days ago

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Members of Saint Isidoros Greek Orthodox Church in Bethpage are grateful of the support they've received from the community since a fire destroyed their place of worship.
Fire marshals believe an electrical fire is to blame for the destructive fire on Tuesday. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
No one was injured in the fire, but much of the church, which dates back to 1974, suffered smoke, fire and water damage.
“Some holy relics, some precious icons -- we were able to save some of them, but most were destroyed. Many of the items could only be imported from Greece,” said Father Kleanthis Korkotas.
It was especially devastating to Georgia Kalamideas, whose grandfather founded the church almost 50 years ago.
"There is a lot of emotion...knowing the Easter holiday is coming up... it's definitely emotional," Kalamideas said.
Parishioners of the church gathered in a small chapel in Farmingdale on Sunday for their first service since the fire. They expressed gratitude for those in the community who have helped.
The church’s GoFundMe page has raised more than $44,000 in less than a week.
Parishioners said firefighters who were on the scene that day donated money to help the church. They added that people from different faiths donated as well.
Starting next Sunday, services will be held under a tent at the Bethpage church until the location is rebuilt.