The Annunciation begins The Build in East Sacramento

News Release

For immediate release: December 4, 2014 Contact Erin Stafford Erin@CrockerCrocker.com 916-491-3161

Annunciation Church Plans Multi-Million Dollar Expansion

Oldest Greek Orthodox parish starts construction on East Sacramento campus

Sacramento, CA – The Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation of Sacramento, located in East Sacramento across from McKinley Park, announced the start of a long-awaited $10 million construction of new campus facilities on a square-block of prime real estate.

The Greek Orthodox Church was founded in 1920 and is the oldest Greek Orthodox parish between the San Francisco Bay Area and Salt Lake City. The church built its first house of worship in 1921 and then its present sanctuary and hall in 1952. Parishioners believe the time is right to expand and rehab the church grounds.

Called The Build, the church plans to increase its school, double the size of its family center, add new parking and construct a plateia, or Greek courtyard, which traditionally served as the heartof village life in Greek culture.

“While important to our congregation and parishioners, this project adds to the EastSacramento neighborhood and to the Sacramento community as a whole,” said restaurateurSam Manolakas, who leads the The Build campaign. “We have a long and respected history in Sacramento. We take pride in welcoming others into our culture through our church activities and community involvement.” Non-parishioners may know of the church through its annual Greek Festival which has celebrated Greek culture, food and dance for more than 50 years.

Its campus in Sacramento has served the church well, but church leaders have been exploringexpansion possibilities for more than ten years. “It’s time for growth but we are hampered by space,” said the Rev. James Retelas, Annunciation’s priest. “We have a strong, supportive and active congregation and need the space for music, dance, education, ceremonies and events. This is our solution.”

Retelas, who joined the parish nine years ago, has been engaged with parishioners about plans and options for expansion. Numerous ideas have been reviewed. Expansion at the current location was considered the best direction and now groundbreaking is scheduled for the first quarter of 2015.

To Retelas, Manolakas and the entire congregation, it’s not about the building itself but a chance to celebrate faith and community. It’s about their future, church vitality and culture.

“It’s going to be transformational,” said Retelas, “and will have a positive impact on the neighborhood.” Designers include two parishioners – architects Nick Docous, a principal at Lionakis, and Dan Eriksson, a principal at Comstock Johnson Architects.

Some work already started with demotion of a few buildings including an eight-unit apartment complex. The phased construction approach will minimize impacts with no road closures and minimal disruption to the facilities. Construction should take about 12 months to complete.