Countywide : Archbishop to Bless New Church in Irvine

A controversial Greek Orthodox church, deemed an eyesore by some residents when it was built more than two years ago, will be officially blessed Sunday by the denomination’s leader in the Americas.

Archbishop Iakovos arrives in Orange County today for a weekend of activities highlighted by the consecration of St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church on Alton Parkway in Irvine at 9:30 a.m. Bishop Anthony, bishop of the western United States, also will attend.

“To come this far, the feeling is just awesome,” said the Rev. Father George Stephanides, the church’s priest, “especially considering what we’ve been through in the last few years.”

Protests from the community dogged the church even before it was built. In 1991, residents of the Bloomdale cul-de-sac protested construction of the $6-million edifice, saying the Byzantine-style structure was out of place amid their homes. They also contended the 70-foot copper dome obscured their view of the mountains.

“With all the controversy, we gave in 10 feet,” Stephanides said.

The church opened its doors to parishioners in May, 1992, but the consecration was delayed until the interior could be completed.