History of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
of San Jose, California

The nucleus of St. Nicholas Church was formed in the 30's. The Community officially began in 1945 when charters were issued from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of the Americas and from the State of California. From a choice of several sites, 1260 Davis Street was purchased for $5,500.00 in 1948.

Several Protestant Churches in the area permitted us to use their Sanctuaries. However, Druids' Hall located at Market and San Carlos, was Church to us for some five years. Plans for a Church edifice were drawn up and completed in 1949. At last in 1950 the dream of the Charter Members came true-Our own House of Worship.

Fathers Panagiotis Germanos, John Petropoulos, Constantine Statheros and George Mestakides gave pastoral guidance for the first nine years. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Athenagoras conducted the Opening of the Doors Ceremony in 1950. During the same year the official name was given to St. Nicholas and Mr. Nick Ellis, Mrs. Christine Mack and Mr. Sam Lymberis became co sponsors.

Father George Makos assumed the duties of Pastor in 1954. In 1955 the Rt. Rev. Bishop Demetrios consecrated our Church. Under Fr. Makos' guidance a Sunday School, Greek School and Youth Group were organized.

The same year the Community Center was erected. Many members, along with Philoptochos, Ahepa, Arcadians, Gapans and our fellow American friends contributed toward this building. Father Makos suffered a fatal heart attack in September 1961 and left a void in the hearts of those who loved him dearly. He was succeeded by Father Constantine Palassis and later Father Ireneus Churis. During this period our schools grew, the Parish House property was purchased at 980 Chapman Street and our membership steadily increased.

During these eighteen years an unbelievable phenomenon had taken place in the Santa Clara Valley. The Space Age brought a multitude of industries and an unbelievable influx of newcomers to Santa Clara County. The 75 families multiplied into over 400 families.

In March of 1963, at the request of Bishop Demetrios of our Western States Diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Iakovas assigned Father George Nicozisin as our Priest. In February 1964 the membership voted to expand our present Church an additional 58 feet and add offices to the front of our Community Center. This project was finished in June the same year at the cost $55,000.00. Also in 1964, the adjoining property was purchased an old house razed and a parking lot was completed. The Parish House on Chapman Street was remodeled into a small School Building.