Daily Herald: ‘It’s the emphasis on mysticism and prayer’: Suburban Greek Orthodox churches mark Easter amid membership boom

Father Chris Mihalopoulos blesses parishioners with rose water during the traditional Good Friday service at St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Palatine. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com

Published in the Daily Herald by Madhu Krishnamurthy | April 11, 2026

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The pews at suburban Greek Orthodox churches are bursting at the seams this Easter Sunday.

Leaders say this surge in new members stems from grass-roots efforts and outreach after the pandemic.

A diverse mix of new faces now includes Latino, Russian, Polish, Filipino, African American and Japanese Americans. Many are converting to Orthodoxy from Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical and non-denominational backgrounds.

At St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Palatine, membership is growing rapidly. They expect dozens of new converts by year’s end, up from 23 in 2019. About 625 longtime parish families have returned since 2023, and Sunday attendance has nearly doubled from 200 to 385, according to church leaders.

“It’s not just about families coming to the church, but we’re witnessing people who are disenfranchised with the Orthodox Church coming back,” said Chris…