BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Tucked into Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighborhood there’s a holy landmark that’s hard to miss — and it’s getting a major facelift.
The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation is in the middle of a 7.5-million-dollar transformation as part of a multi-phase initiative. One that goes far beyond brick and mortar.
For a century, the cathedral has served as the heart of Baltimore’s Greek Orthodox community.
“Romanesque architecture — very historical,” said Presiding Priest Father George Mastakas as he and Parish Council President, Georgeann Morekas made their way inside. “This is where it began.”
Built in 1887 and purchased in 1937, the church became home to Baltimore’s Greek Orthodox community after narrowly escaping demolition—and even plans to replace it with a gas station.
“Who would have thought that yes out of all things a gas station,” Father George said.
That plan never became reality.
“So here we are today worshiping in this beautiful space that has been left for us,” he said.
Today, it stands as Maryland’s first Greek Orthodox church. For Morekas, that history is deeply personal.
“My grandfather served as parish council president in the 1940s and my father in the 1960s. So, I’m the third generation,” she said.
It’s a legacy that has helped define who she is.
“I remember crawling I remember sitting with my grandmother,” Morekas said. “It’s given me strength to face life and to all the things that come in life, the happy things, the difficult things, the sad things, but it’s the center. It’s my core.”
Now, she’s helping preserve that legacy for the next generation.
“They’re actively working in the upper lobby. A lot of noise a lot of activity,” said Morekas, as she and Father George suited up in hard hats and safety vests to tour the 1960s Father George P. Gallos Education Building.
It’s been under construction since March as part of phase one of renovations on the historic campus.
For Morekas, every room brought back memories.
“I see 3,000 times that I’ve been in that space,” said Morekas. “It’s a lot different. I can see myself in the corner over there with the easter bunny.”
Those halls were once her classrooms. This fall, they’ll welcome a new generation of students.
“It’s coming a long way,” said Father George.
He hoped the changes would help the church continue serving as an anchor—not just for parishioners, but for the entire Mount Vernon community, building on a legacy that’s endured for a century.
“It’s a reflection of where the city was and where the city is heading into the future,” said Father George, “We want to that beacon of light of Christ here in Baltimore.”
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