Our History
The story of Saint John’s Greek Orthodox Church in Omaha is interwoven with the arrival of Greek immigrants in the early 1900s, drawn to the city’s booming meatpacking industry. By 1907, a thriving Greek community in South Omaha recognized the need for a spiritual home, leading to the construction of the first Saint John’s Church in 1908. This initial church, now a Ukrainian Catholic parish, laid the foundation for a vibrant Orthodox presence.
Despite a brief period of schism and the challenges of world events, the community persevered, demonstrating the strength of their faith and cultural identity. The determination of the Greek people during World War II, and the subsequent fight against communism, resonated deeply within the Omaha parish, fostering a spirit of resilience.
In 1951, Saint John’s purchased the former Temple Israel, a remarkable Byzantine-style building mirroring the church’s own origins. This architectural gem, with its impressive dome and acoustics, became the new home for the parish in 1953 after extensive renovations. Consecrated in 1958, the new Saint John’s solidified its role as a central pillar of the Omaha Greek community.
The adoption of a new constitution and bylaws in the same year empowered the parish council, ensuring the church’s continued growth and service to its faithful. Today, Saint John’s stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Greek Orthodoxy in Omaha, offering a place of worship, community, and cultural preservation.
Leadership and Service
About Father Peter Pappas
Fr. Peter J. Pappas brings a wealth of theological expertise and dedicated service to Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Omaha. A graduate of the University of Illinois and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, with studies at St. Vladimir’s Seminary and experience at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople, Fr. Peter is deeply rooted in Orthodox tradition. His prior experience in Omaha as a chanter, teacher, and parish council member, combined with his pastoral leadership in Illinois, demonstrates his commitment to community and faith.
As a published author on Orthodox theology and public policy, Fr. Peter offers insightful spiritual guidance. He and his family are passionate about sharing the living faith of Christ and the treasures of Orthodoxy, fostering growth within the Omaha Greek Orthodox community. Visit Saint John’s Greek Orthodox Church in Omaha and experience Fr. Peter’s dedicated leadership and spiritual guidance.
Our Staff
Our staff are all volunteer members of Saint John’s.
Chanters: Mike Vlassakis
Maintenance: George Barelos
Altar Guild: Angie Lewis
Secretary: Mary Stom
Web/Technical Support: TCB Operating Solutions
