Saint Anna's Rich History

Saint Anna Greek Orthodox Church has a rich history in Hunterdon County. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to all the individuals who offered worship space to us in our formative, early years as well as the donors and stewards who funded and lead the development of the community. We held our first Divine Liturgy in 2002. Thanks to our Grand Benefactor, the late most honorable and generous Nicholas J. Bouras, as well as the hard work, support and true faith of our own parishoners, we were blessed to embark on the journey to build our own home, starting with our land purchase in October of 2009.

Along the way we used several facilities as places of worship including a house owned by the Mavrode Family, Razberry's Banquet Hall owned then by Dino Orginos, and the Allerton United Methodist Church. Pastor Lynn Mears supported our use of their church for seven years. Our fundraising efforts were greatly supported by our festival. This was held at Razberry's through the gracious support of the Orginos Family. Our capital campaign was launched in 2007 by then Parish Council President John Kaldes who saw the project through its many phases of fundraising, planning, Metropolis approvals, land purchase, and construction. During these early years the parish was served by several part time clergy. In 2011 we were assigned a full time priest, Father Anastasios Kousoulas. We broke ground in 2011 and on June 9, 2013 we held our Thyranixia, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the parish.

The Beginning

Key Parish Milestones

November 2001 - A group of local Greek Orthodox Christians organize to establish a parish.

June 2002 - The Greek Orthodox Parish of Hunterdon County was incorporated. in NJ

September 2002 - First Divine Liturgy celebrated at the Mavrode property on Rt. 12, Delaware Township, NJ.

October 2002- Temporary Charter approved by Archbishop Demetrios of America upon the recommendation of the very Reverend Alexander G. Leondis, Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of NJ.

May 2005 - First Greek Festival held on the grounds of Razberry's Banquet Hall.

July 2006 - Parish moves to Razberry's Banquet Center and then Allerton United Methodist Church. General Assemblies held at Razberry's Banquet Center.

November 2006 - First Hierarchical Divine Liturgy presided by His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of NJ

December 2007- Parish votes to purchase 12 acres of land on Voorhees Corner Rd., Flemington

November 2008 - Metropolitan Evangelos approves the property.

June 2008- Township votes to grant approval of building.

October 14, 2009 - Greek Orthodox Parish of Hunterdon County buys 12 acres of land on Voorhees Corner Road, Raritan Twp., New Jersey.

Land Purchase with
Father Nikas and PC President John Kaldes

January 2010- Official name of St. Anna and permanent charter granted

May 16, 2010 - Land Dedication: His Eminence, Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey, blessed and dedicated the newly acquired 12-acre property at 85 Voorhees Corner Road, Raritan Twp.

July 2010 - The Presbyter Father Anastasios Kousoulas assigned as pastor

Sep 17, 2011 - Groundbreaking Ceremony & Evening Reception: Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Evangelos offer great spiritual support and motivation to parishioners and friends at the St Anna Greek Orthodox Church ground-breaking ceremony at 85 Voorhees Corner Road site. After the Agiasmos and Ceremonial Ground Breaking, parishioners and friends were moved to offer gifts in support of the building fund. A reception followed at Beaver Brook Country Club, Annandale, NJ, where Archbishop Demetrios offered more inspiring words to the community.