Greek Orthodox Church
It began in 2003 when a local parishioner commissioned Mark Arrow to build a 9th century Greek Orthodox Church on his land in Owego, NY. After three years, multiple trips to Greece, numerous design revisions, and plenty of sweat, the church of St. Maximus the Confessor was finally complete on February 4th, 2007 when Bishop Christodoulos of Theoupolis visited and concelebrated the Divine Liturgy.
The chapel was built in 9th century Byzantium era style stonework. During his trips to Greece, Mark studied the architecture and design of historic Orthodox churches, committed to replicate every detail without compromise. Solid masonry stone walls, stone domes, and columns support the roof system. No modern building techniques were used in the construction. It is the first church built in the New World using only 9th century techniques! The church has no plumbing or electricity and is lit only by oil lamps and candle light. Inside, real gold domes and hand-painted fresco paintings create the atmosphere while a wood-burning stove provides heat. A 35-foot deep hand-dug well, a cemetery, and an outhouse are also onsite.
Read a related article on the Holy Metropolis G.O.C. of America Web site.
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