Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church sits on East Colorado Street in Long Beach, a few blocks from Mother's Beach in the Belmont Shore area. The parish has gathered every Sunday morning for Matins and the Divine Liturgy since the late 1930s, and its identity is rooted in Greek Orthodox faith, family life, and the traditions that have shaped the community for nearly nine decades. Assumption is a parish of the Metropolis of San Francisco of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and it serves as one of the most active Greek Orthodox congregations in the greater Los Angeles area.
Sunday Mornings on Colorado Street
Sunday mornings at Assumption follow a rhythm that has shaped Orthodox Christian life for centuries. The parish gathers at 8:45 a.m. for Matins, the long morning office of prayer and psalms that prepares the faithful for the Eucharist. At 10:00 a.m., the Divine Liturgy begins. The Divine Liturgy is the central act of worship in the Orthodox Church, an ancient service that has been at the heart of Christian prayer since the earliest days of the faith. Its prayers, hymns, Scripture readings, the sermon, the recitation of the Nicene Creed, and the consecration of the Holy Gifts invite every person in the sanctuary to participate in a single act of communal worship.
After the Divine Liturgy, the parish moves to the Betty Reckas Community Center for a social gathering. Visitors and longtime members share food and conversation together, and newcomers are introduced to parish life. For anyone walking in for the first time, the simplest path is to arrive a few minutes before 10:00 a.m., step into the narthex, sign the guest book, and find a seat. The faithful are invited to participate through prayer, sung responses, and standing at key moments during the service. The iconography throughout the sanctuary, the work of iconographer Dimitrios Mourlas, who is in the process of completing a multi-phase interior iconography project begun in 2015, connects the worshipper to the saints and to the unbroken tradition of the Church.
What Visitors Need to Know
Orthodox worship is reverent, beautiful, and deeply participatory, and Assumption welcomes all visitors to share in it. Upon entering the church, quiet reflection and prayerful awareness are encouraged, and unnecessary conversation in the narthex or sanctuary is best avoided. All worshippers are asked to stand reverently during the procession with the Holy Gospel, the reading of the Gospel, the Cherubic Hymn and Great Entrance, the recitation of the Nicene Creed, the consecration of the Holy Gifts, the sermon, and any special processions or memorials. Whenever the priest faces the congregation, offers a blessing, or censes the church, all should stand regardless of where they are in the sanctuary. Ushers and members of the Parish Council are present to help with any questions.
Holy Communion at Assumption is reserved for baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians, in keeping with the Church's understanding of full unity in faith and practice. Visitors who are not Orthodox are warmly welcomed to remain in the sanctuary for the entire service, and at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy all visitors are invited to receive Antidoron, the blessed bread that is shared with the congregation as a sign of fellowship. For those who cannot attend in person, services are livestreamed on YouTube.
From a 1937 Charter to Eight Decades of Service
The history of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Long Beach story. Before 1937, Greek Orthodox Christians in Long Beach had no local parish of their own. Visiting priests from Annunciation Church in Los Angeles would travel periodically to Long Beach to serve the sacraments for the growing Greek community, but the absence of a permanent Orthodox presence was felt. In 1933, local families organized a Hellenic school to help the next generation retain both their faith and their cultural identity. On October 4, 1937, the community was officially granted a charter as a Greek Orthodox parish, with Theofanis Athanasiou as president, George Manos as vice president, Peter George as secretary, and John Foutris as treasurer.
Two years later, in 1939, the parish purchased land in Long Beach, setting the stage for a permanent spiritual home. Construction began in 1947, and on August 15, 1949, the church building was officially opened on the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, the very feast day that gives the parish its name. From the start, the parish organized the ministries that still shape its life. The Greek School was established in 1937, the Sunday School met in private homes before the church was completed, the church choir was organized in 1947, and the Philoptochos Society began its work in 1937.
The decades that followed brought steady growth. Folk dance groups began in 1980 and expanded into multiple age groups, becoming a vibrant part of parish life. The parish marked the 50th anniversary of the church building in 1999 and the 75th anniversary of the parish community in 2012. The annual Epiphany celebration, with the diving for the Holy Cross at Mother's Beach, has been a Long Beach tradition for more than six decades, and the Long Beach Greek Festival draws thousands of visitors to the parish each year.
The Pastoral Team
Early services at Assumption were provided by visiting priests. The first permanent priest, Fr. Nicholas Billiris, was assigned in 1949, the year the church building opened, and he served the parish for 35 years. He was followed by Fr. Michael Kouremetis (1984 to 1997), Fr. Tom Avramis (1997 to 1998), Fr. Nicholas Milatos (1998 to 2004), Fr. John Konugres (2004 to 2005), Fr. James Adams (2005 to 2006), and Fr. John Roll (2006 to 2013). Fr. Christos P. Kanakis became the parish's eighth pastor on March 10, 2013, and continues to lead the Assumption community today.
Fr. Christos was born in San Francisco and raised at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, where Fr. Anthony Kosturos of blessed memory helped inspire his calling to the priesthood. He earned a bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Religion from San Francisco State University in 2006 and a Master of Divinity from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston in 2009. After graduation, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos assigned him to St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena as a pastoral assistant. He was ordained to the Diaconate on June 6, 2010, and to the Holy Priesthood on January 16, 2011.
Assumption is also served by Deacon Evangelos Karapoulios, who was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on June 19, 2022, by His Grace, Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea, after completing the Diaconate program at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 2021. Deacon Evangelos was born in Krania, Grevena, Greece, grew up in Toronto, Canada, and has been a member of the Long Beach community since 1989. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Finance from California State University, Fullerton, and has served the parish in many capacities over the years, including leadership roles on the Parish Council, directing Sunday School, and volunteering at church events and festivals. He and his wife, Diakonissa Eleni, are the parents of Stamatia and Gregory.
The Orthodox Christian Faith
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a parish of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, part of the Eastern Christian tradition that traces its roots directly to the apostles of Jesus Christ. Orthodox Christianity is one of the oldest Christian traditions in the world, with communities first established in North America more than 200 years ago, beginning in Alaska and along the West Coast. While Orthodox churches may carry names such as Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, or Coptic Orthodox, they all share the same core beliefs, traditions, and spiritual foundation, while reflecting diverse cultural backgrounds.
At the heart of Orthodox Christianity are faith in the Holy Trinity, reverence for Holy Scripture, apostolic tradition and worship, the life of prayer, the communion of saints, and salvation understood as a lifelong journey of transformation. The Orthodox Church teaches that God is the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one in essence and inseparable. The Bible is divinely inspired, and the early Church played a central role in compiling and preserving the New Testament as it is known today. Orthodox Christians read the Bible with reverence, recognizing both its divine inspiration and its human authorship, and Scripture is interpreted within the life of the Church, guided by tradition and the spiritual experience of the faithful.
Saints in the Orthodox Church are holy men and women who lived lives devoted to God and who are honored as examples of faith, sacrifice, and spiritual strength. Orthodox Christians often ask saints to pray for them, believing that the faithful remain united in Christ beyond death. Icons, the sacred images that depict Christ, the Virgin Mary, the saints, and key events in Christian history, are spiritual reminders that help believers focus on God. Prayer in the Orthodox Church is more than spoken words; it is a way of life, and Orthodox Christians are encouraged to pray without ceasing. Salvation is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey that includes Christ's life, death, and resurrection in the past, our daily growth in faith in the present, and eternal life in God's Kingdom in the future.
The Sacraments of the Church
The sacraments are sacred moments in the life of the Church, marking entrance into the faith, family milestones, remembrance of loved ones, and participation in the grace of God. At Assumption, all of the major Orthodox sacraments are celebrated.
Baptism is the rite of entry into the Orthodox Church. Through baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one becomes a full member of the Orthodox faith. The Sacrament of Marriage bears witness to God's presence in the union of a man and woman in mutual love, faith, and commitment. The Funeral Service comforts those who mourn and allows the Church to pray for one of its members who has fallen asleep in the faith of Christ. Memorial services are offered on traditional days and anniversaries, keeping the departed present in the prayers of the community. Forty-Day Churching, or Sarantismos, takes place on the fortieth day after birth, when parents bring the child to church for the blessing of mother and child.
The parish also has a dedicated Trisagion Ministry to help families arrange the brief Orthodox memorial service commonly offered the evening before a funeral, often at 7:00 or 7:30 p.m., or at the graveside following the funeral. The word Trisagion means Thrice-Holy, from the prayer Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. The ministry helps families understand Orthodox funeral customs, coordinates timing with clergy and the church office, and offers compassionate support as arrangements are made.
Philoptochos and the Service of Mercy
Philoptochos is the philanthropic heart of the Assumption community. Rooted in the Gospel call to serve others, the ladies' Philoptochos Society has been a part of the parish since 1937, the same year the parish was chartered. Philoptochos has served the Greek Orthodox Church through parish, Metropolis, and national chapters since 1931, and at Long Beach the chapter continues a tradition of care that reaches into homes, hospitals, schools, shelters, and families across the community.
Locally, Philoptochos supports a food collection for the Food Bank of Southern California, organizes Thanksgiving and Christmas food drives, runs backpack and school supply drives, and provides emergency support for local needs, mothers, children, and families. Through the Metropolis of San Francisco, the chapter contributes to Camp Agape, the Student Aid Endowment Fund, and Women's Health and Wellness initiatives. On the national level, the chapter supports Hellenic College Holy Cross, International Orthodox Christian Charities, St. Basil's Academy, social services, emergency assistance, medical support, and humanitarian causes.
Membership is open to Orthodox Christians in good standing. Women and men are welcome, with men serving as associate members. The annual membership pledge is $40, with $15 designated for national ministries, $15 for Metropolis ministries, and $10 for local chapter needs. Board meetings are held on the second Sunday of each month, and general meetings are held twice a year, in October and March. Lia Kakaris serves as chapter president.
A Complete Path of Formation for Children and Teens
Assumption offers a complete path of formation for children and teens, from infancy through high school. Panagia's Little Lambs is the parish's early childhood ministry for children ages 40 days to 3 years old, meeting on Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the first floor of the Sunday School rooms. Children, parents, grandparents, and caregivers come together for singing, storytelling, and simple crafts that introduce the Orthodox faith at the earliest age.
HOPE (Holy Orthodox Primary Education) and JOY (Junior Orthodox Youth) serve children in grades K through 5, with seasonal celebrations, fellowship events, service opportunities, and faith-based learning experiences. Sunday School meets every Sunday from September through June following Holy Communion, with age-appropriate lessons rooted in Scripture and Holy Tradition. The Sunday School program also presents the annual Christmas Pageant, a beloved parish tradition.
GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth of America) serves students in grades 6 through 12, offering faith-centered gatherings and discussions, service opportunities, social events and outings, and leadership and participation opportunities. The Altar Servers ministry welcomes boys ages 8 and up who are baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians in good standing with the Church, helping them assist the clergy during the Divine Liturgy and other sacred services. The Myrrhbearers ministry invites girls ages 8 and up, inspired by the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women who were the first to witness the Resurrection of Christ, to take an active role in the liturgical and community life of the Church. Athletics, including the parish basketball team, gives young people another way to build confidence, teamwork, and lasting friendships through parish fellowship.
Greek Heritage: Language, Dance, Festival, and AHEPA
Assumption has long served as a cultural home for Greek-American families in the Long Beach area, and several programs help pass that heritage to the next generation. The Greek Language School helps children and families grow in confidence with the Greek language while learning about Greek history, customs, holidays, and Orthodox Christian traditions. Students come from different backgrounds and levels of experience, and the program introduces vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, writing, conversation practice, and cultural activities that bring the language to life.
The Greek Dance program is more than rehearsal and performance. Students learn traditional Greek dances in a supportive community setting, building rhythm, coordination, stage presence, and teamwork, and the program connects generations through music and movement. The Long Beach Greek Festival, held annually, brings Greek food, music, dance, and celebration to the wider community and serves as one of the parish's signature cultural events.
AHEPA (the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) and the Daughters of Penelope are also part of parish life. Founded in 1922, AHEPA promotes education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family, and individual excellence, and the Daughters of Penelope continue that mission through leadership, service, and preservation of Hellenic traditions. Through scholarships, mentorship, charitable work, and fellowship, AHEPA Long Beach helps turn shared values into visible action within the parish and beyond.
The Choir and Sacred Music
The Assumption Choir is more than a group of singers; it is a ministry of prayer, worship, tradition, and fellowship. The choir supports the clergy and congregation during Sunday Divine Liturgy, feast days, Holy Week services, and special celebrations throughout the year. In the Orthodox Christian tradition, music is not simply performance; it is prayer. Every service becomes an offering, and every voice helps carry the faith, reverence, and sacred tradition of the Church from one generation to the next.
No professional experience is required to join. A willingness to learn, a love of worship, and a desire to serve are what matter most. Choir members become part of a close-knit ministry built on faith, friendship, and shared purpose, helping to preserve Orthodox Christian tradition and carry it forward for future generations.
Senior Christians and the Welcoming Committee
Senior Christians is a warm and welcoming ministry for adults ages 50 and up who want to stay connected through faith, friendship, service, and shared experiences. The ministry offers shared meals and fellowship gatherings, seasonal and holiday celebrations, spiritual discussions and educational talks, parish events, and volunteer and service opportunities. Senior parishioners have long been the heart of many church communities, and Assumption is no exception. Through prayer, mentorship, volunteering, generosity, and faithful participation, the seniors of the parish continue to enrich the community and guide future generations.
The Welcoming Committee embodies the Orthodox tradition of philoxenia, the love of strangers. Inspired by the words of Romans 15:7, Welcome one another just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God, the committee greets visitors at services, helps returning families reconnect with parish life, and connects parishioners with ministries, events, and opportunities to serve. The committee's goal is simple: to make every person feel at home in the Church.
The Parish Campus
The parish campus at 5761 East Colorado Street includes spaces that support worship, education, fellowship, athletics, cultural life, and community connection. The church itself is the spiritual center, and the Betty Reckas Cultural Center serves as an important gathering place for parish fellowship, meetings, celebrations, receptions, and community programs. Classrooms and a gymnasium support Greek School, Sunday School, youth ministry, athletics, and recreational events. The ongoing iconography project by Dimitrios Mourlas, begun in 2015 and rooted in the Macedonian school of Byzantine tradition, has completed three phases so far, including full-bodied saints and the medallions. The work is based on the school of Manuel Panselinos and Michael Astrapas, with faces and garments illuminated with inner spiritual light and rendered strictly according to Tradition. A final phase remains to be completed with the help of fundraising events.
Stewardship, Giving, and the Annual Golf Classic
Stewardship at Assumption is an expression of faith, gratitude, and love. Members of the parish give of their time by worshiping and participating in the rhythm of the church year, of their talents by volunteering, serving in ministry, teaching, singing, and helping, and of their treasure by making financial commitments that sustain the parish. Stewardship supports the liturgical life of the parish, youth and family ministries, parish outreach, and the ongoing care of the church building and grounds. Annual pledge cards are offered each year, and one-time gifts and monthly recurring giving are also available, with monthly options beginning at $50 per month.
Candle offerings are another long-standing way to participate in the life of the parish. A Pascha candle may be offered in celebration of the Resurrection ($10 suggested donation), a Narthex candle may be offered as a symbol of prayer (freewill donation), and a 7-day candle may be offered for ongoing prayer throughout the week ($10 suggested donation). Candle offerings may be made online and picked up in the narthex during services.
The parish also raises funds through the annual Assumption Golf Classic, held in memory of Nick Monios, a devoted member of the parish who was initiated into AHEPA on April 23, 1959, and served as church president for seven terms. The tournament is held at the Navy Golf Course in Cypress and includes a hole-in-one contest with a chance to win a new car, a putting contest, longest drive, and closest-to-the-pin competitions. Sponsorship opportunities range from Tee Sign Sponsorship at $250 to Diamond Sponsorship at $10,000, and the event is organized by a group of founding families that includes the Bacol, Bussa, Dalkos, Demos, Eleopoulos, Georgakopolous, Hanson, Koulos, Matty and Kallins, Mentas, Polychrones, Roubanis, Shahani, Sharkoff, Simitian, and Thermos families.
The John and Helen Apostle Memorial Scholarship
The parish also offers the John and Helen Apostle Memorial Scholarship, named for two longtime stewards of Assumption who were known for their generosity to the parish and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. The scholarship helps eligible young adults of the Assumption parish pursue college, graduate school, vocational training, and trade-school programs. The primary criterion is demonstrated financial need, and the application deadline each year is September 15. Applicants must be currently enrolled high school seniors, students currently enrolled in an institution of higher learning, or students planning to attend a program in the upcoming fall. Applicants and their immediate family must be stewardship members in good standing of the Assumption Parish for the current and preceding calendar year. Two letters of recommendation are required, and applicants must submit an essay of no more than 500 words explaining their educational goals, financial need, service, faith, and intended field of study.
Plan a Visit
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is at 5761 East Colorado Street in Long Beach. Sunday services begin with Matins at 8:45 a.m., followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. The church is livestreamed on YouTube for those unable to attend in person. Visitors are encouraged to sign the guest book in the narthex, to introduce themselves to the Welcoming Committee, and to stay for fellowship after the service. The church office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and can be reached at (562) 494-8929 or office@assumptionlb.org. The parish also operates a parish online store and accepts candle offerings, stewardship pledges, and one-time gifts online. Subscribe to the parish newsletter for ongoing updates on services, ministries, and events throughout the year.