Our Parish

The History of Our Parish

The Founding

In December 2003, community members established a Greek Orthodox Mission in the greater Ocala area, guided by Father George Papadeas. Services began in January 2004 at Trinity Catholic High School's chapel, with the first Divine Liturgy on January 11, 2004. The mission incorporated in Florida in February 2004 and quickly grew to 25 parishioners.

Father Papadeas initially served twice monthly to care for his wife, Presbytera Bess. She participated in the Easter celebrations that year but reposed one week later; memorial donations in her honor helped establish the building fund. Thereafter Father Papadeas drove 80 miles weekly from Daytona Beach to serve the community.

St. Mark the Evangelist

The congregation purchased 9.6 acres in Belleview in January 2006 and, through faithful fundraising, paid the mortgage within three years. Construction began in July 2009 on a 14,000-square-foot hall including a chapel, completed in 2010. On May 14, 2011, Metropolitan Alexios celebrated our Opening Door Ceremony, naming our church St. Mark the Evangelist and dedicating the hall as the Father George Papadeas Community Center.

Looking Forward

Our parish serves roughly 100 worshippers each Sunday, with more than 75 pledged stewards. The community continues to grow through annual festivals and events, working toward a permanent church temple.