Parish History
Serving Boise’s Orthodox Christian community since 1951.
“Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” (Hebrews 13:1–2)
Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church was founded in 1951 by the Greek families of southwestern Idaho. For more than seventy years our parish has been a home of Orthodox worship, fellowship, and service in the heart of Boise.
We are a parish of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver, part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, under the spiritual leadership of His Eminence Metropolitan Constantine. Our services are primarily in English, with some Greek, and you will hear other languages as well, because many of our parishioners come from other countries.
Our Story
- The early years
The first Greeks arrive in Boise
The first Greek immigrants arrived in the Boise area many decades ago. As their numbers grew, they pooled their savings, established a community, and gathered to celebrate the services of the Church in their new home.
- 1951
A parish is founded
The Greek families of southwestern Idaho founded Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, placing the community under the protection of the holy, God-crowned sovereigns.
- West Bannock Street
A house of worship
As the parish expanded, our church on West Bannock Street was constructed and dedicated, and it remains our house of worship to this day.
- Today
A growing parish family
Since its inception our parish has grown significantly. It continues to strive to bear more effective witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as expressed in the apostolic tradition and worship of the Greek Orthodox Church. We invite you to also participate in this witness by joining the worship and fellowship of our parish.
Who We Are
The Orthodox Church has her origin with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, not with a human teacher, group, code of conduct, or religious philosophy. The Church has her origin in the apostolic community called into being by Jesus Christ and enlivened by the Holy Spirit. The Feast of Pentecost, celebrated fifty days after Pascha, commemorates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and marks the beginning of the mission of the Church to the world.
We are Orthodox because our tradition of prayer and worship is rooted in the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic undivided Church. We are apostolic because the Church has maintained a living, historical connection with the Apostles through the ordination of her clergy, and because we believe our calling is to go out and share our faith with others.
Although our parish carries the designation “Greek Orthodox,” you do not need to be of Greek origin to join us in worship or to consider becoming an Orthodox Christian. All are welcome.
Come and See
The best way to get to know our parish is to visit. Join us for the Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning and stay for coffee hour afterward.