Dress Code
Modest, respectful attire. Women: dresses or skirts below the knee; men: pants. No shorts, mini-skirts, tank tops, low-cut or strapless clothing. Head coverings are optional for women; men should not wear hats in the nave.
Visit Our Parish
A warm welcome, a place to begin
Whether you are discovering Orthodoxy for the first time or looking for a parish home, we would be honored to welcome you to St. Athanasios.
Your first visit
Welcome to St. Athanasios!
We are glad you are considering visiting us. Orthodox worship is full of Scripture, incense, chant, icons, and prayer. You do not have to understand everything on your first visit. Simply come, observe, and allow the beauty and peace of the service to speak.
Venerating Icons
Parishioners kiss icons when entering. Visitors are not required to do so. Women should remove lipstick before venerating an icon.
Candles
Non-Orthodox visitors may light candles. Please avoid lighting candles during the Epistle and Gospel readings, the Little Entrance, and the sermon.
Posture
The traditional posture is standing. Pews are available, and you may sit whenever needed. Follow the congregation during the service.
Holy Communion
Holy Communion is reserved for baptized, prepared members of the canonical Orthodox Church. Non-Orthodox visitors should remain in place and are invited to receive blessed bread (Antidoron) at the end.
Fellowship
Visitors are invited to join us for fellowship after Sunday Divine Liturgy. Participation is always optional.
Children
Parents are responsible for their children. A room for infants and small children is available on the right side of the Narthex. Children are encouraged to remain in church and participate in the life of the parish.
Our history & heritage
A parish built across generations
St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church links generations past, present, and future through worship, culture, service, and a shared love for the Orthodox faith.
1921–1928
A parish is born in Paterson
The humble community of St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church was established on October 31, 1921, in a small room over a restaurant on Market Street in Paterson, New Jersey. A handful of immigrants came together to foster and preserve the religious and cultural heritage of their native Greece. As the parish grew, land was purchased in Paterson in 1923, and the cornerstone for the new structure was laid in 1928. In the decades that followed, dedicated clergy and parishioners sacrificed much for the expansion of their church, persisting in their mission with courage, faith and conviction.
1979–1992
A new home in Paramus
In 1979, the parish moved to Paramus, New Jersey, after acquiring a beautiful piece of land adjacent to the Saddle River. The educational complex and social center, which also served as a temporary church, were built through trying and difficult times. Through the tireless efforts and generous contributions of parishioners and donors, the project flourished. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Byzantine church were held in 1989, and its doors opened on April 19, 1992.
A living legacy
Faith carried forward
Over the years, countless patrons, friends, visitors, and faithful parishioners pledged their financial support, time, and talents to the growth and progression of the church. The accomplishments and legacy of faith begun by a small group of pioneering Orthodox families continues to bear fruit. Today we are a proud, growing parish of nearly 400 families.
A parish for every generation
Our mission is to carry on the message of Christ and to teach our children about the rich traditions of Orthodoxy and Hellenism. The parish offers Sunday Church School, Greek School, Bible Study and Catechism, Philoptochos, FOS, youth programs, PTO, Hellenic Seniors, choir, dance groups, visitations, and Diakonia Agapes, our parish food pantry.
“No generation alone builds a church; it is, rather, an ongoing mission of faith, linking generations past, present and future.”
Finding us
51 Paramus Road
St. Athanasios is in Paramus, New Jersey, beside the Saddle River. Parking and the main entrance are available on the church grounds.
Service times
- Sundays
- Orthros & Divine Liturgy · 8:15 AM
- Other days
- See the parish calendar · 8:30 AM