With these words from a prayer offered during the Agiasmos Service, the late Archbishop Michael opened the doors of this only Archdiocesan institution serving the needs of Greek Orthodox elderly on May 25, 1958. Less than two months later, the Archbishop would depart this world but the institution upon which he invoked the blessings of the Almighty continues the sacred ministry of caring for those encumbered by old age and shows love not only to the elderly pioneers of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America but a growing number of the next generation.

This year, St. Michael's celebrates its 50th Anniversary and the Home stands as a vibrant testimony to the vision and the pastoral sensitivity of the late Archbishop who saw the need for such a facility to serve the needs of the elderly of our community. St. Michael's was known then as the "Spiti Tou Protoporou" - "Home of the Pioneer" (the name of the Home was changed in 1966 to honor its founder, Archbishop Michael) since the first residents were the pioneers of the Greek American community in the United States, those individuals responsible for establishing many of the parishes and institutions of our Holy Archdiocese.

His Eminence was assisted in this endeavor by the Clergy Syndesmos of the New York metropolitan area and a Certificate of Incorporation was issued on January 25, 1957. On July 17, 1957, the Trustees at a cost of $125,000 purchased a former B'nai Brith nursing home and during the next 10 months the building was renovated to accommodate the first Greek Orthodox residents.

Completely renovated and expanded during the 1990's, St. Michael's, which is nestled in a quiet neighborhood 15 minutes from the heart of New York City, is truly one of the hidden treasures of our Archdiocese. Within the confines of the Home, residents enjoy the care and comfort they so deserve in a Greek Orthodox environment and as we celebrate the Golden Anniversary of the institution, the facility stands on the threshold of a new and exciting chapter in its illustrious history. With blessings from above and the generous support of the community, we will hopefully soon realize our hope of expanding both the number of beds and the level of care which we are presently licensed to offer.

The Home will officially celebrate its 50th Anniversary at its annual Name Day Gala which will be held this year at the Metropolitan Club in New York City on Sunday, November 9, 2008. In conjunction with this event, St. Michael's Home will also be honoring His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, recipient of the 2008 Archangel Michael Award, in recognition of his over 40 years of Episcopal ministry, his 10th Anniversary as Archbishop in 2009 and above all, his distinguished and exemplary offering to the Church and community.

For more information about the Gala celebrating our 50th Anniversary, including how to include a message in our Commemorative Album, please call the Home at 914-476-3374. We trust that those who are unable to attend will make an on-line contribution in honor of this joyous accomplishment.

Having purchased an appropriate facility, attention was turned to preparing the building to receive its first Greek Orthodox residents. Applications were received from the potential residents: Victoria Bailos (76 yrs. old), Peter Cekourias (67 yrs. old), Peter Loutos (74 yrs. old), Vassiliki Katsigiannis (88 yrs. old), Mary Saytanides (85 yrs. old), Theodore Stergios (71 yrs. old), Nicholas Vasso (75 yrs. old), Anagnostis Alexiades (74 yrs. old) and John Calos. While it had been initially hoped that the institution could begin to operate by November of 1957, it took longer than expected to complete the renovations, and the commencement of operation was postponed until the following Spring.