Welcome Home to Saint Nectarios
We’re glad you’re here. Since 1974, families from Palatine and the northwest suburbs have worshiped, raised children and grown in faith at St. Nectarios. Come pray with us, then stay for coffee and meet our clergy.
A Joy to Meet You
Worship
Atmosphere
All Are Welcome
On Sunday mornings, we gather first for Orthros (Matins), a prayerful service of psalms, hymns, and Scripture that prepares the heart for worship. This is followed by the Divine Liturgy, the central act of Orthodox Christian worship, where we come together to glorify God, hear the Gospel, and receive spiritual nourishment. After services, everyone is invited to remain for fellowship time, offering an opportunity to meet clergy and parishioners, ask questions, and begin building relationships within our community.
Our worship follows the ancient Byzantine Orthodox tradition, shaped by centuries of prayer, sacred music, and symbolism. You will experience a reverent and contemplative environment marked by chant, iconography, and incense, all intended to draw us closer to God. While the services are rooted in tradition, our parish community is warm and attentive, and newcomers are welcomed with openness, patience, and genuine hospitality.
Saint Nectarios joyfully welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life. You don’t need to be Orthodox or Greek to worship with us. Follow along in a service book, or simply watch and pray. A greeter can help you find a seat. When you are ready to make St. Nectarios your parish home, see How to Join below.
Meet Our Clergy
They have two married children and three granddaughters. A retired priest, Fr. Chris has served the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and the Metropolis of Chicago for more than 50 years, much of it in parish life, youth ministry, the Young Adult League and the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council.
Rooted · Growing · Bearing Fruit
How to Join St. Nectarios
Membership in our parish is open to everyone. Some come to us already Orthodox and looking for a parish home; others are meeting the Orthodox faith for the first time. The path begins the same way for both: come to the Divine Liturgy and get to know our priests.
If you are Orthodox Christian
Register with the parish: complete a membership form and create your Church Community Builder (CCB) profile so we can stay in touch. Then make your stewardship commitment by turning in a signed commitment card each year. Stewards who are 18 or older and current in their commitment are voting members of the parish.
If you are new to the Orthodox faith
Your priest will guide you through a period of instruction, in classes or one-on-one, at a pace that fits your life. When you are ready, you are received into the Church by Baptism and Chrismation, or by Chrismation if you were baptized in another Christian tradition. Your first Holy Communion completes your entry into the Church and our parish family.
Common questions
Do I need to be Greek? No. St. Nectarios welcomes people of every background.
Is there a membership fee? No. Members support the parish through stewardship, a personal commitment made prayerfully each year.
