Welcome Home to Saint Nectarios

We are so glad you’re here. Whether you are visiting for the first time, returning after time away, or looking for a parish to call home, Saint Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church warmly welcomes you. Our parish exists to be a welcoming spiritual home where faith, family, and community grow together through Christ’s love and teachings.

A Joy to Meet You

Saint Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church is located in Palatine, Illinois, serving the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Founded in 1974, our parish ministers to everyone and invites all people to experience the richness of Orthodox Christian worship and community life.
Much like the welcoming and accessible approach reflected on Willow Creek’s “Get Involved” page, our desire is to help you feel at home quickly and discover meaningful ways to connect—at your own pace.


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 do not need to be Orthodox, Greek, or familiar with our services to attend or participate in parish life. Whether you are exploring the Orthodox faith, visiting with family or friends, or simply seeking a place of prayer and community, you are invited to join us, observe, ask questions, and engage at a level that feels comfortable to you.

Meet our team

Chris R. Mihalopoulos
Chris R. MihalopoulosReverend Father, St. Nectarios
Chris R. Mihalopoulos has served as Proestamenos of St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church since January 2019. Raised in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, Father Chris earned degrees in Psychology and History from University of Illinois Chicago, graduated from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 2013, and has since built his ministry alongside his wife, Presvytera Toni, while raising their three sons.
Patrick O'Rourke
Patrick O'RourkeReverend Father, St. Nectarios
Patrick O’Rourke was born in Toledo, Ohio, converted to the Orthodox Christian faith while attending Ohio State University, and later graduated Magna Cum Laude from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology before serving parishes in New York and Utah. After leadership roles at Hellenic College Holy Cross and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, Father Patrick joined St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in August 2024 alongside his wife, Presvytera Jessica, and their two sons.
Chris Kerhules
Chris KerhulesReverend Father, St. Nectarios
TBD