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Religion
Religion remained a strong element of Greek-American community. With its long-established churches, the Acre continued to be the spiritual heart of the community. Encouraged by local priests, many Lowell men studied for the priesthood and were assigned to churches across the nation. Church organizations mirrored the changes in the Greek community — more priests were American-born and women began to serve on church boards. In 1964, a common Easter procession brought together all the Orthodox churches. In 1963 the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church was founded in the Acre.

Father John Sarantos sprinkles holy water on Epiphany Day. He was the first American - born Greek to serve as a pastor in Lowell, (Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church), 1970’s.

About 1,500 Eastern Orthodox worshippers from four churches in the Acre section met at the North Common to celebrate Good Friday services. A combined choir sang hymns of worship, 1964.

Program book shows the new addition to the original Transfiguration, 1974

Officers of the Lowell High School regiment serve as Honorary Guards at Christ’s bier (epitaphio) on Good Friday at Holy Trinity Hellenic Orthodox Church, 1941

Sunday School teachers at Holy Trinity Hellenic Orthodox Church. Unlike earlier generations, many of the women shown here went on to serve the church in a higher capacity, as Board members and Presidents, early 1950’s.