St. Demetrios benefitting from father, son in new roles

The State family is setting the stage for a bright future at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Concord.

Father Marin State, who led the congregation for 20 years, stepped aside this summer after 41 years of service. In his place walked his son, Michael, who assumed the helm Aug. 1.

The growing church will be the beneficiary of both priests – the elder playing a different role with his son, who has been in the clergy for six years.

“There isn’t much of a precedence for this as it was never something we previously considered,” said Father Michael. “When the possibility presented itself, it was extremely exciting and humbling. The blessings to come out of this assignment have been simply overwhelming.”

The first liturgy of the current St. Demetrios community took place in 1966. At that time, the Greek Orthodox community was known as the Church of the Transfiguration. In 1987, the congregation purchased the current property at 1955 Kirker Pass Road.

The community worshiped and gathered in a renovated home for many years, and the name was changed. In 1994, construction of the current church building was completed. In 2000, St. Dionysios Greek Orthodox Church of Pittsburg merged with St. Demetrios.

The Concord building features a rotunda floor plan, which is one of the most ancient Orthodox Church designs. The large, overarching dome covers the entirety of the church’s interior circular ground plan.
The design is based off of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in present-day Turkey. When constructed in 360 AD, it was one of the largest buildings in the world.

Ancient byzantine iconography adorn the interior walls of the church’s Solea, and a traditional icon screen from Romania with intricately hand-carved designs is in front of the altar.

Father Michael is now lending his voice and leadership to the next evolution for the church’s property: an ongoing $2.3 million capital campaign for the St. Dionysios Community Center that will expand on the current fellowship hall.

Proceeds from the church’s Harvest Gala on Oct. 26 will go toward the building project. Reservations are still being accepted.

The younger State said his father’s insights will be instrumental after decades of leading a steadily growing congregation to its current average of 150 families. “I am just grateful for the opportunity and being able to continue the ministry and work of St. Demetrios Church,” he said.

Last month, the church enjoyed its most successful Contra Costa Greek Festival. The community also hosts a Crab Feed in January or February at Centre Concord.

The elder State, who served as a priest in Romania, Greece, Portland, Ore., and Central California before arriving in Concord, emphasized that his son will have his ear should he need any advice.

“I’m tremendously proud of Feather Michael, and I know it’s time for his generation to roll up their sleeves and put in the long hours and hard work developing fresh ideas, growing the church, reaching out to those in need and conveying the message of the gospel, as my generation has faithfully done for decades,” he said. “My role may be changing, but the church requires many hands to accomplish its mission.”

Visit the church website at saintdemetriosconcord.org