Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Buffalo, New York powered up its new solar energy project on Tuesday, December 10, marking a major milestone in its commitment to sustainability and community leadership.
The parish made a commitment to protect the environment, aligning with the goals of His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, also known as the “Green Patriarch.” His message, derived from the ancient values of the Orthodox Church, calls us to see the environment as a precious gift of God’s love. Inside the Demakos Center—home to our solar panels—His All-Holiness’s picture is displayed overlooking Niagara Falls, a historic symbol of clean energy that has powered our region for more than a century.
The church’s new solar arrays will help reduce electricity costs, lower carbon emissions, and serve as a model of clean energy adoption for community organizations across Western New York. The solar project was developed in partnership with Buffalo Solar, a local renewable energy company known for helping New York institutions transition to clean, affordable power.
“We are so excited to see this long dreamed for project come to fruition,” stated Fr. Paul Patitsas, Proistamenos. “We know that through this solar project, we will not only help to protect our environment, but to give courage to other churches and communities to be part of the good stewardship of the Earth that God has entrusted to all of us. Clean energy is a gift from God and through that gift, we can gift a healthier environment to our children, our neighbors, and our community.”
Fr. Paul Patitsas blesses the project. Photo by Evangeline Conley
Fr. Paul Patitsas turning on the power; pictured from left to right: Fr. Paul Patitsas, Board Members Chris Akios and President Peter Hiczewski, Buffalo Solar representatives Michael Watts and Matt McCoy. Photo by Evangeline Conley
Ribbon cutting on powering up event; pictured from left to right: Helena Akios, Fr. Paul Patitsas, Board Members Chris Akios and President Peter Hiczewski, Buffalo Solar representatives Michael Watts and Matt McCoy. Photo by Alyssa Sengbusch
