While working to build a new building on their seven-acre property in Lincolnshire, parishioners with the Ascension of Our Lord Greek Orthodox Church used some star power to help finish designs.
Through connections at the church, interior designer Alison Victoria, a Chicago native who hosts the remodeling show “Kitchen Crashers” on the DIY Network, toured the church’s existing building in November to offer members design tips for their new building, said Rev. Sotiri Malamis.
But the cameras weren’t filming the visit since it wasn’t related to her TV show, he said.
“We’re really excited that Alison has taken this on,” Malamis said.
Victoria also will help host a fundraising gala for the church’s building project on Feb. 4 at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort.
Based in Lincolnshire for the past 15 years, the church once built an addition to an existing ranch home at 1207 Riverwoods Road, using the space as a house of worship for parishioners. But church leaders have been negotiating the scope of a new building with Lincolnshire officials for years.
The current building project would add a worship space capable of holding 420 people, a community center with classrooms and convert the ranch home into a fellowship hall. The project also includes a new kitchen, which Victoria provided members with tips on how to design, Malamis said.
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Q: You’re building a new church in Lincolnshire. What does Lincolnshire need in a new church?
A: There was a need for an orthodox Christian church in the southern Lake County area. They said that we needed to have a church in order to continue our faith and culture. The most important thing we have to remember is that the message of the church is for everyone.
Q: You call your members “stewards.” Why did you choose that term and what’s the significance?
A: That’s a good question. We don’t say “members” because this is not a club. A steward is someone who’s been given possession of something and has to take care of it. We don’t pay dues, but we have stewardship of time, talent and treasure, where people give freely. There’s no particular amount, but each one gives to their ability.
Q: How did you make the connection with Alison Victoria?
A: She knows a few people here in the parish. Someone from our group approached her and she jumped on it. It was very exciting for us. She talked a lot about the cabinets, the hardware, the sinks. She crashed our kitchen.
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