New mosaic is jewel of Greek Orthodox church's expansion

A mosaic depicting Jesus is being placed on the front of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in the Town of Wallkill.

Italian artist Manrico Bacci, left, and Spiros Panteloukas of A&S Tile and Painting install a mosaic on the front of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in the Town of Wallkill on Sept. 1.

Part of the mosaic of Jesus Christ that Italian artist Manrico Bacci and Spiros Panteloukas are installing at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in the Town of Wallkill is laid out on the floor inside the church on Sept. 1. The photograph shows the back of the mosaic's glass with the image reversed.

Holy Cross parish adding elaborate Italian artwork

By Ashley Kelly
September 08, 2008

Times Herald-Record

TOWN OF WALLKILL — Artist Manrico Bacci meticulously placed the glass pieces against the church's wall.

Like a puzzle, once all 80 segments of the mosaic are aligned, it will reveal an image of Jesus Christ. Bacci, from Italy, began arranging the mosaic a week ago at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church.

Ten feet below, parishioners Harry Sakalis, Anthony Vikos, and his wife, Sophia, watched.

"I know of no other church that's going to have this Byzantine-style mosaic," Anthony Vikos said. "It's a testament to the faith and hard work of the parishioners."

The mosaic was built in Italy. It was donated by church parishioner George Saines in memory of his wife, Eleni, who died last year.

The words "Jesus Christ the savior of the world" are written in Greek on the mosaic. "When you pass by the church, you are going to be blessed," The Rev. Chris Talleos said. "That's what it is; it's a mosaic of a blessing Christ."

The mosaic is part of the 19-year-old church's expansion plan, which began in 2003. A gold dome that sits on the church's roof was completed last year.

The expansion also includes a new entrance, classrooms and a fellowship hall that will seat 300 people.

The hall will be used for gatherings such as receptions, plays and fashion shows, said Talleos, who expects renovations to the Goshen Turnpike church to be completed by the end of the year.

While parishioners watched with curiosity, Bacci carefully placed the glass pieces against the wet concrete. With a block of wood, he smoothed out the edges. In a few hours he peeled back the white paper revealing the tiny pieces of colored glass.

"This mosaic and the dome are the capstone — they're the jewels of what we've done here at the church," Anthony Vikos said.

There are now 170 families in the Holy Cross parish. Talleos wants to continue drawing more people to his congregation.

"We just speak the word of God and the Holy Spirit does the rest," he said.

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