Its current building is one of only five religious buildings designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright, who was born in Wisconsin and married to an Orthodox woman, began working on the poured concrete church in 1957 but passed away before its completion in 1961. Responding to the congregation’s pride in its heritage, Wright drew upon Orthodox design traditions by using a modern interpretation of traditional Byzantine forms. The design emphasizes the equilateral cross and circle motif, a common Orthodox Church feature, that can be seen throughout, from the overall floor plan to small details.

To support its community-driven mission, Annunciation Greek Orthodox has since constructed two new buildings. The Manor, built by the parish in 1984 and funded by a federal HUD grant, is a home for senior citizens. The Cultural Center, finished in 2004, is a multipurpose space that is used by numerous nonprofits. The parish also supports local school groups and nonprofits through a variety of activities, such as food basket preparation and distribution, holiday gift donations for children, and school supply collections. The congregation is best known for the Taste of Greece, a cultural event open to the public to share culture, church tours, food, and music.

A National Fund grant of $250,000 with $500,000 in matching funds raised by the congregation supported extensive roof repairs on the Wright-designed building, a redesign and repair of the HVAC system, and various other items to address water infiltration and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Long-term plans involve restoring the building’s lower level for community and congregational uses. 

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church by Mark Hertzberg