Church & State

ERIE

As Erie has grown, so has its personality. A new high school now proudly stands at the edge of town. The talented athletes that have passed through the Erie sports programs over the years have inspired the construction of new ball fields that serve as a focal point for the area. Several new businesses and a shopping center dotted with eateries stand together in solidarity, stealthily falling in line with edge of Erie’s old town district. Impeccable red brick building and chic subdivisions have sprouted up in the past few years, giving the town an urban facelift.

And like many great towns, Erie now has a breathtaking piece of architecture that stands tall against a backdrop of snowcapped Colorado mountains.
The St. Luke Orthodox Christian Church on Austin Avenue reigns over the new sprawling housing developments that surround it. With new townhomes and single-family homes added to the area, Erie now attracts a number of young families. According to Bob Chichiricco, a parishioner of the church, over 200 children are recognized as part of the congregation.

“St. Luke’s is a viable community, and it’s a growing community,” said Chichiricco. “They concentrate especially on their youth. And they’re very education-minded here.”

St. Luke’s offers Sunday School, a youth group, a men’s group, a women’s group, and college group to help promote fellowship and faith. Many of the groups and classes are open to the public.

Much like St. Luke’s the neighborhoods surrounding the stunning building with golden rooftops is also very kid-friendly. A new community center with an array of youth classes and youth sports programs was recently built near the church. In the middle of the perfectly manicured fields that make up The Ballpark at Erie sits a colorful and inviting playground, filled with all of the best bells and whistles that a kid could ask for.

And the allure of living in a growing town that still retains its small town charm doesn’t seem to be dying down anytime soon. St. Luke’s is already facing growing challenges, and is currently is the planning stages of building expansion.