DETROIT, MI – The historic Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Detroit’s Greektown -home of the oldest Greek Orthodox parish [1910] in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky- is one of the city’s 17 iconic houses of worship featured in the 90-minute documentary “Detroit: The City of Churches” that will debut on Detroit Public TV (PBS) at 8 p.m. Dec. 12.
The latest work of Emmy Award-winning director/producer Keith Famie and his Visionalist Entertainment Productions team, introduced by longtime Detroit news personality Chuck Gaidica takes the audience on an in-depth look at Detroit’s history, one that is interestingly connected to iron and steel, from the perspective of its many churches.
At one time, Detroit had more churches per square mile than any other city in the country, serving a population of multiple nationalities and many faiths. “Detroit: The City of Churches” captures the city’s early settlers, as well as the Underground Railroad, automotive boom, and civil rights movement to frame how Detroit’s spiritual leaders, their places of worship, and their congregations helped guide the city as it is known today.
As part of this story, Famie says the audience will gain a deeper understanding of the origin of stained glass, various architectural designs, the significance of church bells, the historic organs that drive the Sunday services, Pewabic Pottery, and the history of Detroit’s Eastern Market, as well as the impact the sisters — Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Felician Sisters — had on many congregations.
The film also steps into the lives of Detroit spiritual leaders – among them, H.E. Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit-and local historians to learn how Detroit’s churches have remained a shining star for three centuries, casting light through the city’s darkest hours.
Famie and his team built and filmed 60 custom historical image sets over a three-week period, which are seen throughout the documentary.
H.E Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit and the Annunciation Cathedral are spotlighted in the film
“It was the beautiful Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral where we sat down with His Eminence Nicholas. In his role as the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Archbishop of Detroit, he oversees several communities surrounding Michigan. His Eminence shared with us thoughts about the rich history of the Greek community as well as their hard work ethic that drove the development of Greektown”, notes the producer in a statement on the documentary’s website.
“Later in the day, we sat down with Tasso Teftsis whose family first had a small barber shop where he would cut hair and talk with his Greek neighbors. His mother would open Astoria Pastry Shop, which is where Tasso and his brother Michael fell in love with the bakery business. Today, Teftsis is the board vice president of the Greektown Neighborhood Partnership. Teftsis also owns and operates Red Smoke Barbeque which sits only a few doors from the historic Astoria Pastry Shop”, he adds
“We are thrilled we can feature this vibrant unique community in our film, Detroit: The City of Churches”, the statement concludes.
To learn more about the film’s production and how to be featured as supporter, visit detroitcityofchurches.com.
