The fate of one of the oldest Greek Orthodox Church’s in the nation has become clear. The sale of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago for $2.5 million to Universal Life Church was approved Tuesday by a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge. The congregation of Holy Trinity will now have 75 days to vacate the building. The church’s future hung in the balance after financial woes put it on the verge of closing for good. Church officials said a bank rejected a loan request after the church was unable to secure $1.6 million in needed pledges. Holy Trinity avoided foreclosure late last year after an anonymous donation. But an issue with the money arose, forcing the church to go up for sale again. Officials say Holy Trinity is the second oldest Greek Orthodox Church in the United States.
The judge’s decision came as some worshipers said they witnessed an icon of the Virgin Mary „weeping“ at the church. It was a custodian who first brought attention to what the faithful say is the Virgin Mary holding an infant Jesus with tears flowing down her cheek. 
Parishioners held out hope that the Belmont Central church — which dates back 120 years — would be saved from foreclosure after what they say is a miracle. Tuesday’s bankruptcy hearing was heartbreaking for parishioners, and the Rev. Nicholas Jonas was visibly upset. Universal Life Church will become the new owner, and take over the school lease. An attorney for Universal Life Church had no comment on the sale. https://wgntv.com .
