Sankofaonline Community News Desk
St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Palos Heights has reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to serving as a gathering place for families, organizations, and community groups, even as it introduces updated rental guidelines designed to protect guests, preserve church property, and ensure compliance with local regulations. The church, located at 6330 W. 127th Street, has for years been a trusted venue for celebrations and community events, and leadership emphasizes that this mission remains unchanged.
In a statement issued by May Sweis on behalf of the church administration, St. Mary’s clarified that recent adjustments to its rental policies were prompted by circumstances beyond the church’s control. These updates, the administration noted, are not restrictions but safeguards intended to maintain a safe, orderly, and welcoming environment for all who use the facility.
Under the revised structure, the base rental fee for the church’s event spaces is set at $2,500.00. The security deposit has been updated to $1,000.00 and remains fully refundable as long as the premises are returned without excessive mess or damage. For events where alcohol is served, hosts must now provide a liquor liability certificate of insurance. This can be obtained through the client’s own insurance broker or through a referral to the church’s preferred provider.
To support crowd management and guest safety, the church has instituted a mandatory security guard requirement at a rate of $400.00 per event. This fee is added to the rental cost. Event capacity is capped at 400 attendees, and security personnel are authorized to lock the doors once this limit is reached. Guests must remain within the designated gymnasium area, as hallway gatherings are no longer permitted under the updated guidelines.
Additional policies address the use and protection of specific rooms and flooring. Events requiring access to the Nadi, the room directly across from the gym, will incur an additional $600.00 fee. The Nadi is reserved strictly for kitchen service and food preparation. To protect the gymnasium’s flooring, hosts are cautioned to prevent liquid spills; if carpet cleaning becomes necessary due to stains, a $600.00 cleaning fee will be deducted from the security deposit.
In accordance with Palos Heights municipal regulations, all events must operate within the hours of 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM. Music must stop at midnight, and all guests must exit the premises at that time to comply with city noise and curfew ordinances.
Church leadership stresses that these updates are rooted in stewardship, safety, and sustainability. St. Mary’s remains committed to offering its facilities to the community and encourages anyone seeking clarification or wishing to book an event to contact the administration directly. The church office can be reached by phone at 708-239-0004, by fax at 708‑221‑6449, or through its official website at www.stmaryoc.org.
