DOWNEY – Saturday was a special day at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Downey as the congregation celebrated the 100th birthday of Dr. James “Dimitri” Kallins.

Dr. Kallins was born in Arcadia on Oct. 26, 1924. He graduated medical school from the University of Athens and came to Chicago to pursue his residency, working in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Kallins practiced from 1959 until his retirement in 1997 in Bellflower. He has been a Downey resident since 1965.

Dr. Kallins has been a pillar in Southern California’s Greek American community and is a founder of St. George Greek Church.

Downey Mayor Pro Tem Hector Sosa and Councilwoman Claudia M. Frometa (who also celebrated a birthday Saturday) attended the celebration and presented Dr. Kallins with a proclamation on behalf of the City of Downey.