Our Story
A Century of Ancient Faith
From the Bekaa Valley to Grand Rapids — the story of St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, founded in 1922 and carrying the apostolic faith of 2,000 years into a new century.
1922
Year Founded
100+
Years of Faith
19
Milestone Moments
Roots in the Bekaa Valley
Orthodox Christian immigrants arrive in Grand Rapids from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon, carrying with them the ancient faith of the Antiochian Church and the hope of building a new life in West Michigan.
St. Nicholas Church Founded
St. Nicholas Church is officially founded in Grand Rapids. Father Phillip AbuAssaley becomes the first priest, gathering the Lebanese Orthodox community under the patronage of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
A Home on Cass Avenue
The young parish purchases its first church building on Cass Avenue in Grand Rapids — a permanent home for the growing community of faithful immigrants and their families.
Shakespeare in Arabic
In a remarkable expression of cultural vitality, church members produce Shakespeare's Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet — performed entirely in Arabic — demonstrating the community's deep roots in both the ancient world and the new.
Father Abraham Zaine
Father Abraham Zaine becomes priest of St. Nicholas, shepherding the parish through the difficult years of the Great Depression and guiding the community with steadfast faith.
Rt. Rev. Ellis Khouri Ordained
Rt. Rev. Ellis Khouri is ordained and begins a remarkable 27-year tenure as priest of St. Nicholas, serving the parish until 1970 and guiding it through the post-war years of growth and community building.
First in the City
St. Nicholas becomes the first church in Grand Rapids to report 100% participation in funding the Grand Rapids Veterans Memorial — a testament to the community's deep civic commitment and gratitude to their adopted homeland.
First SOYO Convention
St. Nicholas hosts the first SOYO (Syrian Orthodox Youth Organization) convention, establishing a tradition of youth ministry and fellowship that continues to this day under the banner of Living the Orthodox Faith through Worship, Witness, Service and Fellowship.
Breaking Ground on Boston Street
Ground is broken for a new, larger church at 2148 Boston Street in Grand Rapids — a sign of the parish's growth and its commitment to building a worthy house of worship for the next generation.
Boston Street Church Consecrated
The new Boston Street church is consecrated by Metropolitan ANTONY, marking a milestone in the parish's journey and providing a beautiful, permanent home for the Divine Liturgy and the sacramental life of the community.
Stained Glass Windows
Beautiful stained glass windows are purchased and installed in the Boston Street church, filling the nave with sacred light and adding another layer of beauty to the worship space that had served the community for over a decade.
Very Rev. George Alberts
Very Rev. George Alberts becomes priest of St. Nicholas, beginning a new chapter of pastoral leadership and continuing the parish's tradition of faithful worship and community service.
Very Rev. Elias Mitchell Ordained
Very Rev. Elias Mitchell is ordained priest after serving eight years as the church's first deacon — a profound moment of continuity as a man who had served the altar in one capacity was now called to shepherd the flock.
12.5 Acres on East Paris
The parish purchases 12.5 acres on East Paris Avenue in Kentwood — a bold act of faith and vision, securing land for a new church that would serve the community for generations to come.
East Paris Church Consecrated
The new East Paris church is consecrated by Metropolitan PHILIP, and Very Rev. Daniel Daly becomes Priest. The parish enters the new millennium in a beautiful new home at 2250 East Paris Ave SE, Kentwood — the church that stands today.
Very Rev. Anthony Niqula
Very Rev. Anthony Niqula becomes priest of St. Nicholas, bringing renewed energy and vision to the parish as it looks toward its centennial and the next chapter of its life as a family in Christ.
National Archdiocese Convention
St. Nicholas hosts the national convention of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America — a signal honor and a recognition of the parish's standing within the broader Orthodox Church in America.
100 Years of St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church celebrates its centennial — 100 years of ancient faith, faithful worship, and generous hospitality in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A century of seeking and sharing Christ's love so that all will find eternal life in Him.
Beyond 100
The story of St. Nicholas continues — seeking and sharing Christ's love so that all will find eternal life in Him.
Be Part of the Next Chapter
The history of St. Nicholas is still being written. Come and add your story to ours — as a visitor, an inquirer, or a member of our growing family in Christ.