Parish Life
At St. Nicholas, there is a place for everyone in the Body of Christ. Our ministries span worship, education, fellowship, outreach, and care — inviting every member of our family in Christ to serve and be served.
Groups for every age and stage of life — because at St. Nicholas, we all belong.
We are all connected, one to another. At St. Nicholas, we all belong. There is a group for every age and every stage of life.
Connecting with others in a changing phase of life — intentional about faith and the depth of relationships in fellowship with one another.
A vibrant, Christ-centered men's group providing opportunities to meet, study, and work together through Study, Fellowship, and Service.
An organization for teenagers living the Orthodox Faith through Worship, Witness, Service and Fellowship — every teen is welcome.
A Pan-Orthodox group welcoming all young adults for fellowship, fun, food, and philanthropy through monthly events in Grand Rapids.
The ministries that support the sacred Divine Liturgy — the heart of our parish life.
Deacons, sub-deacons, and altar boys attend to the priest and assist with the Divine Liturgy, serving with reverence from age nine.
The sacred Byzantine Chant sung in eight tones by men and women at the chanter's stand during all services, weddings, and funerals.
Two choirs — a cherub choir of young children and a teen/adult choir — unite Heaven and Earth in prayer and song every Sunday.
Laypeople — men and women, boys and girls — who read the epistle during the Divine Liturgy after training in proper responses.
The many ministries that support the Divine Liturgy — the sacred service handed down by Christ and preserved through the ages.
Holy bread is baked, icons are decorated for veneration, and special candles are prepared before each Divine Liturgy by trained members.
The ministry responsible for the care and maintenance of the sacred vestments, vessels, and liturgical items used in worship.
Ushers are the first to welcome guests, introduce them to Orthodox worship practices, and ensure the smooth flow of the Divine Liturgy.
A lifelong journey of learning the unchanging Faith handed down by Christ and His Apostles.
Sunday morning classes for adults — Orthodox and non-Orthodox welcome — covering Church Fathers, theology, and the spiritual life.
Wednesday Family Night gathers the parish around the table for food and fellowship, followed by Bible Study led by the priest.
Inspirational and educational resources — books, icons, music, cards, and gifts — introducing people to the Orthodox Faith.
Sunday School from pre-school through high school, teaching children the unchanging faith handed down by Christ and His Apostles.
A growing parish library where parishioners can borrow books and donate titles for others to enjoy and learn from.
Orthodox Education is the key to understanding the Faith of our Fathers — a journey that begins before we learn to read and never ends.
Retreats to Orthodox monasteries, the Antiochian Village, and Mt. Athos — drawing inward to quiet ourselves and hear the Voice of God.
Reaching out to our community with the love of Christ — in mercy, witness, and service.
Visitor orientation, the 'Becoming Truly Human' film series, and Orthodoxy 101 — inviting all to discover the fullness of the Faith.
Reaching out to invite our surrounding community to learn about the fullness of the Christian Faith as experienced in the Orthodox Church.
From the $10,000 Gift of St. Nicholas to foster care, food drives, and Project Mexico — showing mercy to those in need near and far.
Ministering the love of Christ to our church family through intentional, meaningful care.
When illness or aging prevents parishioners from attending church, we come to them — with carols, meals, cards, and flowers.
Members who organize, tidy, and maintain the common areas of the church — the nave, kitchen, and Cultural Center.
Ministering the love of Christ to our church family through intentional and meaningful interactions — because God made us in love to love.
Nurses and doctors at St. Nicholas providing counseling, referrals, and advocacy — connecting spirituality and health.
Providing rides to those who are unable to drive themselves to church due to illness, aging, or other circumstances.
The elected administrative body working with our priest to steward the life of the parish.
Nine elected members working with the Parish Priest as the administrative arm of the church — accountable to God and the congregation.
Empowering our congregation through technology that serves the mission of the church.
Leading, managing, and maintaining all IT and audio-visual services — empowering the congregation to connect, worship, and grow.
Brian Lafranboise
Whether you are drawn to worship, service, learning, or fellowship, there is a ministry at St. Nicholas waiting to welcome you. Come and see.