We are a parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, which is under the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East.
We are a welcoming Christian community with a very rich past, being the oldest Orthodox Church in Montreal, founded by the contemporary Saint Raphael of Brooklyn. We started well over 100 years ago as a mission for Orthodox Arabic speakers living in the diaspora to serve their spiritual needs, and have grown into a healthy ‘Canadian’ community of different backgrounds. Across the globe, wherever an Orthodox Church is planted, it becomes a beacon of salvation in that place, attracting and welcoming others.
English is the mother tongue in our worship (with a limited amount of Arabic). We strive to maintain a prayerful atmosphere in the Church, offering a healthy schedule of traditional liturgical services, chanted in traditional Byzantine Music. The Antiochian spirit is to share the Faith, therefore at St. Nicholas Church, we believe that Orthodoxy is for all Canadians, regardless of background and ethnicity. We remain an Orthodox witness in Montreal to serve the spiritual needs of our parishioners and for all Canadians looking to belong to the Ancient Church of the New Testament. If you are interested in becoming Orthodox, please speak with our Pastor.
If you are in Montreal, please stop by, we will be honoured by your visit!
Our Weekly Liturgical Schedule
Every Saturday: Vespers & Compline starting at 6pm in the Church. Inquirers to Orthodoxy are Welcome!
Every Sunday: We start at 9am with Orthros (Morning Service) followed immediately by the Divine Liturgy in which we offer Holy Communion.
Visitors: If you are not yet an Orthodox Christian, please do not approach the Chalice during the distribution of Holy Communion. – Orthodox Christians are invited to receive Holy Communion if they are properly prepared and are not under any penance. Amongst other things, proper preparation includes faithful fasting, repentance, being at peace with others, and being on time for the Divine Services. If you are uncertain whether you are blessed to approach the Chalice, please do not approach until you have spoken with the Pastor.
We offer a friendly Fellowship Hour every Sunday following the Divine Liturgy. Our community often gathers for parish meals, and we are known for our delicious mediterranean dishes too!
When you enter our Church, you will have the opportunity to light a pure beeswax candle in the Narthex and offer a private prayer before entering.
the Nave of the Church. An usher will welcome you, hand you a printed Bulletin and will be happy to assist you with finding a seat. As our Church survives on the generosity of the faithful, you will also find a donation box in the Narthex, and during the Divine Liturgy there is usually a collection tray passed around. These donations go towards the expenses and upkeep of our beautiful building. We appreciate any help you can give to support our ministry. God bless you & welcome once again to our Parish!