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
5
Milestone Moments
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.
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.