About Our Parish
A Beacon of Faith and Community
For over fifty years, St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church in Punchbowl has been a place of faith, hope, love, and service in southwest Sydney. Established in response to the growing need for a second Antiochian Orthodox church in the city, the parish has flourished into a thriving spiritual home, deeply rooted in the Antiochian Orthodox tradition.
Our Founding and Early Challenges
In the early 1970s, St. George Cathedral in Redfern had reached capacity due to increased migration, making it necessary to establish a new parish. With the blessing of the Patriarch, His Grace Bishop Gibran was appointed to explore the possibility of building a church in the Punchbowl area. A committed group of parishioners from St. George worked tirelessly to turn this vision into a reality.
After securing the purchase of 11 Henry Street, the project encountered strong opposition from the local community, leading to the initial rejection of the church’s construction. Determined to move forward, a dedicated committee engaged with local residents by conducting phone calls and personal visits to gain their support. This effort resulted in the Council overturning its decision, and in November 1973, the foundation stone was laid by His Grace Bishop Gibran. With this milestone, St. Nicholas Church officially became a place of worship, devoted to glorifying God, strengthening the spiritual and sacramental lives of its parishioners, and passing on the beauty and richness of the Antiochian Orthodox faith to future generations.
Growth and Leadership
From its humble beginnings, St. Nicholas Punchbowl has grown into a flourishing and vibrant parish. The first appointed priest was Father John Shehadie, the son of Exarch Nicholas Shehadie, who served from the church’s foundation until his retirement in 1987. He was followed by the late Father Elias Khoury of blessed memory, who devoted twenty-eight years of service to the community. Since 2009, Father Romanos Albaba and Father Dr. John Al-Karan, have worked tirelessly to minister to the parish, and in 2018, they were joined by Father Philip Saba, who was appointed as a deacon at the time and later was elevated to the priesthood in 2020.
Throughout its history, St. Nicholas Punchbowl has also been blessed by the dedicated service of many clergy members from the Archdiocese, including Archimandrite Nabil Kachab, Father Jean Mawal, Father Isaac Zghaib, Father Paul El-Helou, Deacon Mark Isser, and the late Fathers Michael Khoury and Antonios Gindi of blessed memory.
Parish Ministries and Community Life
St. Nicholas Punchbowl is not only a place of worship but also a spiritual and social center for parishioners of all ages. Over the years, the church has fostered a strong sense of community through its various ministries and activities.
The Sunday School program, which was established in 1980, has played an essential role in the spiritual education of the parish’s children. The parish also formed the St. Nicholas chapter of the Antiochian Orthodox Youth Organization (TAOYO), providing young people with opportunities to grow in their faith and develop strong friendships. The church has offered Bible studies, fellowship gatherings, retreats, day trips, and social events, ensuring that parishioners of all ages have a space to deepen their faith and connect with one another.
The parish choir has also played a vital role in the liturgical life of the church, with both Arabic and English choirs leading the congregation in the hymns of the Orthodox faith. Volunteers have continuously contributed to the life of the church through altar service, charitable work, organizing events, and maintaining the facilities. The unwavering dedication of parishioners has been instrumental in the church’s continued growth and success.
Church Renovations and Expansions
Through the generosity, hard work, and dedication of its parishioners, St. Nicholas Punchbowl has undergone significant renovations and expansions over the years. The church building, parish hall, and bread room have all been enhanced to better serve the growing needs of the community. The iconostasis, altar table, and sacred iconography adorning the church stand as beautiful testaments to the love and devotion of the parishioners who contributed to their creation.
Beyond the physical church building, the parish has also expanded its footprint within the local community. Since the year 2000, and with the blessing and support of both the late Metropolitan Paul Saliba of thrice-blessed memory and his Eminence Metropolitan Basilios, St. Nicholas Parish has acquired seven additional properties on Henry Street. These acquisitions have allowed our Archdiocese to embark on one of its most significant projects: the construction of the first Antiochian Orthodox aged care facility in Australia. The newly built St. Nicholas Senior Care Centre is a milestone project for the Archdiocese and a testament of commitment to serving its elderly members with dignity and love.
Contributions to the Archdiocese
In addition to serving its local community, St. Nicholas Punchbowl has played an integral role in supporting the broader Archdiocese. The church has been a hub for various Archdiocesan programs, including pre-marriage sessions, HSC Achievement Nights, Archdiocese Choir gatherings, and the Antiochian Orthodox Stewards. The parish has also hosted and supported Saint Raphael’s Mission, further strengthening its ties to the wider Orthodox community.
Looking to the Future
The past fifty years have been a testament to God’s grace, the intercessions of the Theotokos, and the blessings of our patron Saint Nicholas. As the parish looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide a spiritual home for Orthodox Christians, to serve the needs of the community, and to continue growing in faith and service.
May God bless all those who dedicate their time, resources, and love to the ongoing mission of St. Nicholas Punchbowl. May we all be inspired to achieve even greater things in the years ahead for the glory of God and the salvation of His people.
Glory to God for all things!
