Montréal QC Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church 1899, 1905, 1908

Montréal, Québec, Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church 1899, 1905, 1908

Raphael may be spelt Rafael, Rafail.

Ephraim may be spelt Efrem, Ephrem.

Prehistory of the parish

The 2 oldest Antiochian Orthodox Christian parishes in Montréal, Québec, Canada, have a single beginning.

Together, they are the first 2 Orthodox Christian parishes to have been established in Montréal.

The third parish was Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church (1907).

In the 1880s, Montréal, Québec, Canada, received the first Orthodox Christian immigrants from the Ottoman Empire territory now known as Syria and Lebanon, who established themselves in what is now called “Old Montréal”. They were part of a broader emigration from “Bilad al-Sham” (the “geographic” or “historical” Syria), arrived in Montréal. This region roughly corresponds to the present-day territories of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza. (This region was roughly equivalent to the ancient East-Roman Empire’s Diocese of the East.)

At that time, Archimandrite Raphael (Hawaweeny) (now Saint Raphael of Brooklyn) was also leading the Syro-Arab Mission of the Orthodox Church of Russia to gather the ‘Antiochians’ in North America. He belonged to the North American Dioceses of the “Russian Orthodox Mission”, which, since 1793, had been providing missionary service on the continent, and during the previous 50 years had been trying to provide spiritual care to the many Orthodox Christians who had begun to arrive in the 3 main countries of North America. At that time, the bishop was Bishop Tikhon (Belavin)] of New York and the Aleutian Islands.

Father Raphael was sent to the Arab Orthodox community in Montréal to shepherd them ; and in 1896, he blessed the founding of the “Syrian Benevolent Society”.

When the original wave of Syro-Arab immigration had begun in Québec, Canada (and particularly in Montréal during the 1890s), the newcomers associated as one community. Like immigrants everywhere, their first order of business was to establish an organisation that would maintain a sense of community and assist new immigrants in establishing themselves. To that end, a “Syrian Benevolent Society" was founded by Archimandrite Raphael (Hawaweeny) in 1896.

He helped to organise the Orthodox Christian Faithful in Montréal, and he encouraged them to meet together in their homes on Sundays, Feast-days, and other occasions, so as to worship the Lord together.

From 1899 until the early 1900s, the Orthodox community worshipped under the patronage and support of the Church of Saint Nicholas, in New York City, New York, USA.

Hieromonk Ephraim (Al-Debs)

The first priest to serve the community directly was Hieromonk Ephraim (Al-Debs). He served in the parish from 1898 until 1901.

 At the request of Archimandrite Raphael (Hawaweeny, head of the Syrian Orthodox Mission in North America, organised the assignment of  Hieromonk Ephrem (Al-Debs)
 to serve as a missionary of the Patriarchate of Antioch in North America. Under the blessing of the Patriarch of Antioch, and having first established a warm relationship with the people of Tripoli, 
 on 21 July, 1898, Archimandrite Ephrem sailed away for North America.  
 
 On 9 August, 1898, Hieromonk Ephrem (Al-Debs) arrived in New York City, New York, USA.  He took the blessing from 
 Bishop Tikhon (Belavin), and he accepted his assignment from Archimandrite Raphael (Hawaweeny).

Archimandrite (Saint) Raphael (Hawaweeny)

Hieromonk Ephraim (Al-Debs)

Immediately, Father Ephraim set about fulfilling his responsibility.

This assignment was to serve the rather large community in Montréal, Québec, Canada, which had been found to be in need of pastoral care by Archimandrite Raphael (Hawaweeny) during his own pastoral journeys to various places.

 Hieromonk Ephraim immediately made his way north by railway.  Montréal is situated on an island at the north shore 
 of the Saint Lawrence River, about 610 km (379 mi) north of New York City.

Founding of the parish

Five months later, although there was no permanent church building at that time, during Archimandrite Raphael’s following pastoral visit in 1899, he established “Saint Nicholas Church of Canada” in Montréal, Québec, as Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church. It was dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Myra.

Then, on 6 June, 1899, a building was found to accommodate the parish.

Hieromonk Ephrem (Al-Debs) continued his pastoral service in Montréal and the nearby region until 1900. However, it became evident that his health would not permit him to remain longer in Montréal.

He would not be the only cleric from the Mediterranean region or Europe to fall ill due to the climate in Canada or Alaska.

Despite his illness, the missionary work of Hieromonk Ephrem was both greatly significant, and greatly appreciated by all concerned. Moreover, his biographer, Dr. Joseph Zaitoun considered it to be a great example of Antiochian and Russian co-operation and collaboration.

Within 2 years of his return, Hieromonk Ephrem was elevated to the dignity of archimandrite, and his name was changed to Basilios. Soon, he was ordained to the Holy Episcopate, and he was assigned by Patriarch Meletios II (Doumani) to the Diocese of Akkar and Dependencies.

Hieromonk Ephraim was transferred away in 1900.

Priest Meletios Karroum

In 1901, Priest Meletios Karroum was assigned to care for the mission.

In 1903, Father Meletios was transferred away.

Archpriest George Mahfouz

Later in 1903, Archpriest George Mahfouz was assigned by Bishop Tikhon (Belavin) of New York (at the request of Archimandrite Raphael (Hawaweeny)), to care for the mission. Father George and Khouria Susan (born Homsey) arrived in Montreal with a letter of blessing from Patriarch Meletius II (Doumani). Previously, he had served at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Rashaya, west of Damascus (on the western slopes of Mount Hermon), for more than 20 years (his brother also served as a priest in Damascus). Many of the Orthodox Christians there were from the village of Rashaya.

In 1904, he returned to Syria with some of his family, and he remained there for one year. Two of his older sons, George and Basilios remained in Montreal where they operated a fruit market. In 1905, Father George and his family returned to Montreal.

The community was In need of a permanent church building. Father George led the community in acquiring an abandoned industrial building on Vitré Street East in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Montreal Old Montreal as a suitable place of worship. The property was renovated into a proper Orthodox Temple ; and in 1905, it was dedicated as Saint Nicholas Syrian Orthodox Church.

In 1908, Father George was transferred away to Syria. Later, he returned to North America, to the USA, where he served for a time until his repose.

As the population grew, various differences developed. These sometimes sharp differences included the question of whether the community should remain as before under the “Russian Mission”, or to move directly under the authority of the Patriarch of Antioch.

Bishop Raphael (Hawaweeny)

By 1904, Archimandrite Raphael (Hawaweeny) had been ordained to the Holy Episcopate, been assigned as Bishop of Brooklyn, New York, and to care for the Antiochian communities which were developing quickly in North America.

He was the first Orthodox Christian bishop of any nationality to be ordained on North American soil. After having sanctified his first mission of Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral in Brooklyn, he next sanctified his second mission, that of Saint Nicholas in Montreal.

Bishop Raphael (Hawaweeny) and elders of the parish

Hieromonk Aftimios (Ofiesh)

Within a few weeks after the successful completion of a fundraising mission in 1905, Bishop Raphael sent Hieromonk Aftimios (Ofiesh) to Montréal, Québec, Canada. He was asked to try to bring unity to the controversy-ridden community.

As he went about making his pastoral rounds in 1905, Bishop Raphael (Hawaweeny) blessed the re-founding of Saint Nicholas’ Church of Canada (Montréal, Québec) (first established in 1898), and of the second Saint Nicholas’ Church (Montréal, Québec) in 1908 (the latter parish was re-named as Saint George).

A serious division had arisen in the context of the efforts of one faction to remove the pastor, Priest George Mahfouz, so that Father Basil Kerbawy could take his place.

Father Aftimios met with the leaders of both sides in an effort to persuade them that the Syrian Orthodox community in Montréal was too small to support 2 parishes. When it was learned that Father Mahfouz had decided to return to Syria, the restoration of peace became possible.

Father Aftimios returned to his duties in Brooklyn. However, he had been so successful in winning the favour of both sides that they requested his appointment to the parish after Father Mahfouz left Montréal in July, l906.

Father George Mahfouz

Father Basil Kerbawy

Two parishes from one root

Nevertheless, as the population grew, various differences continued to manifest themselves.

This led to the separation into 2 distinct parishes: "Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church of Montréal" (founded in 1905 and incorporated in 1910, and later re-named Saint George) and "Saint. Nicholas Orthodox Church of Canada" (which later became Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church).

On the face of the situation, it may appear painful or disappointing that such a division arose. It is true that divisions are sown by the powers below. It is not unusual that human beings have different and differing opinions. Regardless of the division, the Grace of the Holy Spirit was active. As a consequence of the distinction between them, the 2 communities were better able to care for the many Faithful in Montreal. Indeed, after the division, the 2 communities worked co-operatively to some extent ; and ultimately, they gave an important testimony to the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in the Christian life.

Re-organisation, re-structuring, establishment of Saint Nicholas Church

For the next 11 years, Father Aftimios (Ofiesh) served as pastor of the Saint George parish in Montréal. He raised $14,000.00 towards building a new Temple.

Bishop Raphael elevated Hieromonk Aftimios (Ofiesh) to the dignity of archimandrite at the time of its sanctification.

Strong differences of perspective and opinion once again arose and threatened the unity of the community. The critics of Archimandrite Aftimios (Ofiesh) charged him with attempting to separate the parish from the Diocese of Brooklyn of the Russian Orthodox Church in order to place it under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Antioch.

Summoned to New York to defend himself from this charge, Father Aftimios successfully convinced Bishop Raphael (Hawaweeny) of his loyalty, and he was blessed to continue his service.

However, his opponents were determined to separate themselves from his leadership. Having failed to persuade the bishop to remove him, they took the matter to the civil law courts. After a stormy session involving not only Father Aftimios and the members of the rival faction, but also Bishop Raphael and the Russian Consul (in the USA), who represented the Most Holy Synod of the Russian Church, the anti-Aftimios group won the right to organise a separate parish.

As a consequence, in 1910, they re-formed the Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church of Montréal.

The parishioners who supported Father Aftimios formed a separate community, and they adopted the name, Saint George Syrian Orthodox Church. Thus, the 2 distinct communities accept the same pre-history as their own.

Meanwhile, the sort of strife that had broken the unity of the community in Montréal became a common experience throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn. Despite the support given the Syrian Mission by the Russian hierarchy, many Arab-American Orthodox considered that the Patriarchate of Antioch in Damascus was their true spiritual home. Indeed, even Bishop Raphael and his followers never completely renounced their allegiance to the ancient Throne of Saints Peter and Paul in Antioch.

Within a few weeks after the successful completion of the fundraising mission, Bishop Raphael sent Hieromonk Aftimios (Ofiesh) to Montréal, Québec, Canada. He was asked to try to bring union to the strife-ridden community.

A serious division had arisen in the context of the efforts of one faction to remove the pastor, Priest George Mahfouz, so that Father Basil Kerbawy could take his place.

Father Aftimios met with the leaders of both sides in an effort to persuade them that the Syrian Orthodox community in Montréal was too small to support 2 parishes. When it was learned that Father Mahfouz had decided to return to Syria, the restoration of peace became possible. Father Aftimios returned to his duties in Brooklyn. However, he had been so successful in winning the favour of both sides that they requested his appointment to the parish after Father Mahfouz left Montréal in July, l906.

For the next 11 years, Father Aftimios (Ofiesh) served as pastor of the Saint George parish in Montréal. He raised $14,000.00 to build a new Temple.

Bishop Raphael elevated him to the dignity of archimandrite at the time of its sanctification.

Strong differences of perspective and opinion once again arose and threatened the unity of the community. The critics of Archimandrite Aftimios (Ofiesh) charged him with attempting to separate the parish from the Diocese of Brooklyn of the Russian Orthodox Church in order to place it under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Antioch.

Summoned to New York to defend himself before this charge, Father Aftimios successfully convinced Bishop Raphael (Hawaweeny) of his loyalty, and he was blessed to continue his service.

However, his opponents were determined to separate themselves from his leadership. Having failed to persuade the bishop to remove him, they took the matter to the civil law courts. After a stormy session involving not only Father Aftimios and the members of the rival faction, but also Bishop Raphael and the Russian Consul, who represented the Most Holy Synod of the Russian Church, the anti-Aftimios group won the right to organise a separate parish.

Establishment of Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church, Montréal

As a consequence, in 1908, they re-formed the Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church of Montréal.

The parishioners who supported Father Aftimios formed a separate community, and they adopted the pre-existing name, Saint George Syrian Orthodox Church.

Meanwhile, the sort of strife that had broken the unity of the community in Montréal became a common experience throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn. Despite the support given the Syrian Mission by the Russian hierarchy, many Arab-American Orthodox considered that the Patriarchate of Antioch in Damascus was their true spiritual home. Indeed, even Bishop Raphael and his followers never completely gave up their allegiance to the ancient Throne of Saints Peter and Paul in Antioch.

Provincial incorporation

Finally, on 4 June, 1910, the parish was granted from the Province of Quebec, Charter 100 : “An act to incorporate the Syrian Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas of Canada”.

The first Church building for the parish was located at 454, Notre Dame Street East in the heart of the community. The cornerstone of the Temple was blessed by Bishop Raphael.

The Saint Nicholas community remained at that location until October, 1949.

Priest Agapios Gholam

In 1910, Priest Agapios Gholam was assigned to serve as rector of the community. He served until 1917.

Repose of Bishop Raphael

In 1915, Sayidna Raphael fell ill again and spent 2 months at home, where he bore his illness with patience until he was blessed to rest from his labours. He had never neglected the flock, but had travelled throughout the USA, Canada, and Mexico in search of the rational sheep so that he might care for them and provide care for them. He kept them from straying into strange pastures, and he protected them from spiritual harm.

At 12:45 a.m., on 14/27 February, 1915, Bishop Raphael (Hawaweeny) fell asleep in the Lord in New York, New York.

On Sunday, 22 February/7 March, 1915, after the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, the Funeral Services for the Burial of a Hierarch were served by Archbishop Alexander (Nemolovsky) (who was the administrator of the diocese in the absence of Archbishop Evdokim (Meschersky)) at the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Brooklyn, New York.

The Funeral

The cathedral was over-crowded with clergy, people and official representatives of sister churches and government and religious bodies.

After the completion of the funeral obsequies, the body of Bishop Raphael (Hawaweeny) was first interred in a crypt beneath the Holy Table at the Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Brooklyn, on 22 February/7 March, 1915.

Then, on 2 April, 1922, his relics were transferred to the Syrian Section of Brooklyn's Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Finally, on 15 August, 1988, his relics were taken to the Holy Resurrection Cemetery at the Antiochian Village near Ligonier, Pennsylvania.

After the repose of Bishop Raphael of Brooklyn in 1915, his missionary work quickly became divided. Some communities desired to remain under the jurisdiction of the successor to the “Russian Mission”, the “Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America”, while others (including this parish) opted to be received into the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Antioch (headquartered at Damascus, Syria). This meant that the 2 parishes in Montreal lived with these different perspectives for the following 60 years, until the total jurisdictional and administrative unity could be restored to the Church of Antioch in North America.

Archpriest Economos Michael and Khouria Marie (born Attabe) Zarbatany

Special mention must be made about the Archpriest Michael Zarbatany (hitherto, the longest-serving pastor of the parish), and his wife, Khouria Marie. He was an active son of the Saint Nicholas parish, who had his own large family. He was chosen by the community to lead them, and in November, 1917, he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood Metropolitan Germanos (Shehadeh) (of Zahle, Syria, now Lebanon). Thus, he began to lead the parish for the following 40 years. As a consequence, he earned from the people the epithet “Apostle to Canada” for his extensive pastoral work throughout Quebec, and Ontario.

Archpriest Economos Michael and Khouria Marie (born Attabe) Zarbatany

He was still the rector of the parish when it was relocated to the new location. For many decades afterwards, the elderly members of the parish could recall stories about Father Zarbatany, and about how well-connected, influential, and beloved he was in Montreal. He was interred Mount Royal Cemetery.

Second Temple

In 1949, the Parish of Saint Nicholas relocated to 80, rue de Castelnau Street, built a new Temple, and remained there. This occurred because of the great increase in the number of Faithful attending, and the need for a new, and “purpose-built” building.

The cornerstone for the new structure was blessed in September, 1950, by Metropolitan Antony (Bashir), and Metropolitan Samuel (David). Later, on 4 November, 1951, they sanctified the Temple.

The Temple of Saint Nicholas in Montréal, 2020

A new charter was obtained in 1970, in order again to rename the parish : “Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church”.

Apart from these details, there are few other historical facts available on the internet for inclusion here until the more recent times.

Glorification of Saint Raphael (Hawaweeny)

The sanctity of Bishop Raphael (Hawaweeny) of Brooklyn had been understood by the Faithful both during and following his life. However, the confusion and disturbances of Orthodox Christian life in North America during much of the rest of the century delayed the possibility of any official recognition. However, near the end of the century, a conversation and consultation between the heads of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America and The Orthodox Church in America opened the way for action. Because Bishop Raphael had been officially a bishop of the Diocese of New York and the Aleutian Islands (now The Orthodox Church in America) during his lifetime, the canonical recognition of his sanctity was the responsibility of the Church in which he served. Therefore, in harmony with the will of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America, Bishop Raphael (Hawaweeny) was glorified as a saint by the Holy Synod of Bishops of The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) in its March, 2000, session.

His sanctity was officially proclaimed at the official glorification celebrated on 29 May, 2000, at Saint Tikhon's Monastery at South Canaan, Pennsylvania. Participating in this service which was led by Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) was Bishop Antoun (Khouri), who represented Metropolitan Philip (Saliba) of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese and the Church of Antioch. Besides the bishops of the OCA Holy Synod, also serving were : Bishop Basil (Essey) and Bishop Demetri Khoury (also of the Antiochian Archdiocese), and Metropolitan Sergei (Fomin) of Solnechnogorsk (Russian Orthodox Church), and Bishop Mercurius (Ivanov) of Zaraisk, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA (Russian Orthodox Church), Archbishop Adam (Dubec) of Przemysl and Nowy Sacz (Polish Orthodox Church), Bishop Dimitrios (Couchell) of Xanthos (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North America), and Bishop Seraphim (Sigrist), retired Bishop of Sendai, Japan (Autonomous Orthodox Church of Japan).

At the glorification, Saint Raphael was given the designation “Bishop of Brooklyn, Shepherd of the Lost Sheep of North America”.

Feast-days

Saint Raphael (Hawaweeny) is commemorated by the OCA on 27 February, the anniversary of his repose.

He is commemorated by the Antiochian Orthodox Church on the first Saturday of November.

He is commemorated also on the date of the glorification, 29 May.

A piece of his holy relic was given to the Parish of Saint Nicholas in Montreal by the late Metropolitan Philip Saliba, and it was embedded into an Icon of Saint Raphael, which is available for veneration in our Church.

Bereavement

Father Michael Zarbatany had retired from active service in 1957, at age 74.

On 10 March 1960, Archpriest Economos Michael Nassif Zarbatany fell asleep in the Lord in Montreal, Quebec.

The Funeral Service for the Burial of a Priest was offered at Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church in Montreal.

After the funeral obsequies, the body of Archpriest Economos Michael Nssif Zarbatany was interred at the Mount Royal Cemetery in Montreal.

Bereavement

On 7 October, 1962, Khouria Marie (born Attabe) Zarbatany fell asleep in the Lord in Montreal, Quebec.

The Funeral Service for the Burial of a Lay-person was offered at Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church in Montreal.

After the funeral obsequies, the body of Khouria Marie (born Attabe) Zarbatany was interred at the Mount Royal Cemetery in Montreal.

Archpriest Joseph Shaheen

In 1969, Priest Joseph Shaheen was assigned to serve the parish of Saint Nicholas, and he did so for 31 years.

While he served in Montréal, Father Joseph’s service was for some years contemporary with the service of the Archpriest Antony Gabriel at Saint George’s Antiochian Orthodox Church in Montréal.

Father Joseph and the Parish of Saint Nicholas also hosted the Antiochian Archdiocese’s National Convention in Montreal in 1974.

Re-union and reconciliation of the North American Antiochians

In 1975, the 2 camps of opinion previously mentioned reunited under the leadership of the visionary Metropolitan Philip (Saliba) (who reposed in 2014, and was buried next to Saint Raphael at the Antiochian Village).

Metropolitan Joseph (Al-Zehlaoui) succeeded Metropolitan Philip.

In 2023, he, in turn, was succeeded by Metropolitan Saba (Esber).

As a consequence, the 2 parishes in Montreal were able to co-operate more actively and openly.

Major renovation

In 1996, Father Joseph Shaheen supervised the major renovation of the Temple which took place at that time.

In 2000, Father Joseph Saheen was transferred away to the USA.

Priest Peter Shportun

In 200, Priest Peter Shportun was assigned to serve the parish of Saint Nicholas, and he did so until he was transferred away in 2007.

Priest Mark-Arsenius Wyatt

In 2007, Priest Mark-Arsenius Wyatt was assigned to the parish, and he became the next long-serving pastor.

Recent events

Over the years, both the Temple and the Parish Hall have been beautified, and greatly renovated to preserve the community’s legacy for future generations. The parish has grown to become a healthy mix of families born both in Canada and in the Middle East. The use of English and Arabic is balanced appropriately for all aspects of parish life.

Major demographic changes have impacted parish life, with many new young families joining the community, and city-growth, where the majority of parishioners no longer live in the neighbourhood of the Temple itself, as it once was. Now, the families are located all over the Greater Montreal landscape.

Priest Mark-Arsenios Wyatt, is the first Canadian-born and convert pastor in the parish. He is also the first pastor to have graduated from the Seminary of Balamand Monastery in Lebanon. He is fluent in both English and Arabic, which allows him to serve both cultures of the parish.

120 years

In 2019, the parish celebrated the 120th Anniversary of their history. The parish remains a vibrant parish and a healthy Orthodox witness in Montreal, through the intercessions of Saint Raphael of Brooklyn.

Aerial view of the Temple (left) Interior of the Temple (right)

Priests who served this parish

   Saint Raphael (Hawaweeny) of Brooklyn
   Fr. Ephraim (Al-Debs) (1898-1901)
   Fr. Meletios Karroum (1901-1903)
   Fr. George Mahfouz (1903-1906)
   Fr. Aftimios Ofiesh (1906-?)] 
   Fr. Agapios Gholam (1910-1917)
   Fr. Michael Zarbatany (1917-1957)
   Fr. Theodore Ziton (1957-1962)
   Fr. Gibran Ramlaoui (1962-1963)
   Fr. John Nicholas Israel (1963-1969)
   Fr. Joseph Shaheen (1969-2000)
   Fr. Peter Shportun (2000-2007)
   Fr. Mark-Arsenios Wyatt (2007-Present)

Over the years, both the Church & Parish Hall have been beautified and greatly renovated to preserve the community’s legacy for future generations. The parish has grown to become a healthy mix of families born both in Canada and in the Middle East. The use of English and Arabic is balanced appropriately for all aspects of parish life.

The oldest Orthodox parish in Montreal, this parish started well over 100 years ago as a mission for Orthodox Arabic speakers living in the diaspora to serve their spiritual needs, and it has grown into a healthy ‘Canadian’ community of various backgrounds. Around 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 worship (with a limited amount of Arabic). The parish strives to maintain a prayerful atmosphere in the Temple, and offers a healthy schedule of traditional liturgical services, chanted in traditional Byzantine melodies. The Antiochian spirit is to share the Faith ; therefore, in this parish it is understood that the Orthodox Faith is for all Canadians, regardless of background and ethnicity. The parish maintains an Orthodox witness in Montreal in order to serve the spiritual needs of the parishioners and of all Canadians seeking to belong to the Ancient Church

Particular parish information

This parish is part of the Antiochian Orthodox Diocese of Ottawa, Eastern Canada, And Upstate New York, of the the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. The bishop is Bishop Alexander (Mufarrij).

This parish follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of Saint Nicholas of Myra (6 December).

In 2026, the pastor of the parish was Priest Mark-Arsenios Wyatt.

Address :

Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church

80, rue de Castelnau Street est (east)

Montréal, Québec

H2R 1P2

Telephone (office) : 514-270-9788

E-mail : office@stnicholasmtl.org

Directions :

The city of Montréal, Québec (and the Parish of Saint Nicholas) is accessible by various airlines through the Trudeau Montréal International Aeroport.

The city of Montréal is accessible from the east, and west by VIA Rail ; and from the south by Amtrak railways.

The city of Montréal is accessible by road from the east by Highway #20, by Highway #40 ; from the west by Highway #20, by Highway #40 ; from the north by Highway #15 (Laurentian Autoroute), by Highway #117, by Highway #25 ; from the south by Highway #15 ; by Highway #10.

By by public transit, consult the Société de transport de Montréal site for routes.

By car, gain access to Highway #440 east or west (depending upon the starting point). Take the exit for Boulevard Saint-Laurent South. Drive south until rue de Dastelneau Street est. Turn left. Drive 1 block, and the Temple is on the right, between rue Saint-Dominique and avenue Casgrain.