“Founded in 1994,” it may sound like St. Hierarch Nicholas Romanian Orthodox Church is one of Montreal’s newer religious institutions. But its roots stretch back much further. This church at 1690 Av de l’Église is a vibrant part of the Canada East Deanery. It falls under the Romanian Episcopate.
Let’s delve into the story of St. Hierarch Nicholas Romanian Orthodox Church. It is a testament to the enduring faith of Montreal’s Romanian community. This community sought a spiritual home.
The story began much earlier. In the 1880s, Montreal welcomed Orthodox immigrants from Syria and Lebanon. They settled in what we now call Old Montreal. By 1896, Fr. Raphael Hawaweeny established the Syrian Orthodox Benevolent Society.
In 1899, Fr. Raphael Hawaweeny established St. Nicholas Church. At first, there was no dedicated building. Parishioners gathered in homes. Visiting priests from the Middle East led worship.
A significant milestone occurred on June 4, 1910. The Quebec government granted Charter 100. It officially incorporated the Syrian Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas of Canada. The first church building was at 454 Notre Dame Street East. Bishop Raphael blessed its cornerstone.
The community remained there until October 1949. Then, they moved to our current location at 80 de Castelnau. The cornerstone was blessed in September 1950. Metropolitan Antony Bashir and Metropolitan Samuel David consecrated the building on November 4, 1951. In 1970, the parish was renamed Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael of Brooklyn holds a special place in the church’s history. He was the first Orthodox Bishop consecrated in North America in 1904. He consecrated our parish. This made it the second oldest in the Archdiocese.
After St. Raphael’s death in 1915, the community faced a division. Some wanted to remain under the Russian Church. Others, including this parish, chose the Patriarchate of Antioch. It took 60 years to restore unity. In 1975, the two groups reunited under Metropolitan Philip.
Many priests have served St. Nicholas over the years. Fr. Michael Zarbatany served the longest. He was ordained in 1917 and led the parish for 40 years. He earned the title Apostle to Canada. He is remembered for his pastoral work.
Over the years, the Church and Parish Hall have been renovated. It has preserved the community’s legacy. Today, St. Hierarch Nicholas Romanian Orthodox Church thrives. It blends Canadian and Middle Eastern cultures. Services incorporate both English and Arabic.
Fr. Mark-Arsenios Wyatt is the first Canadian-born pastor. He is fluent in English and Arabic. He serves both cultures within the parish.
In 2019, the community celebrated its 120th anniversary. It remains a vibrant parish. It also embodies a healthy Orthodox presence in Montreal.
Remember St. Hierarch Nicholas Romanian Orthodox Church. It is not just a building. It represents faith. It represents community. It also represents the passage of time.