About Us
Find out about who we are, our history, beliefs and clergy members.
Who We Are
St. Nicholas Orthodox Parish in Christchurch is a parish of the Australian and New Zealand Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR). We are a welcoming community of faithful from many backgrounds, united by our shared love of Christ and the timeless traditions of the Orthodox Church.
Our services are held in both English and Church Slavonic, honouring our Slavic heritage while opening our doors to the wider New Zealand community. Whether you are Orthodox by birth or simply curious about the faith, you are warmly welcome to join us.
Our History
The parish of St. Nicholas was established in Christchurch to serve the spiritual needs of Orthodox Christians in the South Island of New Zealand. Over the decades it has grown from a small immigrant community into a vibrant and diverse congregation, while remaining faithful to the traditions of the Orthodox Church.
We remain under the omophorion of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, maintaining close ties with the global Orthodox community and the centuries-old traditions of the Eastern Church.
Our Beliefs
As an Orthodox Christian parish, our faith is rooted in the teachings of Christ and the Holy Apostles, preserved through Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition. We hold to the Nicene Creed, celebrate the Seven Holy Mysteries, and follow the ancient cycle of fasts, feasts, and prayer.
The Divine Liturgy is the centre of our worship — a timeless encounter with the living God, celebrated as it has been for centuries throughout the Orthodox world.
Our Patron: St Nicholas
Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, is one of the most venerated saints in both the Eastern and Western traditions. Renowned for his deep compassion, countless miracles, and steadfast defence of the Orthodox faith, he is a fitting patron for our parish.
His feast day is celebrated on 19 December (6 December Old Style), and is one of the most beloved celebrations of our parish year.