Our History

Recognizing the dire need for an Orthodox Church a representative group from the Christian Arab community gathered at a banquet at the Palace Hotel on Dec. 5, 1937. His Eminence Most Reverend Antony Bashir was guest of honor. It was from this very enthusiastic gathering that the first plans for a church emerged. On Aug. 19, 1938, that a building on southeast corner of Gough and Green (see photo above) was purchased and soon remodeled to meet Orthodox requirements. The first Board of Directors was elected at a general meeting on Aug. 23, 1938.

The next step after securing the church was to request a priest from his Eminence Metropolitan Bashir and the newly ordained Father Brahim Corey was so designated as the first Pastor of St. Nicholas Church. The first known Liturgy was celebrated on Aug. 26, 1939. Fr. Brahim served entire community faithfully until his retirement in 1943. With the retirement of our first Pastor, Fr. Brahim Corey, Fr. Michael Khallouf, became the Pastor. Fr. Khallouf faithfully served until Sept. 30, 1952. He later became a Bishop.

In June 1952, the Archbishop sent a letter offering a new priest, Elias Karim. He was readily accepted and arrived in San Francisco on Oct. 1, 1952. Fr. Karim was 23 years of age and was the first officially accepted Divinity student in the Archdiocese Priest Education Plan. Fr. Karim was instrumental in organizing various groups from 1953 -1957. To begin with, he needed to communicate with the entire community, and what better way than with a bulletin in the mail.

In 1959, Board of Trustees brought about an awareness of the great need to prepare for the future and building expansion. In Jan. 1960, a building committee, a Visitation Program, a Finance Committee and a Social Committee were formed and they began to work on ways and means of attaining the final necessary funds for a new church. A short time later, the Re-development Agency of San Francisco announced its intention to subdivide the Diamond Heights Area for sale to the public. The Agency informed the Board that St. Nicholas qualified with six other churches to purchase the lot. The Agency left the decision up to the churches involved to pick a winner out of a hat. In a most dramatic moment, St. Nicholas drew the first winning number. Then Church plans were submitted for the new lot.

A ground breaking ceremony was scheduled and a three day celebration was planned for the weekend of Sept. 30, 1962. After Liturgy on the 30th, a caravan of cars departed the Church at Gough and Green and proceeded to Diamond Heights. Metropolitan Antony Shoveled the first cut of earth. The building project continued for the next two years with everyone working. To watch the everyday progress of the construction and finally the completion of this tremendous undertaking was perhaps the best celebration of St. Nicholas 25 years. Though a lot of progress was being made, the community was to be saddened by Fr. Karim being transferred to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Fr. Gregory Ofiesh was officially assigned to St. Nicholas and arrived June 1, 1964. Fr. Gregory’s efforts towards the completion of the building were an inspiration to all. April 4, 1965 was chosen as the date to dedicate the new church. Metropolitan Bashir anointed the Holy Icons with sacred Chrism, the altar was washed with sacred Chrism and the relics of the Saints which were brought here from the Patriarchate of Antioch were placed in the Crypt (a place in the altar). A foundation of spiritual fulfillment was now laid for our children and grandchildren. The immeasurable faith and perseverance given by the past clergy, trustees and members has proven to be an invaluable incentive to those of us who share their great faith in Orthodoxy.

In 1966, St. Nicholas Church hosted the first Archdiocese Convention (Aug. 16-21) held in San Francisco. On Feb. 15, 1966 at a regular meeting, while making plans for the Convention, word was received that our Metropolitan Bashir had entered eternal life. On March 17, at a special conclave, Fr. Philip Saliva was elected to become the new Archbishop. Our new archbishop attended the Convention at the Sheraton Palace Hotel in San Francisco. Over 1200 faithful registered.

In July 1976, St. Nicholas hosted the Archdiocese Convention at the San Francisco Hilton Hotel. It was also Metropolitan Philip Saliba 10th Anniversary as a Bishop. The following year’s discussion and construction began on adding classrooms, gymnasium, offices and an apartment. On Feb. 17, 1981 Metropolitan Philip Blesses the completed construction after Sunday Liturgy. A bronze plaque on the outside wall of the center pays tribute to those who contributed unselfishly throughout the history and growth of St. Nicholas Church.

In 1984, the Parish celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Fr. Gregory’s ordination to the priesthood. On Feb. 1988 the Parish celebrated St. Nicholas Church 50th Anniversary. A four day (Feb. 23-26) celebration was held at the Marriot Hotel. Metropolitan Philip attended the celebration. A Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was held by Metropolitan Philip on Sunday morning.

In the 90's construction was completed on the expansion and remodeling of the Church. At the end of the year 2000, Fr. Gregory retired after 37 years of tireless dedication and service to the Parish and Community.

On Jan. 2001, Fr. Nicholas Borzghol was officially assigned to the Pastorate of St. Nicholas Church to the present day.

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