St. Nicholas Babylon
Discover the Heart of Our Community:
Exploring the Essence and Excitement of Our Annual Greek Festival!
At St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, we take pride in honoring our vibrant Greek culture through the joyous occasion of our annual Greek Festival, typically held in May, just after Memorial Day weekend.
Immersed in the essence of our Greek heritage, our cherished church community comes together during the festival to indulge in delectable Greek cuisine and delightful desserts. The atmosphere resonates with the sounds of live Greek music and captivating traditional dance performances. Guided tours of our exquisite St. Nicholas Church offer a glimpse into our rich religious heritage. Children revel in the excitement of entertaining games and rides, adding to the festive spirit. And of course, not to be missed, is our eagerly anticipated annual Mega Raffle.
The resounding success of the Greek Festival each year is attributed to the dedicated volunteer contributions from our members. If you’re interested in becoming part of this wonderful tradition and exploring various volunteer roles, we invite you to get in touch with the Church Office.
Six Decades of Faith and Heritage:
The Remarkable Journey of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
In the vibrant tapestry of the Babylon community, the journey of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is a testament to unwavering dedication and a fervent longing for a place of worship that resonates with the echoes of Greek heritage. Prior to its establishment, Greek families from the South Shore of Central Long Island embarked on an 18-mile pilgrimage to embrace their cultural roots. Fueled by a vision and the determination of two businessmen, Michael Christopher and George Gabriel, the dream of a local church began to take shape in 1958. Joined by like-minded individuals Nicholas Haldas, Thomas Kavouras, and Andrew Loizides, these pioneers charted the course for what would become the cherished Babylon Hellenic Community.
In the spring of 1959, the dream materialized into reality as the Archdiocese granted the charter for the newly formed parish. The humble Seventh Day Adventist Church on Fire Island Avenue became the backdrop for the inaugural Liturgy, led by Rev. Fr. George Kambanis. The subsequent years saw the community’s relentless spirit, evidenced by the dedication of the Ladies Philoptochos Society, the emergence of the Greek School and Catechism School programs, and the founding of various youth groups. Despite challenges, including a devastating fire in 1967, the community’s resolve only grew stronger, leading to the acquisition of a new home on Great East Neck Rd and the triumphant construction of the Saint Nicholas Shrine Church in 1989.
Throughout its evolution, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church has remained a haven of faith and culture, guided by the patronage of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. The story of St. Nicholas Church is one of resilience, unity, and unwavering devotion, a testament to the enduring spirit of a community that found its home and heart in Babylon, standing as a testament to faith, heritage, and the enduring power of shared dreams.
Our Timeline
1958
Two businessmen, Michael Christopher and George Gabriel, decide to establish a Greek Orthodox Church in Babylon to serve the Greek families from the South Shore of Central Long Island.
March 1959
A general assembly meeting is arranged at the Sunrise Catering House in West Babylon, attended by several families interested in organizing a new Parish.
April 5, 1959
The first Liturgy is celebrated at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Fire Island Avenue in Babylon, officiated by Rev. Fr. George Kambanis, the first parish priest.
September 1959
Two adjoining stores on Little East Neck Road in West Babylon are rented to serve as the temporary location for the church, with one store used as a sanctuary and the other for Sunday School and Greek School classes.
March 11, 1961
The Church Blessing is officiated at the newly purchased location, the former Temple Beth Sholom at 54 George Street in the Village of Babylon.
1962
The name "Saint Nicholas" is selected for the church, in honor of the patron saint of sailors.
1969
The mortgage on the George Street church is satisfied, and the "Burning of the Mortgage" ceremony is performed to celebrate the community's 10th anniversary.
June 1976
The first Annual St. Nicholas Festival is hosted on the new site of St. Nicholas in the neighboring town of West Babylon.
December 5, 1982
Groundbreaking ceremony for the new church building takes place under the auspices of His Eminence, Archbishop Iakovos, and Very Rev. Father Maximos Moses.
December 3, 1989
Groundbreaking ceremony for the new church building takes place under the auspices of His Eminence, Archbishop Iakovos, and Very Rev. Father Maximos Moses.
1996
Rev. Fr. Demetrios Calogrides becomes the new pastor of St. Nicholas.
November 2006
The mortgage is burned at the Annual Dinner Dance, marking a significant milestone for the community.
July 21, 2015
An electrical fire damages the altar and sanctuary of the church, leading to significant restoration efforts.
June 2019
The new Community Center building project begins after a final vote by the General Assembly.
August 2020
The Community Center is completed and dedicated.
December 5, 2021
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presides over the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Community Center.
June 9, 2025
Father Demetrios was reassigned as the head priest at the Cathedral of St. Paul in Hempstead NY and on the same day, Father Elias Pappas was assigned as the head priest of our church.
Present
St. Nicholas continues to thrive as a Greek Orthodox community, with its ministries growing and supported by dedicated parishioners.
