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.
