Our Parish
Foundation of our Parish
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Barrie began its humble existence in 2018, when a small group of faithful Christians gathered together to pray and seek the blessing of God. With the fatherly guidance and blessing of His Eminence, Archbishop Irénée of Ottawa and the Archdiocese of Canada, our community was officially established as a parish of the Orthodox Church in America in 2019. On May 26 of that year, our Parish Constitution and By-laws were formally adopted and blessed, marking not only the beginning of our official life, but also a new chapter of spiritual growth and service in the city of Barrie. Since those early days, the parish has continued to grow in faith, love, and unity, bringing together people of different ages, cultures, and nationalities into one family in Christ.
Life of St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra in the 3rd and 4th centuries, is venerated as a model of holiness, charity, and steadfast faith in Christ. From his youth, he devoted himself to God, embracing a life of prayer, asceticism, and service to the poor and afflicted. As bishop, he became renowned for his generosity, often aiding those in need in secret, and for his protection of children, sailors, and the defenseless. St. Nicholas also courageously defended the Orthodox faith against heresy, earning the title “Wonderworker” for the many miracles attributed to his intercession. His enduring example of humility, piety, and love for neighbour continues to inspire the faithful and guides the life of the Church to this day.
Parish History
Through the dedication, prayers, and generosity of our parishioners, St. Nicholas Orthodox Mission grew steadily beyond its humble beginnings at the Stark Armouring facility. The vision of having a true church home inspired countless hours of work and sacrifice, uniting our community in faith and purpose. By July 2025, that dream was realized when, with God’s help, we joyfully moved into our sacred parish at 7 Burton Avenue.
Community
We strive for our Orthodox community to be not only a place of prayer, but also a home for all who seek a living connection with God, support, understanding, and spiritual growth. Here we learn together to draw closer to Christ — in the Liturgy, in prayer, in works of mercy, and in friendship. We hope to be a beacon of hope, faith, and love in the city of Barrie, in the province of Ontario, and beyond.