Our History

St’s Michael & Gabriel Antiochian Orthodox Church was established in December 2001 in Sydney, Australia, under the patronage of His Eminence Metropolitan Archbishop Paul Saliba of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines.

Under the direction of then parish priest, Fr John Vesic, weekly liturgical services began on December 16, 2001 using the facilities of St Columba’s Anglican Church, in Homebush West. In October 2004, the parish then moved to the West Ryde Community Hall where we continued serving the Orthodox community with weekly services, spiritual retreats, developing Orthodox publications in the English language and pastoral care for the following 8 years.

The Parish is honored to be the first Antiochian Orthodox parish in the state of New South Wales dedicated solely to preaching the Christian Orthodox faith in the English language. Our worshipers represent a cross section of people of various ages, ethnic backgrounds, and are located throughout the greater Sydney Metropolitan area.

In March 2009, the parishioners of St’s Michael and Gabriel Orthodox Church, under the direction of then parish priest Rev. Fr. Dr. John El-Karaan and with the help of many generous donor’s and supporters, raised the necessary funds for a deposit on a property at 72 Belmore St Ryde. Purchasing this new property was the beginning of a new era for SMG and would enable our parish to realise it’s dream of establishing a permanent place of worship and associated facilities in which to continue our spiritual and community activities.

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Paul Saliba and under the direction of our parish priest Rev. Fr Michal Zghaib, we began construction of our new church building in May 2011. Foundations of the new church were blessed by His Eminence on August 28 2011 and the first stone laid. On Christmas Eve, December 24 2012 our Parish was blessed to be able to serve it’s first liturgical service in our new Church building. Our work now continues in completing the interior design of the church building and the landscaping.

On behalf of Rev. Fr Michal Zghaib and the parish of Sts Michael & Gabriel Orthodox Church, thank you for your continued support and assistance. Your contribution through prayers and donations to our Parish is greatly appreciated.