History of the St Nicholas Temecula Parish

History of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Temecula Valley

In the spring of 1988, a small group of Orthodox Christians dedicated themselves to bring His Holy Church to the Temecula Valley. Through hard work and prayers, this small group began to grow, and on June 30, 1991 the first Divine Liturgy was held in a small office building with Very Rev. Father Leonidas Contos presiding. 

On September 27, 1991, His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony officially confirmed the Mission Parish of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. In his acknowledgment to the congregation, he stated, "that the true strength and beauty of Orthodoxy is when it transcends ethnic identities and strives to identify only with Christ, within the sacred tradition that is the common inheritance of all Orthodox peoples." This was expressed by His Eminence due to the diverse ethnicity that began this Parish, which we are proud to continue to have to this day.

Through the years the faithful grew, the ministries for spiritual growth developed and established themselves in the Temecula community. Fundraisers from Greek festivals to a thrift store helped finance the growth and promote outreach programs. We became intertwined with other philanthropic organizations throughout the Temecula Valley and gave not only monetarily, but of ourselves.

Services were held in converted office buildings as the parish strived to purchase property for a permanent home. The determination was never lost, and on February 20, 2014 with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, we were able to purchase a 2-1/2 acre parcel which included a 3,000 square foot building in Murrieta, California. Since the purchase, the building has been converted to include a sanctuary, fellowship hall, office and kitchen. The first divine liturgy was held on Saturday of Lazarus, April 4, 2015 with Father Andrew Lesko presiding.  After nine years as parish priest, Father Lesko entered his well deserved retirement on September 1, 2021.

As Father Lesko's replacement, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos assigned Father Konstantinos (Kostas) Douvikas as St. Nicholas' new parish priest.

Our inspiration, drive, determination and most importantly faith and love of Christ continue to guide us to see our dreams come true. As the pioneers of this Parish laid the seeds and grew the foundation for Orthodoxy to become a reality in the Temecula Valley, so too will the present and future generations continue the journey to build His church for all Orthodox Christians.

Through the devoted service of the first priest of St. Nicholas, Father Eugene Tarris, to our current presiding priest Father Konstantinos Douvikas, through those who served on parish councils, as Sunday School teachers, as Philoptochos members, youth ministries and choir members, through those who taught dance, language and crafts, through those who chaired the multitude of events, and through all who prayed and labored in every task no matter how big or small, we stand here today as a family and on September 27, 2021 celebrated our 30th anniversary.

Please join us for our Sunday services.