Who We Are
Founded in 1924 by immigrant Greek families, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is a community that seeks to live the fullness of the Orthodox Faith and proclaim the Gospel in Tacoma, WA, through worship, fellowship, ministry, and embracing our Greek cultural heritage. While we honor our Hellenic roots, we welcome all individuals seeking salvation for their souls, regardless of ethnicity or background. Our community includes lifelong Orthodox Christians, as well individuals who have chosen to join the Orthodox Church. Through the divine services, ministries, and community activities, St. Nicholas provides healing, refuge, and hope for all who enter its doors.
Our Mission
The mission of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is to proclaim and teach the Gospel in accordance with the Orthodox Faith; sanctify the faithful through God's grace in worship, the Divine Liturgy, and other sacraments; enhance parishioners' spiritual life; and add to the faithful by receiving individuals into the Church through instruction, baptism, and/or chrismation.
OUR CLergy
Fr. Anthony Cornett, Parish Priest
Fr. Anthony Cornett is a native of Bakersfield, CA, and a Spring 2020 seminarian graduate of Holy Cross Theological School in Brookline, MA, from which he holds a Master of Divinity Degree (MDiv). He is married to his supportive wife Presbytera Anna, and has four daughters: Miriam, Zoe, Despina and Macrina.
Fr. Anthony and his family served at the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles from Fall 2020 to early 2023. Fr. Anthony was appointed Proistamenos (head priest) at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Tacoma, WA, in February 2023. He also has a background in graphic design, for which he received Associate and Bachelor Degrees respectively.
Our Patron Saint
St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
St. Nicholas lived during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, and reposed in 330, As a young man, he desired to espouse the solitary life. He made a pilgrimage to the holy city Jerusalem, where he found a place to withdraw to devote himself to prayer. It was made known to him, however, that this was not the will of God for him, but that he should return to his homeland to be a cause of salvation for many. He returned to Myra, and was ordained bishop. He became known for his abundant mercy, providing for the poor and needy, and delivering those who had been unjustly accused. No less was he known for his zeal for the truth. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council of the 318 Fathers at Nicaea in 325; upon hearing the blasphemies that Arius brazenly uttered against the Son of God, Saint Nicholas struck him on the face. Since the canons of the Church forbid the clergy to strike any man at all, his fellow bishops were in perplexity what disciplinary action was to be taken against this hierarch whom all revered. In the night our Lord Jesus Christ and our Lady Theotokos appeared to certain of the bishops, informing them that no action was to be taken against him, since he had acted not out of passion, but extreme love and piety. The Dismissal Hymn for holy hierarchs, The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock ... was written originally for Saint Nicholas. He is the patron of all travelers, and of sea-farers in particular; he is one of the best known and best loved Saints of all time.
Feast Day
December 6
Apolytikion (Fourth Mode)
A canon of faith and an icon of gentleness, a teacher of temperance you were shown to your flock to be by the truth in all your deeds, and by your own great humility you have achieved exaltation and from poverty great riches. Father Hierarch Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God to save our souls.