Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church of Melbourne
Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church of Melbourne serves the Orthodox Christian community of Melbourne, Florida, offering regular worship services and preserving Greek Orthodox faith, traditions, and community life in the region.
Clergy:
Rev. Presbyter Zachary Thornbury, Presiding Priest
Church Type:
Parish
Denomination:
Greek Orthodox
Metropolis:
Metropolis of Atlanta
Affiliation:
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Ecumenical Patriarch:
Bartholomew I of Constantinople
Clergy Information updated Jan 2026
History
Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church of Melbourne, Florida traces its origins to November 24, 1965, when the Greek Orthodox Community Center of Brevard County was established as a not-for-profit organization with its principal place of business on Merritt Island. On December 2, 1965, nine Merritt Island residents gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Katzantzis to sign the charter of the Hellenic Community Center, with Pete Mageras and James Katsacos signing the charter and Chris Ekonomou serving as the first president. The Diocese of Atlanta adopted the charter in 1966, giving birth to Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church of Melbourne.
The 3.5-acre parcel of land on which the church now stands was purchased for $5,000. An additional acre acquired in later years brought the total property to 4.7 acres, now home to the Hellenic Center, Education Building, and the church itself. The original membership of 58 families was drawn from across Brevard County, including families from Cocoa Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Merritt Island, Melbourne, West Melbourne, Melbourne Beach, Cocoa, Rockledge, Cape Canaveral, and Indialantic. The community immediately began raising funds for a Hellenic Center, and five parish members signed a mortgage note for $18,000 to finance its construction. The Hellenic Center was completed in April 1968, with the first service celebrated on Pascha, April 21, 1968. It was later renamed the Colonel James Lake Hellenic Community Center in honor of his many years of service to the Brevard County Greek Orthodox community.
In 1973 the community began building the church dedicated to Saint Katherine, and on August 23, 1974 the Greek Orthodox Church of Brevard County, Florida, Inc. was incorporated with the State of Florida. On June 16, 1980 the parish's official name was changed to Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church of Brevard County, Inc.
Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church at 5965 North Wickham Road in Melbourne serves the Orthodox Christian faithful of Brevard County as a parish of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, carrying forward the community its founders built from a December evening gathering in 1965.
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This page serves as a reference resource for Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church of Melbourne, providing essential information such as location, contact details, clergy, and church affiliation. It is intended to help visitors and members of the Orthodox Christian community easily find accurate parish information in one place.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register as a member at a Greek Orthodox parish?
Parish membership is generally established by registering with the church office. Each parish may have its own process for enrollment and participation in parish life.
Can I attend services if I am not a registered member of the parish?
Greek Orthodox churches welcome visitors and non-members to attend services. Participation in sacraments may require coordination with the parish and priest.
How do I contact the parish priest for pastoral matters?
Pastoral requests are typically handled by the parish priest. The parish office can assist with contact details and help coordinate appointments or inquiries.
How do I register to baptize my child in the Greek Orthodox Church?
Baptism requests are handled by the local parish. The church will usually require documentation from the parents and godparent, along with coordination with the priest to schedule the baptism.
How do I request a wedding date at my Greek Orthodox church?
Wedding dates are scheduled through the parish office and priest. Availability depends on the church calendar, fasting periods, and parish guidelines, so it is recommended to inquire well in advance.
How do I obtain a copy of my Greek Orthodox marriage certificate?
Marriage certificates are typically issued by the church where the sacrament took place. To request a copy, contact the parish office directly and ask what information or identification is required.
How do I obtain a copy of my Greek Orthodox baptismal certificate?
Baptismal certificates are typically issued by the church where the baptism took place. To request a copy, contact the parish office directly and ask what information or identification is required.
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