Short Biography

Father Nicholas was born in Crete, Greece, on 29 November 1931 as the son of loannis and Despina Moutafis. He was educated at primary and secondary schools in Crete and he arrived in Australia in 1950 under the sponsorship of a soldier called Charlie, whom the family had assisted in Crete during World War 11. He married Evangelia Antonakakis in 1956 and together they raised their six children. Despina. John. Stephanie, Catherine. Chrysanthe and Timothy.
Father Nicholas entered the priesthood in 1958 and was ordained on the 1st January, 1959. He became the first appointed priest of St John's Greek Orthodox Church in Carlton and served there for a short period of time. He was then asked to serve in the Greek Orthodox Church of Newcastle for five years and in 1964 he returned to Melbourne to serve at the Greek Orthodox Church of Sts Anargiri in Oakleigh. He remained in our parish until he passed away in the Lord, on Friday the 22°" June, 2001.

Father Nicholas was instrumental in the establishment and construction of much of what we have all come to know as the Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh & District. His contribution towards the establishment of the first Church of the Community on Clapham Road, the building of the existing Church of Sts Anargiri, the construction of 17 units for the elderly citizens of the Community and the building of the Community Centre, was most valued and appreciated. The establishment of the Oakleigh Greek Orthodox College - Sts Anargiri in 1983, which currently provides for the Orthodox educational needs of over 700 students, both at the primary and secondary levels, and is comprised of four buildings, a Secondary School, a Primary School, a Library/Administration building as well as a new Sports Complex currently under construction, was also a result of the initiative and dynamic involvement of Father Nicholas.
Father also completed tertiary studies as a mature age student, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree and then a Diploma of Education.

Fr Nicholas, as part of his pastoral responsibilities, served the spiritual needs of one of the largest Greek Communities in Melbourne. His work in this area included performing the various Church Services and mysteries of our Faith, presenting his much loved sermons in Church, home and hospital visits, catechising those new to the Orthodox faith, conducting Youth group meetings, attracting young people from all over Melbourne, as well as conducting an adult Bible study group for the parents and friends of our College. Father was also a well-respected confessor for many people from within our Community, from all over Melbourne, from interstate, as well as for the students of the College, who greatly valued his wise counsel.

Father organised numerous seminars of a cultural, artistic and theological orientation, as well as coordinating the staging of plays, containing social, historical and religious themes. He gave numerous public lectures and organised many Byzantine music presentations, something he enjoyed doing immensely.

Father Nicholas was instrumental in setting up and acting as Chief Editor of the Community newspaper, "The Link" as well as the youth journals, such as The Sower and Cornerstone.

Father Nicholas Moutafis' contribution to the Church and the Community at large was a selfless, tireless effort, made with great dedication and most of all - with love for Christ. He touched the hearts of countless people so deeply, that when the term 'Father is used, it is expressed in the true meaning of the word. He will be greatly missed by all.