About Us
Our Story
St Nicholas Orthodox Christian Church is a mission parish in the Diocese of the Midwest in the Orthodox Church of America. The St. Nicholas community traces its origins to the change in the millennium when services were held during Tulip Time. With surprisingly strong participation, we realized that more services would be appreciated by the community in Pella. In 2002, pastors came from the Twin Cities on a monthly basis. In 2003, we were able to have services just about every Sunday. Then, in June 2004, our first resident pastor, Fr. Bartholomew Wojcik, arrived with his wife and son. We now have a regular schedule of services. In July 2019, we moved into our current location at 518 E Oskaloosa St.
Fr. Thaddeus (Ted) Wojcik and his wife, Fr. Bartholomew's parents, joined our church in September of 2020. Fr. Ted is Dean Emeritus of the Minneapolis Deanery and a retired professor of Theology from the University of St. Thomas. Fr. Ted delivers the homily once a month at our parish.
Read the article: “A Visit to St Nicholas”
by retired Reformed Church of America Pastor Norman Kolenbrander about his visit to St. Nicholas Church on 12/06/12
Our Clergy
V. Rev. Fr. Bartholomew Wojcik, Priest-in-Charge
Email: PellaPriest@gmail.com
Phone: call Fr. Bartholomew at 1-641-780-6477
(registered at donotcall.gov for telemarketers).
Please, note that Fr. Bartholomew works a full time side job and generally will not be able to respond to calls or email during regular work day hours.
Fr. Bartholomew Wojcik, 2004
V. Rev. Fr. Thaddeus (Ted) Wojcik, Retired
Fr. Ted, 2022
Our Patron Saint
St Nicholas was the bishop of the Church in Myra, Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) in the fourth century AD. He was one of the bishops who attended the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. He is beloved throughout the Orthodox Christian world for his kindness and help, both during his life and afterward. He is called "Wonderworker," or "Miracle-Worker," for the miracles which he performed and which he still performs, by God's grace. Outside the Orthodox Christian world, he is the basis of Santa Claus. St. Nicholas is commemorated by the Church on December 6 (his feast day), May 9 (the transfer of his relics), and July 29 (his nativity).
Our Faith
The Orthodox Church is the historical Christian faith founded by Christ and the Apostles, handed down through the ages to today.
Our Terms, Policies, and Other Documents.
Visit our Terms, Policies, and Other Documents page to view our Site Policy, Privacy Policy, and other documents such as OCA or Diocesan guidelines on multiple topics ranging from bylaws to policies relating to sexual misconduct and Registered Sex Offenders.