St. Nicholas of Myra in New Orleans

Interior of St. Nicholas church, featuring an existing iconostasis with traditional religious icons, soon to be replaced with a new structure.

The Byzantine Catholic Mission of St. Nicholas of Myra began in 1976 when Father Francis Twardzik celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Byzantine Rite at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. Recognizing the need to minister to Byzantine Catholics in the area, Archbishop Philip Hannan granted permission for monthly liturgies.

The mission was named in honor of St. Nicholas of Myra, a beloved 4th-century bishop renowned for his holiness, generosity, and defense of Christian truth. St. Nicholas is venerated across the Christian world, especially in the East, for his acts of charity—such as secretly providing dowries for impoverished girls, saving the innocent from unjust punishment, and aiding the poor. He also played a key role at the First Council of Nicaea, where he defended the divinity of Christ against heresy. His life reflects both the visible and hidden dimensions of holiness: public leadership and quiet compassion. As the patron of the mission, St. Nicholas inspires the community to embody Christ’s love through worship, service, and spiritual growth.

In 1978, Father Ellis DePriest received faculties to serve the Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Church and continued these monthly services. As the mission community grew, liturgies were celebrated at several temporary locations until 1984, when the faithful found a more permanent home on Monroe Street and the community was formally recognized as a mission. Weekly services began with the help of additional priests.

In 1999, the mission purchased a dedicated church property at 2435 South Carrollton Avenue in New Orleans. The community thrived under the guidance of Metropolitan Judson Procyk, who offered strong support until his passing in 2001. His successor, Bishop Basil M. Schott, continued to encourage the mission’s growth and stability.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused devastating damage to the church, forcing the mission to temporarily relocate its services. Reconstruction efforts began later that year. In 2007, Deacon Gregory Haddad was appointed Administrator to guide the rebuilding process, and the church joyfully reopened in 2008.

Father Ellis DePriest continued serving faithfully until his death in 2009. That same year, Father Phillip Linden became the Celebrant and Spiritual Guide, restoring services to their original time and helping the community renew its spiritual life.

Today, liturgies are celebrated once again at the South Carrollton Avenue location under the leadership of Father John Brown, SSJ.