With profound sorrow, the Holy Archdiocese of Australia mourns the passing of Protopresbyter Nikolaos Bozikis of the Ecumenical Throne, who peacefully fell asleep in the Lord on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.
Born in Zakynthos in 1944, the late clergyman received his Orthodox education at the Ecclesiastical School of the Holy Monastery of Saint Anastasia the Pharmacolytria in Vasilika, Thessaloniki. Emigrating to Australia in 1964, he initially settled in Melbourne before relocating to Sydney in 1970 at the invitation of late Archbishop Ezekiel of Australia. There, he was ordained to the priesthood and served with devotion.
For 18 years, he ministered sacrificially as the Hierarchical Head of the Parish – Community of the Holy Cross in Wollongong before returning to Sydney in 1988. He continued his service at the Parish of St. Spyridon Kingsford for approximately five years before being transferred to the Parish of St. Stephen in Hurlston Park, Sydney, where he served until 2011. Despite health challenges in 2011, he eagerly resumed his priestly duties and served for an additional six and a half years in various parishes in New South Wales.
In recognition of his dedication to the Holy Archdiocese of Australia and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, he was honored with the Offikion of Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in 2021.
Father Nikolaos, alongside his Presbytera Chrysi, had a blessed family, and one of his greatest joys was witnessing his grandson, Fr. Eleftherios Gerovasilis, enter the priesthood in 2019.
Upon learning of his passing, Archbishop Makarios of Australia conveyed his condolences to Presbytera Chrysi and their children, expressing gratitude for the deceased’s invaluable contributions to the local Church and Hellenism.
Reflecting on Father Nikolaos’s legacy, Archbishop Makarios emphasized his profound impact on countless lives through his pastoral care, counsel, and ministry. Despite the sadness of his passing, Archbishop Makarios said that everyone who knew Father Nikolaos found solace in the belief that Father Nikolaos now rests eternally among the righteous.
Details regarding the funeral service for Protopresbyter Nikolaos Bozikis of the Ecumenical Throne will be announced soon.
Source: greek.vema.com.au / Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
