Thousands of faithful gathered in Sydney over two days to farewell beloved Greek Orthodox priest and humanitarian, Father Nektarios Zorbalas, whose life was honoured with deep reverence, love, and spiritual joy.
The farewell began with a Trisagion service and all-night vigil on Sunday evening at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, where Father Nektarios lay in state for mourners to pay their final respects.
The Cathedral remained open throughout the night as hundreds came quietly, bearing candles, flowers, and memories of the priest who had touched their lives.
The official funeral service took place on Monday morning, 28 July 2025, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, with clergy from across the state also in attendance.
In his eulogy, the Archbishop reflected on Father Nektarios’ extraordinary journey – from his early life on the Greek island of Kos to his decades of service in Australia – describing him as a man who embodied the essence of the Christian faith. He urged the faithful to follow his example of humility, sacrifice and service.
Present at the funeral were also their Graces Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane, and Bishop Evmenios of Chora, who joined Archbishop Makarios in honouring Father Nektarios.
Born Zacharias Zorbalas in 1935 on the Greek island of Kos, Father Nektarios migrated to Australia in the mid-1960s, was ordained in 1971, and began his ministry in remote Innisfail, Queensland. By 1988, he had become a spiritual fixture at the Parish of Saints Constantine and Helen in Newtown, where he was best known for founding a soup kitchen that fed thousands, regardless of background or belief.
For more than three decades, his work uplifted the most vulnerable in Sydney’s inner west. Week after week, he could be found greeting strangers, offering food and comfort with a quiet dignity that spoke louder than words.
His mission, later continued by Father Nicholas Stavropoulos and a team of volunteers, remains one of the longest-running parish initiatives in the country.
Among the congregation on Monday were his nieces and nephews, standing quietly as spiritual leaders, dignitaries and community members honoured a man who gave his life in service to others.
“We thank God for giving us Father Nektarios,” one mourner told The Greek Herald. “He was a light in the darkness for so many.”
Following the funeral service, Father Nektarios was laid to rest at Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park, with a wake held in the condolence rooms.
While his passing leaves a profound void, Father Nektarios’ legacy – built on love in action – endures in every prayer whispered, every meal served, and every life he helped lift from despair.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
