Father Nicholas Smayra was born in Beirut (Ashrafieh) on September 16, 1973.
He completed his secondary school in 1992 at Zahrat El-Ihsan, whereupon he joined the Theology Institute of the Our Lady of Balamand Monastery.
He graduated with a Degree in Theology in July, 1997.
After graduation Father Smayra served at the Archbishopric of Beirut for a year and three months until he was ordained deacon on September 14, 1998 in St. Georges Church – Souk El-Gharb.
Father Nicolas Smayra
His Eminence, the most Reverend Elias assigned him to serve in St. Demetrius Church in 2001 as a deacon, where he became the spiritual guide for members and youth of the congregation., He became a priest in the same church on June 16, 2003. (See St. Demetrios website for information about Father Nicholas Smayra’s work and accomplishment in that church).
In 2008, in cooperation with Father Philip Said, Father Nicholas was assigned as general
manager of the Office of Christian Education related to the Archbishopric of Beirut. At the School of St. Quartos for Theological Education, Father Nicholas introduced and ensured the use of a new religious education program.
Another important achievement in the section of Religious Education was the release of “We are the Children of Jesus” book for three different age groups. He also undertook the spiritual guidance of the students of Zahrat El-Ihsan School from 2012 to 2014.
In cooperation with Father Romanos Gebran, Father Nicholas worked on the release of CDs containing liturgical chants performed by the Romanos Orthodox choir and the release of the service of the divine liturgy, as well as, organizing many choir concerts in various Orthodox churches.
Father Nicholas is a co-founder of Beirut Orthodox Scouts participating in setting its internal procedures. He is presently a member of the higher committee of Beirut Orthodox Scouts.
Father Nicholas is a member of the Adyan Foundation where he participated in the release of the book “Role of Christianity and Islam in promoting Citizenship and Living Together.” He has participated in several conferences organized by the foundation at home and abroad.
Father Smayra is a member of Board of Trustees of the Annunciation Orthodox School – Beirut.
Father Nicholas has organized many lectures and trips locally and abroad for the orthodox community.
In late 2016 H.E. Metropolitan Elias assigned Father Nicholas as an assistant priest for Exarchos Germanos El- Hage in St. Mary’s Orthodox Church of Dormition.
At our church Father Nicholas contributed to improved staff management. With Father Germanos, he is organizing prayers, lectures, and congregational meetings.
Father Smayra is a member of the Religious Education Advisory Committee that is supervising and organizing the religious education program of the church. He is as well an effective participant and organizer of other educational and congregational activities.
Father Nicholas is instrumental in the renovation and improvement of the administrative and congregational spaces of our church and is taking the lead in the master plan project for the church compound.
Father Smayra is married and has three sons.
