The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, “after profound emotion and human sorrow,” announced the sombre news of Archimandrite Nektarios Zorbalas’s passing.
The beloved cleric left this world peacefully in his sleep at 90 years old, having cultivated an esteemed reputation among the community as a kind and compassionate man that loved to give back to others.
The late clergyman (born as Zacharias Zorbalas) was born on Kos in 1935, the Archdiocese stated in their press release, having migrated to Australia in the mid-1960s where he fulfilled his wish to become a priest.
He entered the priesthood in 1971and served as minister of the Parish of the Dormition of the Theotokos in remote Innisfail, Far North Queensland.
Three years later, in 1974, he received the office of Archimandrite, and he moved to Sydney a year later.
Father Nektarios served in many churches, including the Parishes of Archangel Michael (Crows Nest), St. Sophia and Her Three Daughters (Taylor Square) and St. Nicholas (Marrickville), before obtaining a permanent priestly assignment, in 1988, at the Parish of Sts. Constantine and Helen in Newtown.
He cultivated a strong reputation while there, leading the development and spiritual progress of the Newtown Parish.
It was at Newtown that he founded and pioneered the Parish’s “Soup Kitchen”, an initiative that engrossed him with the local population regardless of religion or origin.
Archbishop Makarios, upon learning of the passing away of Fr. Nektarios, celebrated a Trisagion memorial service for the repose of his soul, then contacted his relatives, to whom he expressed his condolences.
In a statement on his passing, Archbishop Makarios said:
“A blessed cleric has left us today, who with his presence adorned our local Church and with his multidimensional work, spiritual and social, further highlighted Christian values in the wider society of our multicultural Australia.
The late Father Nektarios was a model of modesty, morality and selfless service to his fellow human being. Committed with godly zeal to the commandment “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36), he always stood by those in need, with a heart full of kindness and love, with a comforting word and with hands constantly outstretched, in order to offer support and relief.
His life was a humble, but God-pleasing ministry, which left behind blessed fruits. His legacy will continue to guide and inspire us. We will always remember him with gratitude and pray for the repose of his soul. May his memory be eternal.”
Archbishop Makarios will preside over Father Nektarios’s funeral service, which will take place at the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady on Monday 28 July 2025 (from 10.30am), immediately after the Divine Liturgy (from 7am).
