St Michael's Antiochian Orthodox Church

St Michael's stands as an Eastern Orthodox church building on Fingall Street combining Gothic Revival exterior styling with Byzantine Revival interior design and wooden craftsmanship. The structure features numerous religious icons and ornamental elements throughout its interior spaces.

This structure was built in 1911 as the first Eastern Orthodox church constructed anywhere in New Zealand. It gained Category 2 heritage protection status recognizing its historical importance to the nation.

The congregation draws members from Russia, Greece, and Serbia who gather here to observe Orthodox Christian traditions and celebrations throughout the year. Visitors can sense how the space serves as a spiritual meeting place for these different communities sharing common faith practices.

The building opens its doors for religious services during major church holidays including Christmas and Easter while remaining welcoming to architectural enthusiasts. Check beforehand for service times to plan a visit that respects the active worship schedule.

The interior showcases a remarkable collection of religious icons and ornamental details representing Eastern Orthodox artistic traditions not commonly seen in Western churches. These artworks create a spiritual setting that stands apart from typical European church interiors.

Location: Dunedin City

Inception: 1911

Address: 72 Fingall Street, Dunedin

Website: http://orthodoxotago.org.nz

GPS coordinates: -45.89808,170.50544

Latest update: December 14, 2025 15:01