History of Orthodoxy in Bali
Beginning from a small chapel on the Island of the Gods, the Parish of All Saints officially started its journey in 2005 at Jl. Dewi Uma No. 3, Bangkang, Baktiseraga, Singaraja, Buleleng, Bali. This parish is shepherded by Father Stephanos Boik Nino and serves around fifty members.
Father Stephanos was ordained as a deacon on June 9, 1998, and as a priest on June 10, 1998, by His Eminence Nikitas Loulias, Metropolitan of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, in Surakarta, Central Java. His ministry began on August 6, 1998.
This missionary journey began as a mustard seed, sprouting and growing in Bali through the calling of Jero Anna Maria K. Moertini Fedore. A resident of Portland, United States, she often met Elder Ephraim, a monk from Mount Athos and the founder of a monastery in the U.S. Through him, Jero Anna was called to baptism. On April 9, 1995, she, her children, and grandchildren were baptized at the Orthodox Church of the Most-Holy Trinity in Surakarta.
From this calling, the first Orthodox Chapel in Bali was founded on June 29, 1995, named Sts. Peter & Paul, at Jl. Kresna, Gang 1 No. 1. The Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ marked the first Divine Liturgy on the Island of the Gods, celebrated in this chapel.
As the congregation grew, the chapel became too small. A plot of land was purchased, and a new church was built, completed with the help of charitable contributions and the dedication of the faithful. The 108.8-square-meter building was constructed in just three months and five days by Spyridon Agus.
Beyond Singaraja, Father Stephanos extended the Orthodox mission to Kuta, Denpasar, beginning in 2002. After various relocations, Divine Liturgies are now celebrated at Villa Kalimera in Kuta, supported by Mrs. Veronika.
In 2004, the mission expanded to NTT (East Nusa Tenggara), beginning in a cottage owned by Mr. Benediktus Bene Kaha. As the congregation grew, a church named Agios Cosmas Aitolos was built on donated land, completed in 2010.
The mission further extended to Timor Leste. The first Divine Liturgy at the Parish of St. Andrew the Apostle in Timor Leste was celebrated on October 25, 2013, at the residence of Savas Marcelino de Carvalho, who was later ordained as a deacon in 2017 and as a priest in 2018 for ministry in Kupang and Dili.
Fr. Stephanos Boik Nino shares a heartfelt reflection:
"Often, we hear stories of despair, yet the Lord’s love is unlike anything of this world. His love is sincere, perpetual, and endless. As a father holds his child’s hand, so does the Lord guide and protect us, never leaving us alone."
Thus saith the Lord in Isaiah 49:15-16:
'Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands; thy walls are continually before Me.'
No matter your struggles, know that you are precious in His eyes. Fear not, for He has graven your names upon the palms of His hands (Isaiah 43:1-5). The Lord Jesus be with you always. Amen.
Father Stephanos serves both our Singaraja parish and the monthly mission Liturgy in the south, tending to a young Orthodox flock spread across Bali.
Father Stephanos celebrates the Divine Liturgy each Lord’s Day in Singaraja and, once or twice a month, travels south to serve the small community gathered at our villa chapel in Kabupaten Badung.
He preaches in Bahasa Indonesia and can speak some English — and welcomes any visitor, parishioner, catechumen, or curious traveler to write or visit. Inquiries about baptism, marriage, confession, house blessings, and catechism are all warmly received.
“Acquire the spirit of peace, and a thousand souls around you will be saved.”
Damai sejahtera bagimu — peace be with you, and with all who enter this house of prayer.
Our main parish home is in Singaraja, on Bali’s quieter northern coast. Once or twice a month Fr. Stephanos also serves the Liturgy in the south, at a villa in Kabupaten Badung, so that Orthodox faithful and seekers near Denpasar may also worship.
Our permanent parish, where Divine Liturgy is celebrated every Sunday in Bahasa Indonesia. A quiet, prayerful space welcoming Indonesians and visitors. Fellowship meal follows Liturgy.
Once or twice each month, the Liturgy is served at a private villa for the Orthodox community in the south of the island. Open to all — please write ahead so we may welcome you.