Investigators are looking into what sparked a huge fire that gutted an historic church in Sydney's south after a day of Orthodox Easter celebrations.
The Macedonian Orthodox Church on Frederick Street, Rockdale, parts of which have been standing since the 1890s, was engulfed in flames just before 10pm on Sunday.
Several firefighters were hurt as they fought the blaze.
Superintendent Greg Rankin said the building had been used for a service less than 12 hours before and was locked up by churchgoers around 5pm, as the priest delivered Easter messages elsewhere in the community.
"They're (parishioners) pretty upset," Supt Rankin told AAP on Monday.
"They were going to have a week-long festival from yesterday".
Three firefighters were injured and two were taken to hospital after they were struck by falling bricks.
They have since been released.
"One of them, it hit him on the air cylinder he was wearing. Knocked him to the ground. He was dragged out by colleagues," NSW Fire & Rescue Commissioner Greg Mullins told reporters.
"Another firefighter was struck by bricks along one side on the shoulder, chest and leg."
Around 60 firefighters battled to contain the flames that burst through the roof and caused minor damage to a nursing home next door.
Up to 60 residents were evacuated from the home and two were treated in hospital for minor smoke inhalation before being released.
Mr Mullins said the situation could have been much worse.
"Every window of this side of the fire has been cracked by the heat but great work by firefighters tonight, this nursing home could have easily caught fire as well," he said.
Roads blockages are still in place and motorists are being asked to avoid the area.
A nearby kindergarten will also be closed on Monday.
