We are a multi-ethnic Orthodox Christian parish, founded in 1948 by Polish ex-servicemen and their families. The Parish is a member of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, under the Patriarchate of Constantinople within the world-wide Orthodox Church (sometimes known as the Eastern Orthodox Church).
The Eastern Church has been through centuries of troubles and persecution, but was spared the upheaval of the Western Reformation. Hence there is a long continuity in our faith and worship and quite a different ‘style’ from what you may be used to in a Catholic or Protestant church. (See more information under What We Believe.)
Our parish is a home to people of all ages and many nationalities, including English, Scottish, Welsh, Bulgarian, Serbian, Russian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Georgian, Syrian, Scandinavian, Greek, German, Sri Lankan, Polish, Jordanian and more. Once we pass through the doors of the church, though, we remember as St Paul tells us, ” In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek…” for all are one in Jesus Christ. Find out more of what we believe under the About Us tab.
We worship in the Slavic tradition, rather than the Greek, for historical reasons. Our Services are mainly in English, though with small parts in Church Slavonic and Romanian. We do try, however, to pray The Lord’s Prayer in every native language of those present. Please make someone aware if yours is not being used!
CLERGY:
PARISH PRIEST
Archimandrite Kyril (Jenner)
Reader Antony Hearn
Reader Botolph (Robert) Beavis
PARISH COUNCIL 2022
| President | Kate Hearn |
| Vice-president | Ursula Damaso Ruiz |
| Secretary | Cuthbert (Henry) McGrath |
| Treasurer | Andrew (Neil) Brent |
| Botolph (Robert) Beavis | |
| Gregory (Milan) Perera | |
| Lydia Kellett | |
| Elizabeth Beecham |
The Parish Council is elected by the parish members. It meets regularly under the President. Its role is to manage and oversee the finances and day-to-day running of the parish and the church building.
PATRONAL FEAST TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 8th
Your Nativity, O Mother of God, has made joy known to the whole inhabited world. For from you there dawned the Son of Righteousness, Christ our God. He abolished the curse and gave the blessing; and by making death of no effect he bestowed on us eternal life.
(Troparion of the Feast)