Welcome

Welcome to our website which we hope will be of interest or a source of information to you. Ours is a parish of the Antiochian Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch, which is in communion with all the canonical Orthodox Churches and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. In line with Orthodox practice, our services are in the language of the people; in our case, English, Orthodox visitors of other backgrounds saying the Lord's Prayer in their native tongue. 

The Orthodox Church lies in a tradition that goes back in an unbroken line to the Church of the Apostles and the earthly life of Christ Himself. We are often portayed as a very conservative church but this is a matter of faith and history; one cannot change the truth to fit into a very fleeting, passing, timescale when viewed with the eternity of God and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

In our church you will see many icons of Christ, the Mother of God and many saints and sacred events; a feature of Orthodoxy that proclaims the Incarnation of our Lord and God Jesus Christ and are often referred to as "windows into heaven". The priestly vestments are very beautiful; not for the glorification of the clergy but for the glory of sinful humanity transformed by the Grace of God. The Divine Liturgy is the principal service, when the faithful may receive the Body and Blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Incense is used in all our services and permeates the fabric of the church itself. Thus we have a church that is internally very beautiful visually, has the aroma of sanctity and our ears are filled with beautiful music (Just human voices: instruments are not allowed). In some way the church building reflects the glory of Heaven and a place fitting for God.

Anyone may come to our church to "have a look" and you are assured of a warm welcome. Do not worry about how to act or what to do; just let the experience take care of itself. If you need any information about any aspect of our church or the Orthodox Church in general, do not hesitate to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Fr. George (Evans), Parish Priest.

Fr George's Letter for September

Most Holy Mother of God Save Us.

“The virtues build a new person radiating love to the world.”

(Metropolitan Paul (Yazigi) of Aleppo who consecrated our temple.)

“For we do not have  High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

  Hebrews 4:15-16.

Sunday 20^th September. 15^th Sunday After Pentecost. Sunday after the Exaltation of the Cross. Afterfeast of Exaltation of the Cross. Great Martyr Eustathius, his wife, Martyr Theopisti, and their children, Martyrs Agapius and Theopistus of Rome. Hieromartyr Hypatios, Bishop of Ephesus, and his Presbyter, Andrew. Martyrs Michael and Theodore of Chernigov.

Today’s Gospel Reading: Mark 8:34-9:1. “ When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me...”

“How great is the power of the Cross! How great is the change made by it in the human race! How from the deep darkness it has led us to the boundless light, from death it has restored us to eternal life, from corruption it has transferred us to incorruption.” (St John Chrysostom.)

By denying ourselves and taking up our cross, we are not just walking the path of self denial, which makes us often feel self-righteous and better than others. We should also make sure that our self denial benefits our fellow human beings. On the earth we are like millions of grains of sand upon God’s seashore. Can we tell one grain of sand from another apart from looking down a powerful microscope where we will see that every single grain is different and unique? Each one of us is like a precious diamond in the eye of God. A diamond only gives its sparkle when it is cut and shaped to reflect and intensify the light.

So when we see a fellow human being let us remember that whatever the outward appearance, there is always the spark of God waiting to be released and shine brightly in the world. Remember Christ upon the cross, and what a terrible spectacle that must have been, and yet what light and radiance was released at His Glorious Resurrection. So let us take up our cross and let it shine upon our poor humanity that we all may see the boundless light and love of God.

Through the prayers of our holy fathers Lord Jesus Christ our God have mercy on us and save us.

Much Love,

Fr. George