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 August

The Dormition (Falling Asleep) of the Most Holy

Mother of God.

“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 obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 4:15-16.

Sunday 9^th August. 9^th Sunday after Pentecost. Afterfeast of the Transfiguration. Apostle Matthias. St Psoi of Egypt. Glorification of St Herman of Alaska, Wonderworker of All America.

Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 14:22-34. “Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away...........”

On the Dormition of the Mother of God.

“In her great humility, she commended herself to God, not trusting to her own works. So much the less should we trust in our own works, and so much the more should we commend ourselves to God’s hands, beseeching His mercy most especially in that moment of the soul’s parting from the body.”

(From The Prologue From Ochrid by Bishop Nikolai Velimirovic.)

On Saturday, 15^th August, the Church celebrates the Dormition or Falling Asleep of the Most Holy Mother of God when all the apostles were miraculously brought to Jerusalem to witness her death. Unlike some Christian images of this event the  Orthodox icons show Mary being carried as a little child in Christ’s arms. What a reversal of all those beautiful icons of Mary holding the child Jesus in her arms. The Mother of God’s great humility, obedience and love of God made her the means by which the Incarnation of Christ into this world was possible. How was it that she who rejoiced in His birth, nurtured and cared for Him and witnessed His agony on the cross, His burial, Resurrection and Ascension is depicted being carried to Heaven as a little child? In her life and death she was the model of Christ’s words regarding the heavenly state when He told us that when the disciples tried to stop the children coming to Him, He said “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” Mark 10:14-15.

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

Much Love

Fr. George.

GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS.

The good news is that our church will be open for the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, 16^th August at the usual time. The bad news is that because of government requirements on social distancing we will only be allowed to accommodate 19 people including children. If you would like to attend please contact me by phone or email. It will be on a first come first served basis but on the subsequent weeks priority will be given to those who have not been able to come because of the restrictions. Thank you for your patience and understanding at this difficult time. Fr. G.