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 February

HOPE

January this year ends the day before the eve of Forgiveness Sunday when we start out on the journey towards Great Lent. On 2nd February we celebrate The Meeting of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in the Temple which in the Western Church is usually called Candlemas. In our Church candles are blessed, lit and distributed to the Faithful. Mary the Most Holy Mother of God and Joseph, Christ's Foster Father took the infant Jesus to the Temple as they were bound to do to fulfill the Law. Two aged people were also there moved by the Holy Spirit, Simeon who was destined to see the Messiah before he died and Anna a prophetess. They both spoke about the Baby Jesus and His Mother recognising Him as the Saviour. They had both waited a long time for this day in hope and certainty that the promised Messiah would come to all mankind.

Do we as Orthodox Christians sincerely have this hope? Let us not forget that only a few weeks ago the world was celebrating Christmas, usually forgeting about the Crucifixion and Holy Pascha, which for us is the central core of our Faith. For Simeon and Anna this was the culmination of all their hope. Let us go towards Pascha not only in hope but in certainty that we may witness to God's great love for all our brothers and sisters and of all Creation.

Much Love,

Fr. George.