The College of Our Lady of Mettingham

14/02/2012

The Mettingham Orthodox Trust is been registered with charity status as of the 6th of February this year.  In time, and with the blessing of Archbishop Mark, the church activity of propagating the Gospel through teaching, hospitality, and the making available of Orthodox items, as well as the restoration of devotion to the Mother of God in the Waveney Valley area, will operate under the title of the College of Our Lady of Mettingham.

If you would like to know more or indeed contribute to the work of the College, please contact Deacon Andrew Bond through the directory page.

A new icon of Our Lady of Mettingham has been painted and will be enshrined in the Church of the Mother of God: the Joy of All Who Sorrow at a date to be announced.  The beautiful icon is by the hand of Efrem Carrasco and incorporates elements of the image of the Mother of God that was commonly venerated in Mettingham in mediaeval times.  May it be a channel of grace to all who who honour the Mother of God through it.

Troparion - tone 4

Rejoice, Our Lady and All-Pure Virgin Mary,

for thou art enthroned once more

as Mettingham's joy and Waveney's glory.

Guide and protect us, we pray thee,

strengthening our faith in thy Son,

leading us into the Way of salvation,

since thou art both Mother of God and Queen of Heaven.

New Western Rite Website

22/01/2012

The stavropegial communities of the Western Rite Vicariate of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia have launched a new website, giving an introduction and points of contact for those interested in becoming Orthodox in the Western Rite.

These missions and study societies are directly under the omophor of Metropolitan Hilarion of New York and Eastern America, and operate on the territory of the Great Britain Diocese with the agreement of Archbishop Mark of Great Britain.  They are cared for by Bishop Jerome of Manhattan, the Episcopal Vicar for ROCOR's Western Rite Vicariate.

Please pray that this witness of the Orthodox Faith will add to the existing efforts to bring souls to Christ.

Christmas Epistle

06/01/2012

Achbishop Mark's Christmas Epistle to the Diocese is now available to be read online.

Cheltenham Mission

06/01/2012


The next Liturgy of the Cheltenham Mission will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, the 28th of January.  Full details may be read here.

Liverpool Liturgy Cancelled

05/12/2011

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Liturgy of the Liverpool mission of St Nicholas the Wonderworker, previously advertised for the 17th of December, will now not take place.  The next Liturgy is likely to be early in the New Year.

Diocesan Clergy Meeting

28/11/2011

Archbishop Mark and the clergy of the diocese met to discuss spiritual, pastoral and administrative matters on the 26th of November, being the 13th of November in the Church calendar and the feast of St John Chrysostom.  The day began with the Hours and Episcopal Divine Liturgy.

Over the weekend, two new readers were ordained and Father Andrew Phillips was awareded the palitsa.

May God grant many years to Archpriest Andrew and Readers Nicolas and Alexei.

Liturgy at the Cheltenham Mission

01/11/2011


The next Divine Liturgy of the Cheltenham Mission will be served at 10 a.m. on this coming Saturday, the 5th of November, being the 23rd of October in the Church calendar, and the feast of the Holy Apostle James, Brother of the Lord.


Further information, including the location and contact details, may be found in the attached poster.

New Guide for the Episcopal Divine Liturgy

12/10/2011


With joy we announce the publication of a new guide for clergy, servers, and all involved in the Divine Liturgy when served by a bishop.  This great service to the Orthodox Church in the English-speaking world is the labour of love of Archpriest Andrew Phillips, and copies may be ordered from him.  Details of the book as well as ordering information may be found here.

New Mission in Cheltenham

12/10/2011


With the blessing of Archbishop Mark, a new mission has been launched in the Cheltenham area under the care of Archpriest Vladimir Vilgerts.  The first Liturgy was served on the 24th of September and regular Liturgies will follow approximately once each month, on a Saturday.  The next Liturgy is scheduled for the 5th of November, being the 23rd of October in the Church calendar, and the feast of St James of Jerusalem, Brother of the Lord.


All enquiries ought to be directed to Mr Philip Hicks.  Details of the mission, including contact details and a webpage, may be found in the directory.

Recalling the Events of Ten Years Ago

10/09/2011

His Eminence Archbishop Mark has sent an encyclical letter to the clergy of the diocese on the subject of the necessity for love.  This may be found in the Articles section of the diocesan website.

Also, mindful of the tragic events resulting from lack of love that took place on the 11th of September, 2001, special petitions have been directed to be added to the litanies at the Divine Liturgy in all churches of the diocese on Sunday, the 11th of September.