Dear brothers and sisters,
Join us for the services in Church this Friday and over the weekend (4th to 6th April, 2025). We have an intensive schedule ahead. In addition to the Divine services, we will hold our Parish Annual General Meeting (AGM) this Sunday after the service and parish lunch.
Here is the full schedule of services:
Friday, 4th April
– 7:00 PM – Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos
Saturday, 5th April
– 4:00 PM – Great Vespers, followed by tea/coffee and a short break
– 5:30 PM – Sacrament of Holy Unction
Sunday, 6th April
– 10:00 AM – Orthros
– 11:00 AM – Divine Liturgy, followed by a bring-and-share parish lunch and the AGM
Make effort to attend the Akathist Hymn on Friday and the Sacrament of Holy Unction on Saturday. The former is a beautiful service traditionally offered during Lent, as we seek the intercessions of the Holy Mother of God in our spiritual struggle, preparing our hearts for the celebration of our Lord’s Glorious Resurrection.
The latter is one of the seven main Sacraments of the Orthodox Church. We all stand in need — spiritually and, for many, physically — of the healing grace of Christ. The Sacrament of Holy Unction is offered for the healing of soul and body and for the forgiveness of sins. At the conclusion of the service, the body is anointed with oil, and the grace of God, which heals infirmities of both soul and body, is called down upon each person. While this sacrament is traditionally offered in all parishes on Holy Wednesday evening, His Eminence Metropolitan Silouan has blessed us to celebrate it this coming Saturday, as we do not have services during Holy Week
A word about the AGM and why your presence matters:
The Annual General Meeting is an important moment in the life of our parish. It allows us to reflect together on the past year and look ahead with hope and purpose. The treasurer will present a financial report, and Fr Dmitry – our priest-in-charge – will offer a short summary of parish life. It is also a space to ask questions, share ideas, and help shape the way we continue to grow in our mission as a parish.
A note regarding parish lunch on Sunday:
Regarding the parish lunch on Sunday, Carmel is kindly coordinating the catering. If you would like to contribute to the table, please get in touch with her directly at +447853911412
Finally, if you would like to speak to Fr Dmitry privately or schedule a Sacrament of Confession, please get in touch with him directly. Fr Dmitry was made a father confessor by His Eminence Metropolitan Silouan on Sunday, 30th March. You can reach Fr Dmitry by email at dmitry.ismagilov@protonmail.com or by phone at +44 7479 630020.