The Antiochian Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland

The Visit of His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif of the Romanian Diocese of Central and Western Europe

His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif celebrated an Hierarchical Liturgy in the Crypt Chapel of the Anglican monastic House of the Resurrection, Mirfield, Yorkshire (where the Romanian community meets), on Sunday 12th December 2004. Although they cannot be seen on this photograph, the Deanery was represented by Fathers Gregory Hallam (Manchester), George Evans and Denis Moffatt (both Doncaster).

It was good to se the Romanian community in the north gathered round their bishop and being such kind and hospitable hosts to fellow Orthodox from afar. Thank you also to the Community of the Resurrection, Mirfield, who helped to make this day such a resounding success and encouragement.


Clergy with Dr. Grant White	Clergy Group	At Prayer	Fr. Alexander and Fr. Philip

Fr. Elwin and Deacon David Harris	Fr. Elwin and Deacon David Harris	rear: Fr. George Evans & Fr. Dennis Moffatt	Fr. Samuel, George Hackney & Fr. Michael (Dean)

Fr. Jonathan & Fr. Samir	Fr. Samuel & George Hackney	Dr. Grant White & Fr. Michael	Fr. Irenaeus & Dr. Grant White

The Deanery Clergy met at the Cathedral in London again by the kind invitation of Fr. Samir and the Parish Council. We were also pleased to welcome Dr. Grant White, newly appointed Director of The Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies in Cambridge who addressed us on the exciting prospects and challenges for the Institute in the years ahead. Here were some of our key decisions and deliberations:-

(1) to press ahead with the Antiochian Church's registration with Churches Together in England.
(2) to continue to lay the foundations for Orthodox Prison Chaplaincies in the UK with other Orthodox jurisdictions.
(3) to support the extension of the Cambridge Institute's work in the regions and the parishes
(4) to support the development of "The Way," a pilot project across all jurisdictions for developing a better understanding of Orthodoxy amongst enquirers or Orthodox refreshing their faith.
(5) to convene a working party to revise and develop Deanery protocols for the reception of converts and church planting / missions.
(6) to prepare regionally for the 2005 10th Anniversary Celebrations of the Deanery with a central celebration in London.

Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Bertram, Ilam organised by the parish of St. Michael, Audley

Every year, God willing, the parish of St. Michael's, Audley organises a parish to venerate a renowned forest ascetic of Derbyshire, St. Bertram. You may read his life here on the parish web site. This year saw many friends coming as pilgrims from afar including Oxford. The weather, which had been very inclement, broke into pleasant sunshine and some of us visited the saint's cave alongside the river. Untouched by the Reformation it is truly a miracle that this ascetic's witness has endured to the present day and in such a beautiful paradisal setting as the Manifold Valley.


before the Liturgy	"It is time for the Lord to act"	Prayers at the Great Entrance	Holy Communion

Sprinkling at the Shrine in church	Russian Diocesan and Antiochian Clergy	The Spirit overshadowing the Church?	The cave of St. Bertram

Deanery parishes in the North West and the Midlands regularly meet with those of the Greek Archdiocese in the region to plan joint mission activities. The self-styled “Mercian Mission Group” has now served two “Meet the Orthodox” days, the last one in June in Preston, Lancashire, at Fulwood Methodist Church. Worship, Talks, Exhibitions, Discussion Groups, Question and Answer sessions combine to offer interested persons a “taster” of Orthodox life. Fr. Gregory Hallam (St. Aidan’s, Manchester, Deanery parish) comments:-

“This was another good day for us. Perhaps though we need to be more focussed on helping people with the practicalities of becoming Orthodox. So often in Orthodoxy we say:- “Here it is” without also saying “Here is how you come in.”

Deanery News Archive 2004