On Sunday, 28th of September, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Silouan, part of our community made a pilgrimage to another parish of our Archdiocese: The Orthodox Parish of St Martin and St Helen in Colchester.
Full photo album here: PILGRIMAGE TO COLCHESTER
The parish in Colchester, established in 1995 and originally led by Archpriest Alexander Haigh Sr, was among the first Antiochian Orthodox parishes in the UK. It began within the British Antiochian Orthodox Deanery, which later developed into our Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of the British Isles and Ireland. Archpriest Alexander, now retired from active service, this year marked 29 years since his ordination to the priesthood. Today the parish is served by its priest, Fr Mark Shillaker.
Forty pilgrims joined the trip, led by Fr Dmitry with the assistance of Kh. Mireille Touma. After an early morning departure, we arrived in Colchester in time for the beginning of the service. We were warmly welcomed by church warden Dušan, who guided us through the narrow streets of the historic Dutch Quarter to the church. There we were greeted by Fr Mark and his parishioners and joined them for Sunday Orthros and the Divine Liturgy, with Fr Mark concelebrating with Fr Dmitry.
At the end of the service, Fr Mark addressed the pilgrims with words of welcome, and Fr Dmitry, in response, thanked Fr Mark and the parishioners of St Martin and St Helen for their hospitality and fellowship. Kh. Hilary, wife of Archpriest Alexander, recalled that it was 29 years since her husband’s ordination in the Orthodox Church. She spoke of the important role played by the Cathedral parish, and especially by our beloved Fr Samir Gholam, in preparing him for ordination, which is a reminder of the spiritual bonds that continue to link our communities.
A joint parish lunch followed, with contributions of traditional Middle Eastern dishes from our community. During the meal, the ladies of our parish chanted several Byzantine hymns in Arabic, including O Virgin Pure and the Apolytikion of St George.
After lunch, Fr Mark led the group on a tour of historic Colchester. The first stop was the chapel of St Helen, the original place of worship for the parish and still used for weekday and special services. Among its treasures is a relic of St Helen, Equal-to-the-Apostles and mother of holy Emperor Constantine the Great. After a short talk, Fr Mark offered the relic for veneration while our parishioners chanted the Apolytikion of St Constantine and St Helen and “Lord have mercy.”
The pilgrimage continued to Colchester Castle, a Norman fortress built on the site of a Roman temple and for centuries an important seat of power in the region. After visiting the castle grounds, we bid farewell to Fr Mark and thanked him for the generous time he shared with us.
The pilgrims then had free time to explore Colchester’s High Street and other historic sites, including the ruins of the medieval priory of St Botolph.
The journey home included joyful fellowship, accompanied by traditional Arabic singing and dancing on the coach.
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We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fr Mark and all the parishioners of St Martin and St Helen in Colchester for their hospitality and fellowship. We look forward to more such pilgrimages to the holy sites of Britain and Ireland.