It was with sorrow that we learned of the death of Dr. Helmy Guirguis on 31 January, after an extended period of ill heath. Dr. Guirguis was a long-standing advocate of oppressed Coptic Christians and the founder of the UK Coptic Association, now known as UK Copts. Both Abba Seraphim and Dr. Guirguis served for a number of years as advisors to SAT7, the first satellite television channel specialising in Christian broadcasts to the Middle East, as well as working together to support Coptic Christians seeking asylum. Although a highly respected medical practitioner, he was committed to a wide range of religious charities, making a significant contribution of time, energy and personal resources, all of which he gave so generously. For many years he was one of the principal archons of the Coptic community in Birmingham and a devout supporter of the church. He was a man of firm conviction and the highest integrity and his passing is a great loss to the many religious and charitable bodies he actively supported.  Abba Seraphim regrets that he will be unable to attend the funeral at Lapworth on 7 February as he is celebrating the Divine Liturgy in Shadwell that morning, before travelling to Bournemouth in the afternoon. He will pray for Dr. Guirguis at the altar and has sent a floral tribute to the funeral inscribed to “A courageous and loyal friend to those in need.”

On Friday 30 January marked the Annual Celebration for the Feast of the Three Holy Hierarchs, organised by the Greek Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain. Due to his commitments in Glastonbury, Abba Seraphim was unable to attend the event and so was represented by Deacon Daniel Malyon.

The evening consisted of hymns by the school of Byzantine Music, traditional Greek dances and a talk by Dr Petros Sarris, an internationally renowned lecturer in Byzantine History. Dr Sarris’ talk centred on the focus on fair distribution of wealth in the writings of the three hierarchs and lessons which their writings can teach us today. The talk was well received by all present, especially following the recent tremors in the political climate in Greece and other European nations.

Following the talk, there were Orthodox hymns sung by the School of Byzantine Music and a brief reception at which Deacon Daniel gave Archbishop Gregorios greetings from Abba Seraphim.

The second Glastonbury Studies Seminar was held at the Abbey House, Glastonbury, on 31 January on the theme “Glastonbury Abbey and Throne.”

Chaired by Abba Seraphim, it followed on the previously successful seminar “Glastonbury Abbey – Influence and Legacy”, held in 2013, and was jointly sponsored by the British Orthodox Church and the Glastonbury Antiquarian Society. The seminar, was fully subscribed, with a third of those present having attended the 2013 seminar.  

The distinguished speakers included Paul Ashdown, who spoke on the abbey’s royal links prior to the Norman Conquest; Jerry Sampson, archaeological consultant and conservationist, who examined the evidence for King Henry II’s financing of the repairs to the Abbey following the Great Fire of 1184; Dr. Tim Hopkinson-Ball on the Cultus of St. Edgar at Glastonbury Abbey; and Professor James Carley on John Leland, Henry VIII’s antiquary, and his association with Glastonbury Abbey before and after the Dissolution.

A third seminar is planned for February 2017.

For a number of years, the British Orthodox congregation at Babingley have extended a warm welcome to their neighbours to attend a special service of Evening Prayer with a guest speaker on an ecumenical theme during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.  This year, however, it was decided to offer a day-long study session and multi-media presentation on “The Orthodox Way of Prayer”, led by Father Peter Farrington, which took place on Saturday, 24 January.

Father Peter’s two talks were well received and generated a lively discussion and fraternal exchanges, as did his illustrated presentation on “Praying with Ikons”. There were also opportunities – much valued by all present – for silent prayer, in which those present could practise the Prayer of the Heart as expounded by him. The study day opened and concluded with prayers from the Agbia. It was a great joy to have Father David Seeds and Archdeacon Alexander Astill from the Cusworth congregation supporting the day.

On Wednesday, 21st January, the first liturgy of the British Orthodox Community of St Martin in Swindon was celebrated in the Church of St Mary, Commonweal Road, Swindon. The Church had been made available thanks to the kind hospitality of the Dean of Swindon, the Revd. Simon Stevenette, who has been entirely and generously supportive of our British Orthodox missionary activity in the town.

The small, 1960s building is just the right size for our Community and has an attached hall and kitchen, providing all the necessary facilities for worship, fellowship and teaching.

On this occasion of the first liturgy there were 14 people present, both Orthodox and non-Orthodox. Some were people that have been associated with the British Orthodox Church for some time, as members or catechumens. Others were young families of Orthodox. While one couple Pentecostal couple found our liturgy entirely providentially and joined in with great enthusiasm.

An opportunity for fellowship and refreshment followed the liturgy. On the next celebration we hope that some of those known to us who were unable to attend will be present with us.

The next two liturgies are:

Wednesday, 18th February, 6:30 pm

Wednesday, 25th March, 6:30 pm

The Church of St Mary is at Commonweal Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 4LB