Welcome to our parish website. We are a large, diverse, and friendly community of Orthodox Christians from many different cultural backgrounds. Our services are in English, and everybody is welcome to come and experience them.
We are part of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of the British Isles and Ireland, which is under the Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East; we operate under the omophorion of His Eminence Metropolitan Silouan (Oner). You can find more information about our parish and clergy in the About pages, including a brief introduction on the beliefs of the Orthodox Christian faith, and FAQ. Our parish also runs a monthly newsletter, which can be found in the relevant page.
In early 2022, the parish purchased historic St Martin’s church in West Stockwell St, Colchester (CO1 1HN). There, most of our main services are held. We also operate the small, ancient chapel of St Helen, in St Helen’s Lane, Colchester (CO1 1UB), a mere 200 metres away.
First time at an Orthodox service?
Everyone is welcome, and there is no need to let us know in advance. Our services are in English. Our questions and answers explain what to expect: what the services are like, what to wear, and who may receive Holy Communion.
What to expectService times
Saturdays: Great Vespers 4:30pm St Martin’s Church
Sundays: Matins & Holy Liturgy from 9:30am St Martin's Church
Weekday Services for November-December 2026 |
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Wednesday 11 November |
PATRONAL FEAST: Martin the Merciful, Bishop of Tours, 8:10am, Hours and Holy Liturgy, St Martin’s Church |
Wednesday 18 November |
Service of the Small Parakleisis, 6:00pm, St Helen’s Chapel |
Saturday 21 November |
Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple, 9:30am, Hours and Holy Liturgy, St Martin’s Church |
Wednesday 25 November |
Leavetaking of the Entry into the Temple; Great Martyr Catherine of Alexandria, 8:10am, Hours and Holy Liturgy, St Helen’s Chapel |
Wednesday 9 December |
Conception of Theotokos by Righteous Anna, 8:10am, Hours and Holy Liturgy, St Helen’s Chapel |