Vespers followed by catechism
Vespers (mainly in English) from 6:00 to 6:45 - typically in Church Hall
followed by snacks and tea and coffee and catechism, Q&A or bible study based on preference of attendees
Repeats every Thursday (unless stated differently on website)
Holy Pentecost - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom - Θεία Λειτουργία Ἁγ. Χρυσοστόμου
Divine Liturgy followed by Vespers including the three kneeling prayers
First Prayer: Addresses God the Father, asking for the acceptance of the faithful's prayers, purification from sins, and the protection of a guardian angel.
Second Prayer: Focuses on requesting the guidance of the Holy Spirit, teaching believers how to pray and what to ask for, and forgiving transgressions.
Third Prayer: Intercedes for all people, including those who have passed away, praying for the repose of the souls of the departed in the "land of the living".
followed by fellowship in Church Hall until approximately 4 pm
Confession between 10 - 11:30
8th Sunday (Holy Pentecost):The Descent of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-52; 8:12)
Holy Communion: All baptised and chrismated Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves are lovingly invited to receive Holy Communion on this holy night. If you plan to receive, please aim to fast from midnight onwards. Please note non-Orthodox Christian are not permitted to receive Holy Communion but are welcome to receive Antidoron at the end of the service.
Vespers followed by catechism
Vespers (mainly in English) from 6:00 to 6:45 - typically in Church Hall
followed by snacks and tea and coffee and catechism, Q&A or bible study based on preference of attendees
Repeats every Thursday (unless stated differently on website)
Online catechism class
Structured catechism class on line via teams.
Please contact Fr Symeon Menne if you want to participate on tobiasmenne@nhs.net
Topic to discuss today
Confession (Repentance). How to prepare for a confession. The role of the Spiritual Father.
Catechism class schedule (please click on the link)
Sunday of Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom - Θεία Λειτουργία Ἁγ. Χρυσοστόμου
Divine Liturgy
followed by fellowship in Church Hall until approximately 4 pm
7th Sunday (Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council):High Priestly Prayer (John 17:1-13)
Holy Communion: All baptised and chrismated Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves are lovingly invited to receive Holy Communion on this holy night. If you plan to receive, please aim to fast from midnight onwards. Please note non-Orthodox Christian are not permitted to receive Holy Communion but are welcome to receive Antidoron at the end of the service.
Vigil for the Ascension of our LORD Ἡ Ἀνάληψις
Vigil (Vespers/Matins and Divine Liturgy for the feast of Ascension
Memory of Sts Constantine and Helena
Sunday of the Blind Man - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom Κυριακὴ τοῦ Τυφλοῦ - Θεία Λειτουργία Ἁγ. Χρυσοστόμου
Divine Liturgy
followed by fellowship in Church Hall until approximately 4 pm
Confession between 10 - 11:30
6th Sunday (Sunday of the Blind Man):Healing of the Man Born Blind (John 9:1-38)
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Holy Communion: All baptised and chrismated Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves are lovingly invited to receive Holy Communion on this holy night. If you plan to receive, please aim to fast from midnight onwards. Please note non-Orthodox Christian are not permitted to receive Holy Communion but are welcome to receive Antidoron at the end of the service.
Vespers followed by catechism
Vespers (mainly in English) from 6:00 to 6:45 - typically in Church Hall
followed by snacks and tea and coffee and catechism, Q&A or bible study based on preference of attendees
Repeats every Thursday (unless stated differently on website)
Online catechism class
Structured catechism class on line via teams.
Please contact Fr Symeon Menne if you want to participate on tobiasmenne@nhs.net
Topic to discuss today
The Holy Eucharist. “The sacrament of sacraments.” The eucharist is the center of the Church’s life. Preparation (Fasting/Prayer). Why non-Orthodox cannot receive yet.
Catechism class schedule (please click on the link)
Sunday of the Samaritan Woman - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom Κυριακὴ τῆς Σαμαρείτιδος - Θεία Λειτουργία Ἁγ. Χρυσοστόμου
Divine Liturgy
followed by fellowship in Church Hall until approximately 4 pm
Confession between 10 - 11:30
5th Sunday (Sunday of the Samaritan Woman):The Woman at the Well (John 4:5-42)
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Holy Communion: All baptised and chrismated Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves are lovingly invited to receive Holy Communion. If you plan to receive, please aim to fast from midnight onwards. Please note non-Orthodox Christian are not permitted to receive Holy Communion but are welcome to receive Antidoron at the end of the service.
Vespers followed by catechism
Vespers (mainly in English) from 6:00 to 6:45 - typically in Church Hall
followed by snacks and tea and coffee and catechism, Q&A or bible study based on preference of attendees
Repeats every Thursday (unless stated differently on website)
Online catechism class
Structured catechism class on line via teams.
Please contact Fr Symeon Menne if you want to participate on tobiasmenne@nhs.net
Topic to discuss today
Baptism & Chrismation. The death of the old self. The Seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
Catechism class schedule (please click on the link)
Berwick Service No Service in Newcastle Sunday of the Paralytic- Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
No service in Newcastle. Divine Liturgy in Berwick, St Lady and St Cuthbert. 64 Ravensdowne, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 1DQ
4th Sunday (Sunday of the Paralytic):Healing at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15)
Holy Communion: All baptised and chrismated Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves are lovingly invited to receive Holy Communion on this holy night. If you plan to receive, please aim to fast from midnight onwards. Please note non-Orthodox Christian are not permitted to receive Holy Communion but are welcome to receive Antidoron at the end of the service.
Vespers followed by screening of the Prince of Egypt ( animated)
Vespers from 6:00 to 6:45
followed by snacks and tea and coffee
Online catechism class
Structured catechism class on line via teams.
Please contact Fr Symeon Menne if you want to participate on tobiasmenne@nhs.net
Topic to discuss today
Introduction to the Mysteries. Sacraments are not just symbols; they are encounters with Christ.
Catechism class schedule (please click on the link)
Myrrh-bearers Sunday - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom Κυριακὴ τῶν Μυροφόρων - Θεία Λειτουργία Ἁγ. Χρυσοστόμου
Divine Liturgy
followed by fellowship in Church Hall until approximately 4 pm
Holy Communion: All baptised and chrismated Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves are lovingly invited to receive Holy Communion on this holy night. If you plan to receive, please aim to fast from midnight onwards. Please note non-Orthodox Christian are not permitted to receive Holy Communion but are welcome to receive Antidoron at the end of the service.
Vigil for St George
Vespers followed by Matins followed by Divine Liturgy.
Divine Liturgy to start between 7:30 and 8 pm
Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom - Thomas Sunday. Θεία Λειτουργία Ἁγ. Χρυσοστόμου - Κυριακὴ τοῦ Ἀντιπάσχα (τοῦ Θωμᾶ)
2nd Sunday (Thomas Sunday): The Doubting of Thomas (John 20:19-31).
Theme: The blessing of those who have "not seen and yet believe."
Archdiocesan Sunday Bulletins for this Sunday reading (Please click on year links)
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Followed by fellowship in Church Hall
Holy Communion: All baptised and chrismated Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves are lovingly invited to receive Holy Communion on this holy night. If you plan to receive, please aim to fast from midnight onwards. Please note non-Orthodox Christian are not permitted to receive Holy Communion but are welcome to receive Antidoron at the end of the service.
From the sealed tomb, You did shine forth, O Life!
Through closed doors You did come to Your disciples, O Christ God!
Renew in us, through them, an upright spirit,
By the greatness of Your mercy, O Resurrection of all!
Kontakion (Tone 8)
Thomas touched Your life-giving side with an eager hand, O Christ God,
When You did come to Your apostles through closed doors.
He cried out with all: You are my Lord and my God!
Vigil of the feast of the Life-Giving Spring - Bright Friday
Vigil Vespers/Matins followed by Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy to start around 7:30 pm - if you want to take holy communion please fast from 2 pm
The Feast of the Life-Giving Spring
The Feast of the Life-Giving Spring (or Life-Giving Font of the Mother of God) is a significant Orthodox Christian celebration observed annually on Bright Friday (the Friday following Pascha). It honours the Theotokos (Virgin Mary) and commemorates a historic, miracle-working holy well located just outside the ancient walls of Constantinople.
Origins and Miracles
The feast centres on two primary historical accounts of the spring's discovery and the subsequent building of a church on the site:
Emperor Leo I: According to tradition, the future Byzantine Emperor Leo I was guided by the miraculous voice of the Theotokos to a hidden spring in an overgrown grove. After using the muddy water to restore a blind man's sight, he fulfilled a prophecy by becoming Emperor and built a magnificent church so the site could be properly worshipped.
Emperor Justinian: A second prominent account notes that Emperor Justinian discovered a chapel with the miraculous well while hunting. Recognising it as a source of miracles, he built a grand sanctuary around it using materials left over from the construction of the Hagia Sophia.
The Icon and Traditions
Iconography: The traditional icon of the Life-Giving Spring depicts the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child seated above a basin. "Living water" flows from them into a larger, cross-shaped marble font below. Variations of the icon often feature angels, the Emperor, the Patriarch, and individuals experiencing miraculous healings from the water.
Liturgical Celebration: The feast is celebrated with beautiful Paschal hymns and frequently includes a Lesser Blessing of Waters following the Divine Liturgy. It carries forward an ancient tradition of sanctifying natural springs in honour of the Holy Mother.
Apolytikion (Tone 3)
As a life-giving fount, thou didst conceive the Dew that is transcendent in essence,
O Virgin Maid, and thou hast welled forth for our sakes the nectar of joy eternal,
which doth pour forth from thy fount with the water that springeth up
unto everlasting life in unending and mighty streams;
wherein, taking delight, we all cry out:
Rejoice, O thou Spring of life for all men.
Kontakion (Plagal of Tone 4)
O Lady graced by God,
you reward me by letting gush forth, beyond reason,
the ever-flowing waters of your grace from your perpetual Spring.
I entreat you, who bore the Logos, in a manner beyond comprehension,
to refresh me in your grace that I may cry out,
“Hail redemptive waters.”
Online catechism class
Structured catechism class on line via teams.
Please contact Fr Symeon Menne if you want to participate on tobiasmenne@nhs.net
Topic to discuss today
Church History in a Nutshell. The Ecumenical Councils. The Great Schism (1054). Orthodoxy in the British Isles (British Saints like St. Aidan, St
Cuthbert, St Alban…).
Catechism class schedule (please click on the link)
Pascha - Vespers of Love
With Reading of the Holy Gospel of St John 20:19-25 in as many languages as possible
Pascha - Easter Sunday Κυριακῇ τοῦ Πάσχα
Join Us for the Joy of Pascha!
We warmly invite you to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ with us! Here is the schedule for our Paschal services:
7:30 PM: We begin our evening with Vespers.
around 8:30 PM: Come receive the light! We will bring the Holy Paschal Light out from the altar, which will be immediately followed by Matins and the traditional candlelit procession around the church.
Afterwards: We will celebrate the joyous Paschal Divine Liturgy.
Holy Communion: All baptised and chrismated Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves are lovingly invited to receive Holy Communion on this holy night. If you plan to receive, please aim to begin your Eucharistic fast from 2:00 PM onwards. Please note non-Orthodox Christian are not permitted to receive Holy Communion but are welcome to receive Antidoron at the end of the service.
We look forward to sharing the radiant joy of Pascha with you!
Gospel reading (Archdiocesan Sunday bulletins over the years - please click on year links below)
Holy and Great Sunday of Pascha:The Prologue (John 1:1-17).
Theme: "In the beginning was the Word..."—Proclaiming the eternal divinity of the Risen Christ.
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Christ is risen from the dead,
trampling down death by death,
and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!
Before the dawn,
Mary and the women came and found the stone
rolled away from the tomb.
They heard the angelic voice:
"Why do you seek among the dead as a man the One who is everlasting light?
Behold the clothes in the grave!
Go and proclaim to the world: The Lord is risen!
He has slain death, as He is the Son of God,
saving the race of men."
Kontakion (Tone 8)
Thou didst decend into the tomb, O Immortal,
Thou didst destory the power of death!
In victory didst Thou arise, O Christ God,
proclaiming "Rejoice" to the myrrhbearing women,
granting peace to Thy apostles,
and bestowing resurrection to the fallen.
Paschal hymn to the Mother of God:
The angel cried to the Lady Full of Grace: Rejoice, O Pure Virgin!
Again I say: Rejoice! Your Son is risen from His three days in the tomb!
With Himself He has raised all the dead! Rejoice, all you people!
Shine! Shine! O New Jerusalem!
The Glory of the Lord has shone on you!
Exalt now and be glad, O Zion!
Be radiant, O Pure Mother of God, in the Resurrection of your Son!
Holy Saturday - Vesperal Liturgy of St Basil Τῷ Ἁγίῳ καὶ Μεγάλῳ Σαββάτῳ ΕΣΠΕΡΙΝΗ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ ΑΓ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΟΥ
Vesperal Liturgy of St Basil. followed by Chrismation
Matins for Great Friday
Celebration of the Holy and Redeeming Passion of the Lord
The Twelve Passions Gospels
Bridegroom Service for Holy and Great Wednesday Ἀκολουθία τοῦ Νυμφίου
Commemorating of the Sinful Woman who anointed the Lord with myrrh
Bridegroom Service for Great and Holy Tuesday Ἀκολουθία τοῦ Νυμφίου
Commemoration of the Parable of the ten Virgins
Bridegroom Service for Great and Holy Monday Ἀκολουθία τοῦ Νυμφίου
Commemoration of Blessed Joseph the All-Righteous and of the unfruitful fig tree that was cursed by the Lord