The Greek Orthodox Parish has been established in Colchester since 1996, and in St Helen's Chapel in Maidenburgh Street since 2000. The Parish is a multi-ethnic one, worshipping in English. Worshippers may be British (converts or cradle Orthodox), or they may come from traditional Orthodox countries - Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Syria, etc.
St Helen's Chapel has been the Parish's home since November 2000, by kind agreement of both the Borough Council and the owners, the Anglican Diocese of Chelmsford.
Built on the foundations of the Roman theatre, the Chapel is itself an ancient building - originally built in the 8th, 9th or 10th centuries, and rebuilt several times in subsequent centuries. After the Reformation it was not used for worship, except for a period as a Quaker meeting-house. Instead it was used as a house or school or library, or warehouse etc.
British tradition was that St Helen herself built the Chapel, and this was universally accepted until the 18th century, St Helen of course being considered a native of Colchester. The tradition also held that her son St Constantine the Great, first Christian Emperor of Rome, was also a native of Colchester, and therefore a sometime-worshipper in the Chapel. While these traditions may not be held in our generation, they must remain honoured, as part of what made Colchester what it is today. St Helen is still very much evident as Patron of Colchester. The Orthodox Parish is honoured to have a place of worship at least reputedly established by her.
The Chapel is normally open to pilgrims and visitors all day. Visitors are welcome to attend services.
On Saturdays Great Vespers is normally at 4.30 pm - but if attending please check first. On Sundays the Holy Liturgy is at 10.30 am.
Fr. Alexander lives just across the road.
The Parish has "Observer" membership of the Churches Together in Central Colchester.
The web site for the Greek Orthodox Church in Colchester can be found at The Orthodox Parish of St Helen of Colchester