Find an Orthodox parish near you
Use your location to see Orthodox churches in your area. Parishes are concentrated in cities but increasingly present in smaller towns.
The Orthodox jurisdictions in Britain
Orthodoxy in the UK is organised in parallel jurisdictions, each linked to a mother church abroad but all sharing the same faith and liturgy:
- Greek Orthodox. The Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, historically the largest presence, serving Greek and Cypriot communities with cathedrals and parishes across the country.
- Romanian Orthodox. The fastest growing jurisdiction by far, following Romanian migration since 2007, with new parishes opening in towns that never previously had an Orthodox church.
- Russian tradition. The Diocese of Sourozh and parishes of the Russian Church Abroad, including the well-known cathedral in Knightsbridge, London.
- Antiochian Orthodox. A smaller jurisdiction notable for welcoming many British converts and clergy, with services largely in English.
- Serbian, Bulgarian and Georgian parishes. Serving their communities in the larger cities.
Note that Coptic, Ethiopian, Eritrean and Armenian churches belong to the separate Oriental Orthodox family: ancient churches too, though not in communion with the Eastern Orthodox. Both families appear under our Orthodox listings.
What the Divine Liturgy is like
- Sung throughout. Almost everything is chanted by clergy and choir, usually unaccompanied. The Liturgy of St John Chrysostom is the normal Sunday service.
- Time. Sunday Liturgy commonly begins between 9:30 and 10:30am and lasts about ninety minutes, often preceded by Matins.
- Language. Depends on the parish: Greek, Slavonic or Romanian with varying amounts of English, and some parishes worship entirely in English. Check before you visit if language matters to you.
- Movement. Worshippers stand for much of the service, light candles, and venerate icons. Arriving and moving about during the long service is more relaxed than in Western churches.
- Communion. Reserved for Orthodox Christians who have prepared. Visitors are usually offered blessed bread, the antidoron, at the end as a gesture of hospitality.
Etiquette for visitors
- Dress modestly; in Russian and Romanian parishes many women cover their heads, though visitors are not required to.
- Stand when the congregation stands. Chairs or benches are available around the edges for those who need them.
- Do not walk across the front of the church between the congregation and the altar during the service.
- Feel free to arrive during Matins and stay as long as you can; Orthodox timekeeping is forgiving.
- Stay for the shared meal or coffee that many parishes hold afterwards; it is the best way to ask questions.
Frequently asked questions
Is Orthodoxy only for Greeks, Russians and Romanians?
No. Orthodoxy understands itself as the church for all people, and Britain has a noticeable movement of converts, including former Anglicans and evangelicals. Parishes that use English are the natural starting point, and clergy are used to enquirers.
How is Orthodoxy different from Catholicism?
The two share ancient roots and sacraments but divided in 1054. Orthodoxy has no pope, holds some doctrinal differences, and worships according to the Byzantine rite. Our Catholic vs Orthodox guide covers the details.
Can I just turn up?
Yes. Services are public and no booking or membership is needed. Use the finder above or browse by county to locate a parish, and check its service schedule, since some smaller parishes hold the Liturgy fortnightly or share a priest.