Parish History

In 1973, the Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh came to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Cambridge. 

During his visit, Metropolitan Anthony also served the Divine Liturgy for the small number of Russian Orthodox Christians living here, in Cambridge. This, as far as we know, was the first occasion on which the Liturgy was celebrated in Cambridge and we regard Vladyka Anthony's visit as the founding event in the life of our parish. 

Following this event, a priest was sent from London to celebrate the Liturgy every month. By June 1978, Metropolitan Anthony gave the Community its own antimension. The community was placed in the care of Archpriest Basil Osborne who came to Cambridge from Oxford one Saturday a month, for over 20 years, to serve the Liturgy and care for our community.

Fr John Jillions became the priest of our parish in 1998 but we still had no permanent home; not until December 2000,  when our community began to worship in the Chapel of Westcott House, an Anglican Theological College.

This arrangement was only intended to last until the end of 2001, but in fact we worshipped there for another 17 years before moving to St Clement's Church on Bridge Street! 


Fr Raphael Armour was ordained to serve as a second priest to the Community in July 2001. In 2002, the community was received as a Parish of the Sourozh Diocese. Fr Raphael succeeded Fr John as Rector of the Parish the following year. 

After 20 years serving our Parish, Father Raphael was joined by Father Deacon Cosmin on 21st March 2023. Fr Cosmin was ordained Deacon at the Cathedral of the Dormition, in Ennismore Gardens by His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh. 


Father Raphael was awarded the Order of St. Sergius of Radonezh on the same day by Bishop Matthew for his services to our Parish.

There are some beautiful photos of these important events on our News page.

Our dear Father Raphael fell asleep in the Lord, 25th July 2023, may God give rest to his soul. 

Father Raphael's funeral took place 18th August. It was a wonderful day, full of love, beginning with an evening service on 17th followed by Gospel readings throughout the night. On the morning of 18th there was a Divine Liturgy followed by the Funeral Service itself. The Burial Service took place in the afternoon followed by a reception. There are links to photos and videos of all of these events on a page dedicated to Father Raphael.

This year, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of our parish and to mark the occasion, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh celebrated the Divine Liturgy with us 2nd December 2023 . 

Some familiar faces from over the years!

The services for the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of our parish truly were a blessing for us all!

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