Mission and Significance
The British-Irish Diocese is one of the younger, yet very vibrant dioceses of the Serbian Orthodox Church, covering the territory of Great Britain and the Republic of IrelandIts primary mission is to spiritually unite the Serbian people living in these countries, to preserve and nurture the Orthodox faith, the Serbian language, culture, and tradition, and to provide pastoral care to all believers in the diaspora.
Bishop Nektarios of Britain and Ireland
At the head of the Diocese is His Grace, Bishop Nektarios (Samardžić) of Britain and Irelandwho was enthroned in 2024. Under his spiritual leadership, the diocese continues the missionary work begun decades ago, at a time when the first Serbian immigrants started forming Orthodox communities in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Parishes within the Diocese
The Diocese is based in the United Kingdom and encompasses several active parishes across the country. Among them are the parishes in London, Derby, Leicester, Manchester, Birmingham, and Oxford.as in Dublinwhere operates the Church Community of Saint George —the only Serbian Orthodox parish in the Republic of Ireland.
Spiritual and Cultural Life
The primary goal of the Diocese is to preserve the spiritual and national identity of Serbs in the diaspora. In addition to regular worship services and sacraments, the parishes organize religious education, Serbian language and culture schools, humanitarian activities, cultural events, spiritual forums, children's workshops, and gatherings..
A special place in the life of the Diocese is held by Association of Serbian Sistersthose who, through their selfless effort, love, and charitable work, contribute to spiritual unity and the preservation of community.
Connection with the Homeland
The Diocese maintains close ties with the Serbian Orthodox Church in the homeland and serves as an important spiritual link between the mother church and the Serbian community in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In its temples and churches, the faithful gather in prayer, love, and fellowship, bearing witness that the Church is a community of God’s people and a spiritual home for all Serbs in the diaspora.
Mission in the Diaspora
The activities of the British-Irish Diocese are focused on building unity, love, and harmonyto preserve the spirit of Saint Savaand ensuring that every Serbian family in the diaspora has its own spiritual home—a place where the faith, language, and traditions of our ancestors are nurtured.
Through their presence, prayer, and participation in the life of the Church, the faithful actively contribute to the mission of the Diocese, which remains a lasting testimony of the Orthodox faith and Serbian identity on the British Isles.
За више информација о животу и раду Епархије, као и о парохијама које јој припадају, можете посетити званичну интернет страницу Српске православне епархије британско-ирске или се обратити надлежном свештенству у вашој парохији.
Church of St. Sava
89 Lancaster Road, London W11 1QQ, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)20 7727 8367
Email: [email protected]
Website: spclondon.org.uk
