Bishop Michael, and his wife, Lizzie, welcomed Ukrainian and local host families to the Palace Chapel in Wells on Monday 19 December, to mark the Orthodox festival of St Nicholas. 90 Ukrainians, including many children, gathered into the chapel for Vespers (in both English and Slavonic) led by Father Richard and Mother Sarah of Bath Orthodox Church.
The service also saw the blessing of an icon of St Michael the Archangel which was written by Katia Lebid from Ukraine as a thank you to the community of St Michael’s Somerton, where she and her family have been welcomed. St Michael is the Patron Saint of Ukraine.
Bishop Michael says, “It was a privilege to welcome our Ukrainian guests here on Monday and to hear something of their stories and situations. Their coming was a blessing to us and we were thrilled that they were able to join us.”
The Revd Canon Brian Pearson of Somerton said: “It has been both uplifting and humbling to be a part of the 'coming together' of such diverse communities - albeit as a result of such tragic circumstances. The opportunity to celebrate that which we have in common and to do so with a tangible expression of our loving relationships in Christ, offers, I believe, a powerful message.”
After the service attendees enjoyed Ukrainian food prepared by Palace Chaplain, Rosey Lunn, the organiser of the event, and the traditional gift of packets of sweets were given to the children.
There are now 3,000 Ukrainians living in Somerset and, as the Ukrainian Christmas Eve is on Friday 6 January, that evening there will be an Orthodox Christmas Vigil at St Thomas’, Wells. The service has been organised Churches Together in Somerset and will be led by Bath Orthodox Church. The service will take place from 19:30 to 20:30 and all are welcome.
Download posters to promote the January Orthodox Christmas Vigil where you are.
