At the request of the faithful in Scotland, and with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Nektarije of London and Britain and Ireland, Protopresbyter Žarko organised this liturgical gathering, giving our compatriots the opportunity to come together in common prayer and strengthen their bond with the Serbian Orthodox Church.
The Serbs have a long-standing presence in the Orthodox life of Edinburgh. The Orthodox Community of St Andrew, which belongs to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, traces its beginnings to 1948, and its congregation included Serbs alongside Russians and Greeks. Today’s gathering therefore marks a new chapter in the spiritual life of our people in the Scottish capital, and an important step towards organising its church life under the care of the Diocese of Britain and Ireland.
The gathering of the faithful testifies to the need for the Church to be close to its people, even where there is not yet a church of its own. Common prayer and liturgical life are the foundation of a living church community, in which the faith is preserved, brotherly love is nurtured, and the spiritual heritage is passed on to younger generations.
The next Divine Liturgy in Edinburgh has been announced for 3 December.
The faithful from Edinburgh and other parts of Scotland are invited to join the gathering and contribute to the further development of the church life of our community.
