The History of the Archdiocese

The history of the Archdiocese is closely connected with the Russian Orthodox communities that developed in Western Europe, particularly following the Russian Revolution.

In the early twentieth century, Orthodox communities in Western Europe were placed under a provisional administration established by Patriarch Saint Tikhon. This administration was initially led by Metropolitan Eulogius and became the foundation of the Archdiocese's continuing life in Western Europe.

During the twentieth century, the jurisdiction experienced changes in its relationship with the Moscow Patriarchate and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. In 2019, following decisions by the Archdiocesan Assembly, the Archdiocese returned to the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate under Metropolitan Jean, who was subsequently given the title Metropolitan Jean of Dubna.

Today, the Archdiocese continues its mission of Orthodox Christian witness in Western Europe while maintaining the Russian liturgical and spiritual tradition from which it developed. Its communities serve people from a wide range of national, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, with local languages forming an important part of its mission.

The Deanery of Great Britain and Ireland

The Archdiocese is organised into deaneries, including the Deanery of Great Britain and Ireland.

The Deanery includes Orthodox communities in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. English is the primary language used in the Deanery, while other languages represented within individual communities may also be used.

Saint Anne’s Orthodox Christian Parish in Northampton is one of the parishes of the Deanery of Great Britain and Ireland. The Archdiocese's current parish directory lists Saint Anne in Northampton among its communities.

The Archdiocese Today

The Archdiocese currently has parishes and monastic communities across several European countries and continues to develop its mission of being a local Orthodox Church, serving communities in the languages and cultures of the countries in which they live.

For more information about the Archdiocese, its parishes, clergy and mission, please visit the Archdiocese of Orthodox Churches of Russian Tradition in Western Europe website.