Subdeacon Terence and Phil Williams attended the second ‘British Saints’ convention at St Seraphim’s, Walsingham, Norfolk (15th-17th May 2026). Both found it an inspiring time of fellowship and encouragement.
Imagine an old village railway station converted into an Orthodox chapel. Imagine that chapel entering a season of decline with infrequent Liturgies. Now imagine it full of Orthodox worshippers, other Christians and enquirers. Feel it come alive with sublime Vespers and a truly heavenly Divine Liturgy.
Imagine poets and story-tellers, environmental activists, craftspeople and folk singers, a former Archbishop of Canterbury, all sharing stories of the Saints. All inspiring one another to ignite the flame of the Gospel by word and deed, by prayer and presence, perseverance and pilgrimage.
Imagine all that and you have imagined the second ‘British Saints’ convention at Walsingham. It featured author and activist Paul Kingsnorth, story-teller Dr Martin Shaw, former Archbishop Dr Rowan Williams and Professor Marcus Plested, the first Orthodox Chair of Divinity at St Andrew’s University. Each drew on the lives of the Saints of the British isles – and further afield – to rekindle a zeal for the Gospel.
The event attracted Orthodox Christians from across the UK and even the US. I spoke with Anglicans, Roman Catholics, independent evangelicals and people with no particular religious background. Some had never attended an Orthodox service or conference before. All those I spoke to were impressed.
An 84 year old Catholic attendee was full of praise. ‘At school we had dogma and doctrine drummed into us. I lost my faith only to recover it later. Here, there is certainly dogma and doctrine behind it, but the emphasis is on those who have lived out their faith. It’s not about abstract ideas. It’s about people living out their faith in Christ.’
Professor Plested and his family along with Orthodox Christians from other parishes are seeking to revive the work at St Seraphim’s. It is strategically placed in one of the UK’s key pilgrim sites. They deserve our prayers and support. There may be opportunities to volunteer or attend future conventions. This could be the start of something big. Watch this space.
– Philip Williams