![Orthodox icon of the Annunciation Middlesbrough](https://primary.jwwb.nl/public/h/n/s/temp-nfaxdqiaggwftaxkswzm/dfk3mh/image-18.png?enable-io=true&enable=upscale&crop=1085%2C1567%2Cx0%2Cy33%2Csafe&width=780&height=1126)
The Greek Orthodox Community of the Annunciation of the Mother of God, Middlesbrough, is a parish of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
We celebrate regular services with the blessing of His Eminence the Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain Nikitas.
- Our regular Sunday services begin with Matins from 11:30, followed by the Divine Liturgy from 12:30 until approximately 2pm. We then share a coffee in the hall to which everyone is welcome.
Constitution
The Constitution of the Community, adopted at the General Meeting on 28th April 2024, is available for download here:
Safeguarding Policy
The Safeguarding Policy of the Community was adopted by the members of the Interim Committee at its meeting on 17th March 2024. The appointed safeguarding officers are:
- Mrs Eirini Vasilaki
- Mrs Dimitra Papakosta
Brief History
The parish was first established in 1976 by the Greek Cypriot Orthodox community in Stockton-on-Tees.
Between 1985 and 1991 the community worshiped in the Church of the Holy Trinity in Stockton, a magnificent early 19th-century building which they took over from the Borough Council after the Anglican church moved its parish to new premises in 1982. Orthodox liturgical life at Holy Trinity Stockton was brought to a tragic end when vandals set the church on fire on 26th September 1991.
On 29th September 1999, the late Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain visited the community and blessed its new home at the Church of St Columba in Middlesbrough.
The Community Today
As of January 2024, the community is served by Fr Nikita Banev.
Thanks to a unique arrangement with the Anglican church, the community now has a permanent place of worship situated within the Church of St. Columba, Wilson Street, Middlesbrough, TS1 1SH.
- Free parking is available on the side of the church.
- There is additional parking at the Sainsbury's supermarket opposite, where pay-and-display is in operation (please check the terms).
- If you come by public transport, we are less than 10 mins walk from Middlesbrough bus and train stations.
- When you enter the church, please go to the Lady Chapel at the east end, behind the High Altar, where the Orthodox Church of the Annunciation is located.
![Orthodox chapel of the Annunciation](https://primary.jwwb.nl/public/h/n/s/temp-nfaxdqiaggwftaxkswzm/r2d1b8/image-19.png?enable-io=true&enable=upscale&crop=1920%2C1152%2Cx0%2Cy0%2Csafe&width=780&height=468)
![Church of St Columba, Middlesbrogh](https://primary.jwwb.nl/public/h/n/s/temp-nfaxdqiaggwftaxkswzm/hy5mz1/image-14.png?enable-io=true&enable=upscale&crop=343%2C368%2Cx13%2Cy0%2Csafe&width=243&height=261)
![Front entrance of St Columba's Church](https://primary.jwwb.nl/public/h/n/s/temp-nfaxdqiaggwftaxkswzm/xzxf73/image-15.png?enable-io=true&enable=upscale&crop=378%2C406%2Cx14%2Cy0%2Csafe&width=243&height=261)