Recently, I received an invitation from fellow Macedonians in Oxfordshire to attend the very first Macedonian Orthodox liturgy in their area – the beginning of a new parish. Hearing about this milestone filled me with nostalgia, as it reminded me of the early days of our own community in London, when we were just starting to establish a parish from scratch.
When I first arrived in the United Kingdom in 1998, the Macedonian Orthodox Church community was small, and our spiritual gatherings were rare. The only service in Macedonian at the time was the Easter liturgy, organised through the dedication and hard work of Vane Milanov and a handful of his friends. For many of us young immigrants, that annual service was a lifeline – a connection to home, language, and faith in a foreign land.
A few years later, Vane decided to pass the responsibility of organising the community’s spiritual life to a young newcomer, Viktor Stojcev. At that time, he was just beginning his journey in the UK, but he embraced the challenge with energy and faith. I, too, wanted to help wherever I could, and over time I became the president of the church committee, while Victor devoted himself to the priesthood. Together, we worked to nurture the fledgling parish, ensuring that it was not only a place of worship but a true home for the Macedonian community.
Those early years were not without challenges. Many Macedonians offered advice on how things should be done, but only a few were willing to roll up their sleeves and help. The work was demanding, and progress was sometimes slow, but the dedication of a small, committed group of volunteers kept the parish alive. Every meeting, every organised event, every liturgy was a step towards building something enduring.
A great help came from Father Adam, whose support made it possible for The Chapel of the House of St Barnabas in Soho to become our spiritual home. His guidance and generosity provided the parish with a stable place to gather, worship, and grow – a true foundation for our community.
Recently, watching Father Pimen, Otec Pimen, Metropolitan for Europe, explain the beginnings of the Macedonian Orthodox Church European Eparchy reminded me of our early days in London – the long hours, the challenges, and the shared faith that brought us together. His words prompted me to reflect on how far we have come and on the enduring importance of faith and community in our lives.
Today, looking back, I am filled with gratitude. What began as a single Easter service has grown into a thriving community, with parishes in London and now in cities across the UK, including Littlehampton, Peterborough, Oxford, and Reading. Seeing new communities like Oxfordshire forming their first parish is a reminder that the faith, culture, and identity we nurtured continue to grow. The Macedonian Orthodox Church in the UK stands as a testament to the vision, dedication, and sacrifices of those who believed in preserving our heritage for future generations. I am honoured to have played a small part in its beginnings and to witness its continued flourishing.
Finally, I would like to send my heartfelt greetings and gratitude to all the volunteers who continue to give their time, energy, and love to build and sustain our community. Your quiet sacrifices, your commitment, and your faith have made all of this possible. May your efforts continue to bear fruit for generations to come.
Video: Sitel, 18 years ago