DIOCESE OF GREAT BRITAIN: 23 October 2024
A new monastic community established in the Diocese of Great Britain

With gratitude to God and His loving Mother, the Diocese of Great Britain announces the establishment of a women’s monastic community outside London dedicated to the Annunciation of the Theotokos. The new podvoria (skete) is located in Didcot, in Oxfordshire, and has as its first inhabitants the Little-schema Nun Mother Helen and the Novice Victoria.

For those familiar with the Diocese’s history in the British Isles, this news comes as an especial joy, as it in fact marks the re-establishment of a London podvoria, the forebear of which was founded in 1931 under Bishop Nicholas of London; and will remember also the Convent of the Annunciation begun in 1954 by the blessing of St John the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, later the Archbishop of Brussels and Western Europe, and Ruling Bishop of our Diocese. These places were dear to the hearts of generations of clergy and faithful of the Church. The desire to reestablish the tradition has been long in the hearts of many and finds a welcome fulfilment as once again a small convent dedicated to the Annunciation is located in the south of England.

The sisters area already living in the house to be transformed into the initial home of the monastic community. Further details will be provided via the Diocese once the new foundation is ready to receive pilgrims.

If you would like to be in touch with the sisters, or to offer them any support, they can be contacted here: diocesan.chancellery@gmail.com

May God, through the prayers of the Theotokos, save the sisters and sanctify the whole flock of His Church!

Diocese of Great Britain