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Fundraiser to preserve a hidden ‘architectural gem’
It is located just yards away from the bustling Clifton Triangle. But many would not be aware of its presence despite it standing here for more than 130 years.
The church has been a place of worship since 1888 when it belonged to the Catholic Apostolic Church
It is now the Eastern Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God, whose congregation was founded by a group of refugees from Poland and Ukraine who made England their home following the Second World War.
is needed now More than ever
The building needs urgent repairs, however, with various events being organised in an attempt to raise money to keep the church on University Road standing.
The architecture of the church is an unusual example of the architect Henry Rising, better known for public houses in London – photo: Milan Perera
The church has long been a home away from home for many emigres and converts.
Its proximity to the University of Bristol has also been fortuitous for the Orthodox students and staff at the university.
Reverend Archimandrite Kyril Jenner, priest-in-charge of the Orthodox community, is the chaplaincy contact for the Orthodox community at the University of Bristol.
The architecture of the church is striking and an unusual example of the architect Henry Rising, better known for public houses in London, with painted glass by respected 19th century artists.
It is in Gothic Revival style, imitating the early English architecture of the 13th century. There are stained glass windows by Cox, Buckley & Co, who also did work at Cork Cathedral, and by A C Lavers, son of the famous glass artist Nathaniel Wood Lavers.
The Orthodox church on University Road has undertaken a large-scale restoration project – photo: Milan Perera
The window by Lavers has just been repaired by specialists, masonry in the sanctuary has been repaired by conservation stonemasons and the western part of the church replastered using traditional lime plaster
The church continues to serve an integrated multi-ethnic community with members from the UK, Georgia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Russia, Romania, Greece and others. It is part of the Archdiocese of Thyateira in the Ecumenical Patriarchate, but worship is in the Slavic tradition. It celebrated its 75th anniversary last December.
When many church parishes up and down the country are facing dwindling numbers, the Orthodox community on University Road enjoys healthy church attendance with catechism for younger members and anyone seeking to explore the faith of Orthodoxy.
The church on University Road is a fine example of the Victorian Gothic revival during the 19th century- photo: Milan Perera
After a round of repairs using experts and traditional materials, the building fund has gone thin.
Following a successful fundraising walk in 2023, three parishioners, Robert, Lauren and Michael have decided to walk the entire stretch of Quantock Hills in September.
To donate to their fundraiser, visit www.justgiving.com/page/robert-mike-lauren-1724689068590
All photos: Milan Perera
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