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Confession is a cornerstone of the Greek Orthodox religion. Read about why it is so important below.
Baptism, Marriage, Funeral and Memorial services can be arranged. Please read the appropriate section below for full details and a downloadable application form.
If you have any questions about any of the ceremonies either email info@stsconstantineandhelenchurch.co.uk or call Father George.
Confession
In the Orthodox Church, confession, also known as repentance or the Mystery of Repentance, is a sacrament where a believer confesses their sins to a priest and receives forgiveness through God’s grace. It’s a practice where individuals acknowledge their wrongdoings, seek guidance, and strive for spiritual growth.
The value of Holy Confession is twofold. First, through this sacramental act of the ordained priest and the Christian believer we have the assurance of divine forgiveness, according to the words of Christ (Jn 20:23). Secondly, Holy Confession provides the opportunity to talk about one’s deep concerns, to receive counsel and to be encouraged toward spiritual growth, all of which are universally recognized as extremely beneficial to personal life.
The Archdiocese of America has an excellent explanation of the Sacrament of Confession. View it by clicking CONFESSION. If you do visit their superb site, please do consider a donation to them.
Baptism
Please download the form below, complete and return it to info@stsconstantineandhhelenchurch.co.uk or hand it to a member of the committee in church, specifying your preferred dates – please list your 1st, 2nd & 3rd choices of dates if possible.
We will get back to you by email or phone to confirm or discuss the date of the baptism within 7-days of receiving your request.
A £50 deposit is required after your booking request is arranged, which is non-refundable once the baptism date has been agreed and confirmed. The balance of £250 is then due 7-days before the baptism ceremony.
Church bank details for payments are:
Barclays Bank, Sort Code 209467, Account Number 73128210 Account Name The Greek Orthodox Community of St Constantine & St Helen.
You should try to give at least 3-months notice prior to your preferred dates to stand the best chance of getting the date that you want. Baptisms can take place on Saturdays or Sundays and possibly other days by arrangement.
Marriage
Saint John Chrysostom on Marriage
“Husbands, never call her simply by her name, but with terms of endearment, with honour, with much love. Honour her, and she will not need honour from others; she will not want the glory that comes from others, if she enjoys that which comes from you. Prefer her before all, on every account, both for her beauty and her discernment, and praise her. (St John Chrysostom, Homily 20 on Ephesians).”
Weddings are usually held on Saturdays or Sundays but may be arranged on other days subject to the agreement of Father George.
The fee for the wedding service is £300 and at least one of the bride & groom should be members of the church too (see membership page).
To arrange a wedding at our wonderful Church, please download the application form below, as well as the wedding guide and declaration, which contain details of everything you will need to know.
We have also provided a useful wedding guide and declaration for you to download below.
You may also need to swear an affadavit depending on your circumstances. The correct wording is shown on the document below.
Funeral
May your loved one rest in peace and be in the care of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Please accept the heartfelt condolensces of the St Constantine & St Helen Church Family for your loss.
Families should approach their preferred funeral directors who will then contact the Church to make arrangements.
Memorial Service (Mnēmósyna)
Memorial services are typically held on the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 40th days after death. It is also customary to mark the 3rd, 6th, and 9th month during the first year. After this, memorial services are held once a year, on the anniversary of a person’s repose.
General memorial services called Psychsavvata (Soul Saturdays) where all the departed are remembered and prayed for, are held twice a year: on the Saturday before Great Lent and the Saturday before Pentecost.
If you wish to hold a memorial service, this should be arranged through the Church by either contacting 0208 6536824, sending an e-mail to info@stsconstantineandhelenchurch.co.uk or by speaking to Father George or a committee member.
You should be a member of our Church and we would also be most grateful for a donation in honour of your beloved relative.
There are some sacred days and periods when memorial services cannot be held:
From the Saturday of Lazarus to the Sunday of St. Thomas: This period includes Holy Week and Bright Week, a time of heightened spiritual focus.
Major feast days of the Lord: These include Christmas (Dec. 25) through to Epiphany (Jan. 6), the Presentation (Feb. 2), the Annunciation (Mar. 25), the Ascension (40 days after Pascha), and Pentecost (50 days after Pascha).
Major feast days of the Theotokos: This includes the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (August 15th) and Entry of the Mother of God into the Temple (21st November).
Our Church Saints Day celebration of Saint Constantine and Saint Helen – we celebrate on the closest Sunday to the feast day of 21st May. Also the celebration of the Elevation of the Holy Cross on 14th September.