Russian Orthodox mission has first service in Belfast

Russian Orthodox mission in Belfast has had its first Orthodox Communion service - known as the divine liturgy.
It was celebrated in Slavonic and English by Father George Zavershinsky, right, and Deacon Nikolai from the Moscow Patriarchate parish of St Peter & St Paul in Dublin.

The liturgy took place on Saturday, December 20, in the St George's church in the city centre, made available by the Church of Ireland.

It was well-attended by mostly Russians and a number of local Orthodox. After the liturgy Fr George performed the first Russian baptism service in Belfast.

The events were the fruits of more than a year of planning and preparation.

Organisers say this was done to begin serving the spiritual needs of the Russian-speaking community in the Belfast area.

The Russian Orthodox mission in Belfast welcomes both Russian-speaking immigrants and others interested in the Orthodox Christian Tradition. The next liturgy is planned for January 24.