We are a small, but growing, community of Orthodox Christians with diverse backgrounds, interests and ages. Although we live in different islands in Shetland, we manage to gather in the main town of Lerwick for worship and fellowship once, or twice a month, weather and ferries permitting. Everyone is welcome whatever denomination or jurisdiction.

In 2024, His Grace Bishop Raphael of Ilion asked Mother Mary if a member of the Orthodox Church, and two friends, could join her for worship in her hermitage Chapel of Saint Sunniva in Unst island. As the hermitage is sixty-five miles and two ferries away from the main town, the Catholic priest, Father Ambrose, kindly lent us a chapel for worship, and when the community grew, Saint Margaret’s Church in Lerwick.

Our congregation has swelled in summer months with visitors from Britain, U.S.A., Greece, and Italy. Sometimes they offer to give a talk or workshop about subjects in which they have experience such as Mount Athos, church music, iconography, and baking prosphora which is a wonderful addition to our activities.

We appreciate living in a wonderful part of God’s Creation which we celebrate in prayer and pilgrimage. We have had two pilgrimages to the beautiful Saint Ninian’s Isle off Shetland Mainland and a visit to Mother Mary’s hermitage in Unst and plan to have more pilgrimages in the future. Other activities include an annual fund-raising ‘Swap Shop’ of icons, books, etc. followed by Shetland’s traditional cuppa tea and home bakes. On special feast days we sometimes have a bring and share meal together.

Due to our growing number of children we soon will be starting a Sunday School. The catechumen study the online course ‘Discover Orthodoxy’ which is supported by conversations with Mother Mary and our visiting priest, Father Antonios. In July 2026 Bishop Raphael celebrated our first Baptism and Chrismation of Alban and Elisabeth.