Orthodox Community of Saint Ninian
Welcome to Our Community
In January 2024, at Bishop Raphael of Ilion’s request, the Orthodox Community of Saint Ninian, led by Mother Mary, began meeting in a chapel in the main town of Lerwick, kindly loaned by the Roman Catholic Church.
We have a thriving community including children and members with Greek, Greek Cypriot, Ukrainian and Romanian backgrounds. The Community has recently celebrated its first reception of new Orthodox with Alban’s Baptism and Elisabeth’s Chrismation in July of 2026.
The community meets once or twice a month for prayer followed by fellowship and tea, coffee, sometimes a shared meal or a delicious homemade cake.
Orthodox Worship
New to Orthodox Worship? Learn more about Orthodox worship and the services we celebrate, as well as what you can expect when visiting our community.
The Community celebrates the Hours, Typika and Vespers, but also occasionally the Jesus Prayer, an Akathist Hymn and Matins in the future, God willing. The Typika service is the first half of the Divine Liturgy that can be celebrated without a priest. It includes the Epistle, the Holy Gospel, The Nicene Creed, the Lord's Prayer and usually a Homily. The choir is slowly learning to sing as well as chant and read services, but they do not have a local teacher and are dependant on the Internet, as are the young, newly received members and the Catechumen who join a study course provided by the Archdiocese, and Father Antonios and Mother Mary also provide guidance.
We do not take a collection during the service but do have a box near the candles if you would like to make a donation.
Children: Children are a vital part of our liturgy and worship with us. Restless children are welcome. If needed, feel free to step to the back or go outside with your child for a moment.
The traditional posture for Orthodox worship is standing. However, please do not feel pressured to stand for the full duration of services. Feel free to sit whenever you need a rest. We stand during key moments (Gospel reading, Creed, Communion).
We generally dress modestly out of respect (clean, casual/formal clothes). Head coverings/scarves for women are entirely optional in our parish.
Eucharist is restricted to prepared Orthodox Christians. However, everyone is warmly invited to receive a portion of the blessed bread (Antidoron) from the Priest at the end of the Liturgy.
Orthodox Christians make the sign of the cross and bow frequently. Visitors are not expected to do so. You are welcome to simply stand, observe and pray in the silence of your heart.
Services, Events & Announcements
Keep up to date with the community announcements, upcoming services, visits and future community events.
Where to Find Us
St Margaret's Church
87 St Olaf St, Lerwick, Shetland
ZE1 0ES
Announcements
Welcome To Our Website!
Date 2026-11/04
We are happy to reveal to you our new website! If you have any feedback please get in touch.
Upcoming Services & Events
Photo Gallery
A sample of photos from our Gallery Page showing a range of our Community activities and some of our history. Click ‘View Gallery’ below to see the full collection.
In The News
Explore the links below to read the full articles and learn more about the Community. These features offer an opportunity to see our community represented in the local media, which shares our story with a wider audience.
Orthodox Pilgrimage to St Ninian's Isle
Bishop Raphael visits Shetland Islands, Celebrates Baptisms in Orthodox Community
Levenwick Hall was transformed into Orthodox Church to host Bishop Raphael of Ilion
THE ORTHODOX Community of Saint Ninian has a fast-growing membership in Shetland, including those with Greek, Greek Cypriot, Ukrainian and Romanian backgrounds, the church has said.
Pastoral Visit to the Orthodox Community of Saint Ninian in the Shetland Islands
Reach Out
Any questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out and we will get back to you ASAP
Alban - Website Manager
ocsnshetland@gmail.com
