There will be a number of changes to our usual schedule of services during the month of August.  To help you keep track of things, we have included a schedule of all changes below.  The first date given is that in the civil calendar, while the second date, in brackets, is the date in the Church calendar.  The first date is the date for your diary.  If you have any questions, please contact Subdeacon Michael.

Sunday, 1st August (19th July) - 10th Sunday after Pentecost, The Holy Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils

No services at St Elisabeth's today.

Saturday, 7th August (25th July) - The Dormition of the Righteous Anna, Mother of the Theotokos

There will be a pan-Orthodox pilgrimage to the shrine and holy well of St Bertram in Ilam, Derbyshire.  This is an annual event which draws Orthodox Christians from around the northwest and the midlands.  All are welcome to attend.

The Hours and Divine Liturgy will be served at 11 a.m. at the church of the Holy Cross, which houses St Bertram's tomb.  A number of priests are usually present so please come early for confession.  A picnic lunch follows.  We make the journey up the hill to St Bertram's well for the Blessing of the Waters at approximately 2 p.m. before returning to the church to close the day with Great Vespers.  Please use the map below for driving directions.

There will be no Vespers at St Elisabeth's on this day.

Sunday, 8th August (26th July) - 11th Sunday after Pentecost, the Holy Hieromartyr Hermalaus

There will be no services at St Elisabeth's today.

Sunday, 15th (2nd) August - 12th Sunday after Pentecost

There will be no services at St Elisabeth's on this day.  However, some of us plan to go to the Liturgy at the Manchester Parish of the Intercession of the Mother of God and we encourage you to join us.  This begins with the Hours at 10 o' clock and confessions are heard from approximately 9.30 onwards.  The church is in Longsight, a short distance from Manchester City Centre.

Those taking public transport can get the coach from the station on Norton Street in Liverpool to Manchester Chorlton Street station.  Alternatively, there are trains to Manchester Piccadilly railway station.  Walk the five minutes to Piccadilly Gardens bus station, and from there take the number 192 bus.  This runs every 5-10 minutes and the journey lasts just under ten minutes.  This goes southbound along Stockport Road.  Ask the driver for the stop nearest Plymouth Grove.  Walk the few metres to Plymouth Grove (on your right - you will need to cross the road).  The first left off Plymouth Grove is Clarence Road.  Turn into Clarence Road and you will soon see the church on your right.  There is a map below.

Those who are driving from Merseyside can take the M62 from Liverpool.  At Junction 12, this becomes the M602.  At the end of the motorway, continue along the A57 (Regent Road), following signs to the City Centre.  Take the A57(M) Mancunian Way, over the City Centre, taking the exit for the A34 (Upper Brook Street).  Turn left into Upper Brook Street and follow it a short distance.  Take the fourth left into the A5184 (Plymouth Grove), and follow it almost completely to the other end.  When the end of Plymouth Grove comes into view, look out on the right for Clarence Road.  Turn into Clarence Road and you will soon see the church on your right.  Street parking is available.

 
Sunday, 22nd (9th) August - 13th Sunday after Pentecost, Afterfeast of the Transfiguration

Usual services on this day.  The Hours and Divine Liturgy will be served at 9.30 a.m.  Please bring fruit to be blessed at the end of the Liturgy.

In the northern hemisphere, the Feast of the Transfiguration coincides with the general time of the beginning of the grape harvest, and is seen as a sign of the Lord's bountiful love towards us.  It is customary to bring grapes and other new fruits to church to be blessed and shared.

For seasonable weather, the abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

Friday, 27th (14th) August - The Forefeast of the Dormition of the Mother of God

Great Vespers will be served at approximately 6 p.m.  This will be the only service at St Elisabeth's for the Feast of the Dormition so all are encouraged to attend.

Saturday, 28th (15th) August - The Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God

There will be no services at St Elisabeth's today. This is the patronal feast of our cathedral in London, and as many as can make it are encouraged to join this diocesan celebration.

Archbishop Mark will serve the Divine Liturgy at 9 a.m.  If the weather permits, this will include a Moleben Cross Procession.  A feast will be served in the parish hall after the services.

Sunday, 29th (16th) August - 13th Sunday after Pentecost, Afterfeast of the Dormition

Services at St Elisabeth's return to normal today.  The Hours and Divine Liturgy will be served at 9.30 a.m.  Please bring herbs to be blessed at the end of the Liturgy.

When the Apostles gathered at the tomb of the Mother of God after three days, they could hear the sound of Angels singing and there was a fragrant aroma in the air.  In some accounts, the Apostle Thomas arrived characteristically late, requesting to see one last time the holy body of the Mother of God.  When the tomb was re-opened, the body was found to be absent and there was a burst of sweet-smelling fragrance and the sound of Angel voices.  This was taken as a sign that Mother of God had been taken into heaven, receiving what is God's will for all of us.

The custom developed in the Church of blessing sweet-smelling herbs in celebration of this and as a reminder of the sweetness of paradise that is ours if only we strive to follow the life in Christ.  We take these herbs and place them in our homes and prayer corners, or use them to season a special meal to celebrate the feast.