Visit from Fr John

We were once again blessed to welcome Father John from Edinburgh into our home for a 10 days in August. Father John served Matins and Vespers each day and a Liturgy on Sunday 28th August when friends from Glasgow and new acquaintances from Mull joined the community.

At one time Father John served the monastery of the Assumption near Whitby. Mother Thekla was very fond of Father John and spoke highly of him and always remembered to have her love sent to Father John when we visited her at the Infirmary in Whitby.

The ikon Fr John holds was bought in an antique shop near Fatima in Portugal about 30 years ago. Mother Thekla and Mother Katherine looked after the ikon where she hung on the wall in the refectory of the Monastery for many years.

Mother Thekla translated the inscription the reverse and apparently this Kazanskaya was given to a Captain in the Russian Army and suggests that one day it might be returned to Stravropol.

Visit of Fr John

The Community was very blessed in August as Father John Maitland Moir from Edinburgh, came to stay for a week’s rest after the Feast of the Dormition Liturgy which we attended in Edinburgh. He may be a little frail but he kept us on our toes with daily Matins and Vespers even after the four hour journey from the capital to home. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Saint Florus and Laurus’ day and was attended by a clutch of faithful worshippers.

It is some four years since the Liturgy had been celebrated here and we are indebted to Fr. John for his loving care and attention to us. He married Deacon Christopher and Matushka Elizabeth in the old Edinburgh Chapel nearly 17 years ago and we have maintained very close contact with him ever since.

We look forward to seeing him here again soon.