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On 13 February, Canon Chris Spain and more than fifty members of the Englefield Green Catholic community joined members of the local Greek Orthodox community for a service of blessing and Vespers at the former Church of St John of Rochester, Egham Hythe, now home to The Greek Orthodox Community of The Holy Epiphany & St Andrew.

Flood damage, vandalism, a need for urgent repairs, and the changing demands of the parish community led to the decision to close St John of Rochester, where Bishop Richard celebrated the final Mass on 30 July 2023, with a social to share memories of happier times and the love and faith of those who have worshipped there. 

The Orthodox community had been looking for a new home for many years. Until recently, they gathered for worship in a small chapel in Englefield Green Cemetery, but it was too small for their current needs, and larger premises were needed to bring together their local communities and celebrate their faith and ever-growing community. They have a growing congregation made up of people of all ages and have a strong presence at Royal Holloway, University of London.
  
Writing after the event, Canon Chris shared that the service:

"It was extremely prayerful and warm. Much work still needs to be done, but already the place is looking loved again and much care has been taken, and continues to be taken, to beautify the church and enable the celebration of liturgies. So much work has been put in by The Very Rev. Archimandrite Grigorios Laurenzano and the local community – although much work continues, and a fuller opening celebration will take place later in the year.
 
"It was lovely to also meet the Very Rev. Archimandrite Aimilaneos Papadakis, and His Grace Bishop Marimos (Pafilis) of Melitine and to join the community for a social time and meal in a newly created space. We keep them in our prayers at this time. The parish are grateful for the time and effort of Sarah Kilmartin and Gareth Zaver for their assistance in the sale and their support during the more difficult moments faced by the church over many years, prior to handover.”

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