A CHURCH in Athelhampton is keen to raise greater awareness of its existence in a bid to attract new churchgoers.

St Edward’s Orthodox Church, near to Athelhampton House, caters for the Orthodox community of St Edward, King and Martyr.

The Orthodox Divine Liturgy is served every Sunday and is led by Father David Harris.

Fr Harris has been with the church for 18 years. The Orthodox Community of St Edward have been worshipping at St Edward’s Orthodox Church for just over 20 years. 

The church used to be an Anglican church but was furnished for Orthodox worship after it was acquired by Fr John Nield, the church’s first priest, and his wife.

Fr Harris said: “They spoke to Patrick Cooke, the owner of Athelhampton House, and they came to a very satisfiable agreement and we have been meeting here ever since.”

The church had previously been left unused for a length of time and was known as St John’s.

Fr Harris said: “We are one of the only groups of parishes in the country which has had as many as three priests.”

The church’s congregation consists of a variety of different nationalities, including those from Wales, Russia, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria.

Fr Harris said: “We might get as many as 20 (people) on the Sunday morning.

“We certainly had more than that for Pascha.”

Regular members of the church’s congregation come from places including Yeovil, Blandford, Dorchester, Poole and Bournemouth.

Fr Harris said: “We would be quite happy to fill this place on Sundays.”

Fr Harris’ wife, Lesley, said: “We just want people to know there’s an Orthodox Church here.

"People compliment us on our friendliness.

"People say it is a very welcoming and friendly church.”

Lesley said they were grateful to Patrick Cooke, who had been very helpful maintaining the churchyard and building.

For more information, please visit saintedwardsorthodoxdorset.org