« The Annual Pilgrimage to St. Kentigern’s Well in Caldbeck »

On Saturday, January 25, 2025, with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, the clergy and parishioners of the Diocese of Sourozh made a pilgrimage to Caldbeck, to the well of St. Kentigern (Mungo) of Strathclyde, Bishop of Glasgow (commemorated on January 13/26).

The eighth annual pilgrimage was led by Fr. Anatoly Vikhrov, Rector of the parishes of St. Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg in Leeds, of the Meeting of the Lord in Bradford, of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen in York, and of the Nativity of Christ in Kingston upon Hull. Participating in the pilgrimage were Fr. Viktor Akhryapin, Rector of the Church of the Great Martyr George in Newcastle upon Tyne and of the diocesan communities of St. Ninian of Whithorn in Carlisle and of St. Cuthbert in Durham, along with parishioners. Also present was Fr. Neil Liubchenko, Rector of the parish of St. Kentigern in Glasgow, with his parishioners.

The pilgrimage began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in the ancient church of St. Kentigern, built in the 12th century and located near the holy well, which is believed to date back to the 4th century. The faithful from Bradford, Leeds, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle, London, and other towns in northern England and Scotland attended the Liturgy, prayed, and received Holy Communion.

Liturgical hymns were sung by church choirs from the parishes of Bradford and Glasgow.

Following the Liturgy, a procession to St. Kentigern’s well took place, where a water blessing moleben was served. Afterward, Fr. Anatoly sprinkled the faithful with holy water and delivered a sermon, expressing gratitude for the shared pilgrimage.

The clergy and parishioners continued their fellowship over a communal meal, organized by the pilgrims.

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