Draft:Church of the 318 Holy Fathers, Shrewsbury

Church of the 318 Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, Shrewsbury

The Church of the 318 Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, commonly known as the Church of the 318 Holy Fathers, is a Greek Orthodox church in Sutton, a suburb of Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England. Originally built as a medieval chapel dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, the church has a rich history dating back to the 13th century and possibly earlier. It is now a Grade II* listed building[1].

Church of the 318 Holy Fathers
Location	Shrewsbury, England
Address	Dove Close, Shrewsbury, SY2 6FB
Country	United Kingdom
Website	www.shrewsburyorthodox.com
History
Dedication	The 318 Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council
Other dedication	The Holy Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist
Consecrated	6 July 1997
Architecture
Heritage designation	Grade II*
Designated	1969
Architectural type	Early English
Administration
Archdiocese	Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain
Clergy
Archbishop	Archbishop Nikitas
Priest in charge	Protopresbyter Stephen Maxfield
Assistant priest(s)	Presbyter Panteleimon Maxfield

History

Ancient origins

Archaeological excavations in 2016-2017 revealed that the site has been a place of worship for approximately 4,000 years[2]. Evidence of a Bronze Age or possibly Neolithic ritual enclosure was discovered, including wooden posts carbon-dated to 2033 BC[2]. The site is considered a rare example of a Christianized pagan site in Britain.

Medieval period

The earliest parts of the current structure date from around 1200 AD, built in the Early English style[3]. However, the foundations are believed to be much older, possibly Saxon or even Romano-British in origin[4]. The church was originally much larger, extending further to the west, east, and possibly north[2].

The Manor of Sutton, where the church is located, is mentioned in the Domesday Book as belonging to Wenlock Abbey. The church, then known as the Church of Saint John the Baptist, is first referenced in an Inquisition of 1278[4].

Post-medieval changes

In the 17th century, the western end of the church was demolished, reducing its size[3]. The current brick west wall dates from the early 18th century. By the 19th century, the church had fallen into disuse, though it continued to be used occasionally for burials and special events until 1887, when the living became attached to Meole Brace[4].

Rediscovery and restoration

In 1991, the Greek Orthodox Church discovered the semi-ruinous chapel. They purchased it from the Church of England for £50 in 1994 and began immediate restoration work. With the help of English Heritage funds, the church was fully restored by 1996 and consecrated as the Church of the 318 Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea on 6-7 July 1997[3]. This new dedication refers to the bishops who attended the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD.

Architecture and features

The church is primarily constructed of sandstone rubble with some brickwork. It features:

Three walls of medieval Early English style (c. 1200 AD)[3]

• A west wall of early 18th-century brick
• Three lancet windows in the east wall
• Medieval wall paintings dating from about 1380, including a depiction of the martyrdom of Thomas Becket[3]
• A Tudor roof truss from the 16th century[3]
• A Saxon tub font, believed to be the oldest object in the church[3]
• Modern additions including an oak iconostasis, a stone altar, and a gallery

The church measures approximately 10.70m x 7.50m[4].

Archaeological significance

The 2016-2017 excavations revealed:

• Evidence of the church's original larger size, extending 18 meters further west than the current building[2]
• Foundations of possible additional structures to the north, south, and east[2]
• A Bronze Age ritual enclosure
• Possible connections to nearby Bronze Age barrows, cursus, and standing stone pits

These findings suggest that the site has been a place of worship for approximately 4,000 years, making it an exceptionally important archaeological site[2].

Previous archaeological investigations in the area have revealed:

• Neolithic and Bronze Age activity, including a pit, ditch, and cremation cemetery at nearby sites[4]
• Iron Age and Roman settlements and enclosures in the vicinity[4]
• Evidence of Saxon activity, including possible ovens or kilns[4]

Present use

The church continues to serve as an active Greek Orthodox place of worship. It has been adapted for Orthodox Byzantine worship with the addition of an iconostasis, new icons, and wall paintings. The congregation has grown consistently since the church's restoration, leading to plans for expansion to accommodate the increased number of worshippers[5].

References

1. Historic England. "FORMER CHURCH OF ST JOHN (1270749)". National Heritage List for England. 2. Green, J. (2018). Watching Brief and Excavation at The Church of The Holy Fathers of Nicea, formerly known as The Church of St. John. Oteley Rd, Sutton, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Interim Report. 3. Maxfield, S. (n.d.). History of the Church Building. Church of the Holy Fathers of Nicaea website. 4. Edwards, E. (2010). The Church of Holy Fathers (Formerly St John's), Sutton, Shrewsbury. Archaeological Desk Based Assessment. ESA7639. 5. WSP (2022). Heritage Statement: The Church of the Holy Fathers of Nicaea. Prepared for The Shrewsbury Orthodox Church Appeal Foundation.

1. 1. External links

- Official website of the Church of the 318 Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, Shrewsbury - Historic England listing for the Church of the Holy Fathers of Nicaea