The scent of incense hangs heavy in the air. A familiar comfort to many. This is the Russian Orthodox Church of St Nicholas the Wonderworker in Oxford.
This beautiful church wasn’t always here. Its story is one of perseverance and faith. For over fifty years a Russian Orthodox presence existed in Oxford. It began in 1941 with Hieromonk Nicholas Gibbes. He had been English tutor to Tsarevich Alexis. After the Romanov family’s tragic end he returned to England. He established a small church in St Bartholomew’s chapel.
Later he bought a house on Marston Street. He created a chapel there dedicated to St Nicholas. This was the first significant Orthodox presence in the city. His ministry attracted many converts.
A permanent parish dedicated to the Annunciation of the Mother of God formed in the 1950s. Services were held in a house chapel shared with the Greek Orthodox community. They outgrew that space. In 1973 they built a new church. It still stands today on Canterbury Road. Many benefactors helped build it. It was meant to be a home for Orthodox Christians of all traditions.
In 2006 a part of the Annunciation Parish moved to the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Those who remained in the Diocese of Sourozh formed a new parish. This is how the Russian Orthodox Parish of St Nicholas the Wonderworker was born. Fr Stephen Platt became its first rector.
After years of renting spaces the parish found a derelict Anglican church. In 2010 they renovated it. It became a beautiful place of worship. The inscription above the porch reads ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’. This reflects the church’s hope to be a place of worship for everyone.
Today the church thrives. It’s a multinational community. People of all ages backgrounds and professions worship here. Students families and converts are welcome. The church provides humanitarian aid. It helps refugees and prays for peace. This church is much more than just a building. It is a testament to faith community and hope.