Bishop Raphael of Ilion and Archimandrite Antonios Kakalis of the Ecumenical Throne paid a pastoral visit to the Shetland Islands from July 17–20, 2026, strengthening ties with the Orthodox Community of St. Ninian.
The main liturgical services were held on July 18 and 19 in Levenwick, where members of the local community had transformed a village hall into a temporary Orthodox place of worship.
A highlight of the visit was the reception of two new members into the Orthodox Church. Bishop Raphael celebrated the Sacraments of Baptism and Chrismation for Alban and Elizabeth, in a joyful service attended by their families, friends, and local faithful. Two Orthodox nuns traveled from Crete specifically to take part in the occasion.
During his visit, Bishop Raphael preached to the congregation and offered pastoral guidance, while also enjoying the hospitality of the island community. Founded in Lerwick through the initiative of Gerontissa Maria of the Hermitage of St. Sunniva together with local Orthodox Christians, the Community of St. Ninian now includes Greeks, Greek Cypriots, Ukrainians, and Romanians. Some faithful travel considerable distances to attend services, including one member who journeys from the Orkney Islands.
Bishop Raphael continues to provide annual pastoral care to the community, while Archimandrite Antonios will oversee the regular celebration of services throughout the year.
The visit concluded with a pilgrimage to the Chapel of St. Ninian, where clergy and faithful offered hymns and prayers, giving thanks for the region’s early Christian heritage and praying for the continued growth of the Orthodox witness in the Shetland Islands.
The episcopal visit and the baptisms received extensive coverage in the local newspaper, the Shetland Times.
