Isle of Anglesey, Wales, August 4, 2023
Photo: sourozh.org
A group of English pilgrims were blessed to go on pilgrimage to the holy spring and the place of the ascetic labors of one of the Western monastic fathers of the pre-schism united Church.
On Saturday, July 29, Orthodox Christians from Manchester, Kingston-upon-Hull, and other places in Northern England traveled to the Welsh Isle of Anglesey, to the holy spring of St. Seiriol, reports the Russian Orthodox Church’s Diocese of Sourozh.
Photo: sourozh.org
Christian monasticism first appeared on the island in the 5th century and flourished until the Viking raids of the 9th century. “This is evidenced by the preserved ancient churches, the ruins of monasteries and sketes, crosses, holy springs and hermit cells,” the diocese writes.
Many saints labored on the island during this time, including St. Seiriol and his friend and fellow ascetic St. Cybi.
Photo: pravoslavie.ru
A holy spring has been preserved at Penmon Abbey, founded by St. Seiriol in the 6th century. Water from the well was used for the monastery’s needs, and baptisms were celebrated there for centuries. There are also accounts of miraculous healings at the spring in our day.
Upon arrival, Fr. Anatoly Vikhrov and the pilgrims celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the monastery church of Penmon Priory, built in 1123 on the site of a wooden church erected in the 6th century. According to historical evidence, the relics of St. Seiriol were hidden in the crypt under the altar of the church and were lost during the Reformation.
Photo: sourozh.org
After the Liturgy, the pilgrims processed to the holy spring where a moleben for the blessing of water was served. The day ended with a common meal on the shore overlooking Conwy Bay.
Read more about the Holy Fathers Seiriol and Cybi of Anlesey in Wales here.
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