St Charalambos Greek Orthodox Church Open Day
Lower Harpenden Road, East Hyde, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU2 9QS
Our church is a Grade II listed building, a small early Victorian neo-Norman rural church of pleasantly mottled brick and tile. It was designed by Benjamin Ferrey, one of the leading exponents of the Gothic Revival style in England, at the beginning of his career, in a Neo-Norman style and built between 1840 and 1841, on a site given by John Crichton-Stuart, the 2nd Marquess of Bute (d. 1848). The foundation stone was laid on the 21st April, 1840 and the church was officially dedicated on 24 May, 1842. Currently it is the sole Orthodox Church in Bedfordshire that owns its premises and has regular services. The church has beautiful stained glasses, dating from the time of its opening and memorial plaques dedicated to the memory of some of its founders. Since acquired by the Orthodox Congregation, the church has also been adorned over the years with a fine collection of hand-painted Orthodox Icons in late neo-Byzantine style and an impressive Icon Screen, curved from walnut wood. The original pews and lecterns are still in use with additional choir stalls and lecterns, installed after the church was adopted for Orthodox worship. There are also lovely wooden carved Icon stands and wooden carved candle desk.
The church is normally open only for services and visiting it will be a unique experience.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 07 September:
- 10.00-18.00
Location & directions
Lower Harpenden Road, East Hyde, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU2 9QS
- Directions:
- Just off the B653 road between Harpenden and Luton.
- Contact on day:
- Fr David Somalis
- Telephone number:
- +447392151668
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking preferred
- Booking conditions:
- Booking is recommended so we can be best prepared to welcome our visitors.
- Booking contact name:
- Fr David
- Booking telephone number:
- +447392151668
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking opens:
- 17 Jul 2024 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 05 Sep 2024 12:00 AM
Accessibility details
Visitors are not allowed behind the Icon Screen and inside the altar.
Additional information
As this is a functioning church, please behave respectfully at all times.
- Max no of people per tour:
- 9
- Est. tour duration:
- 0 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
