St John's Orthodox Church

St John's Orthodox Church certainly has the 'wow factor' according to its many visitors. Situated 15-20 minutes' walk from the town centre on an acre of land at the highest point in Colchester proper, this white, wooden, colonial-style church is unique in this country.

Over 150 years old and formerly Colchester Garrison Church, in 2008 it was bought by the 164 million-strong Russian Orthodox Church. Since then it has become the natural centre for the whole Orthodox Christian community in Essex and Suffolk, gathering over 500 people of more than twenty different nationalities.

Inside may be seen the widest icon-screen (20 metres / 70 feet) in this country, huge, colourful frescoes of Orthodox Christian feasts and saints and some 500 icons. Apart from the main church, there is also a chapel dedicated to all the Saints of the British Isles and Ireland, a hall, side rooms, toilets and baby-changing facilities. Outside in the gardens the community has erected an Orthodox memorial cross in memory of the 469 soldiers from the Napoleonic Wars who are buried there.

Free guided tours for groups are available by appointment to view the 600 square metres (7,000 square feet) of internal space. Visitors are most welcome and parking is available in front of the church for up to 20 cars.