The Orthodox Parish of Saint Boniface announced the launch of their appeal for help in finding premises for a new Chapel last weekend.
The Parish worshipped in the South Chapel in Ryde Cemetery throughout the past 11 years. They recently vacated the building for essential repairs carried out by the Isle of Wight Council using Heritage Lottery funding. The Parish left the Chapel in January, expecting to return after few months.
New conditions prevent return
However, a recent meeting with Council Officers made it clear that would not be possible. This was due to new and unforeseen conditions by the Heritage Lottery fund, which included leaving the chapel unlocked and open during the day to allow Cemetery visitors open access.
Churchwarden Barbara Woodford said: “Although the Council said they’ll be appointing a janitor to look after the three buildings and grounds in Ryde Cemetery, with the best will in the world we couldn’t see that our Chapel could be adequately secure under the new terms and conditions.”
Causing great distress
The Parish Secretary, Martin Smith, said that this unexpected outcome of the Heritage Lottery Fund had caused a lot of distress. “We were the most regular presence in Ryde Cemetery, with Islanders, Mainland and overseas visitors worshipping with us in the chapel over 11 years. We actually helped to write the Lottery Fund bid, so this is a very disappointing outcome.”
Mrs Woodford said, “The Parish is dedicated to Saint Boniface who is revered throughout the Christian World. He was born in the West Country and has links with the Island, where he landed at Ventnor. A church erected in his memory in the 10th Century is still a place of worship and Saint Boniface Down is named after him”
Island MP listens to concerns
Andrew Turner MP visited the Parish last Saturday, 19th June, to support the launch of the Appeal. “We are very grateful that Mr Turner came to meet us and wish us well at this time and we appreciate his support”.
Parishioners are delighted that their appeal also has the support of the Isle of Wight Council Chairman, Cllr Ian Stephens who said; “It was obviously a shock for the Parish to discover they could not return to Ryde Cemetery Chapel and I understand that Council officers have offered to write letters to support them in seeking new premises.” Cllr Stephens has also offered to act as a referee if that would help in securing new premises.
More space required for worshipping visitors to Island
The Parish is served by Father Alexis, who regularly travels to the Island from his monastery on the Mainland. “The Parish was initially offered the use of a room in a parishioner’s house but this was only expected to be for a few months. It will be a struggle for the Parish to accommodate extra visitors who join us during the holiday times,” said Fr Alexis. “We support the appeal to find new premises, which don’t have to be elaborate, a large secure room could serve the Parish’s needs. ”
The presence of the Orthodox Community highlights the Island’s historic connection with Russia, including with the Tsar and his family, who stayed at Osborne House, and the writer Turgenev, who began his best known novel Fathers and Sons when he lived in Ventnor. The Parish continues to welcome Russian Orthodox visitors to the Island to this day.
If anyone can help the Parish to find a new home, people can contact Church Warden Barbara Woodford, at (01983) 565805, or Parish Secretary Martin Smith, at (mobile) 07929277129 or (email) [email protected], who would be delighted to hear from them.
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