Greek Orthodox Church

The foundations for the church were set down by a small group of Greek Orthodox Christians in the area who transformed an old Anglican church in Ruckholt Road, Leyton, into the church of St Eleutherius, St Anthia and St Luke the Evangelist.

It is now a thriving centre both for the faithful and the wider community, as people are drawn in to attend Greek language classes, Greek dancing and fundraising events for the church and its chosen charity, Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.

As it is the only Orthodox church in the area, believers from Russia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria and other Eastern European countries attend services.

They would otherwise have to travel to their countries' embassies in central London or the big west London Russian Orthodox church to attend an Orthodox service.

The Orthodox faith is said to follow the original, unaltered teaching of Christ's apostles.

The church celebrated Epiphany, or Theophany, the revelation of each aspect of the Holy Trinity the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, on January 6. The revelation occurred on the day Jesus was baptised in the River Jordan by John the Baptist, when God's voice was heard identifying his son, and a dove descended, a sign of the holy spirit.

In the service of holy water, the congregation received blessings from the priest and took holy water away with them to drink and to sprinkle around their homes and gardens.

To find out more about Greek language classes at the church, and Saturday school for children to study Greek culture, language and traditional dance, contact the church on 8539 1425.