The UK Branch of the IOPS held its first meeting since the Covid epidemic

The UK Branch of the IOPS held its first meeting since the Covid epidemic on June 24th in the historic St. Wilfrid's Hall, Brompton Oratory,London.

The Roman Catholic Oratory was founded by Cardinal Henry Newman in 1884 and has friendly relations to the Russian Church and its representatives were present during Patriarch Kiril's visit to London.

Present were members of the UK IOPS Council including HRH Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, The Marquess of Bristol, Lady Olga Maitland, Professor Neil Kent,and Dr Maria Harwood,Head of the Grand Duchess Elizabeth Society. Trustees: Ivan Gordienko and Mark Lewis.

Michael Wynne-Parker,Head IOPS UK, welcomed the members and guests and asked Fr.Maxim Nikolsky to make the Prayer of Blessing. Fr.Maxim of Ennismore Gardens Russian Church has been appointed Chaplain IOPS UK.

HE Ambassador Andre Kelin addressed the gathering stressing the vital importance of the IOPS' s cultural impact during these uncertain times. 

The main speaker was Major Mark Jenkins, of the Wesh Guards Regiment,former Advisor to the Jodanian Royal Family and a newly appointed Trustee of the UK IOPS. His theme was the spiritual development of Russia whilst the West is in moral and spiritual decline with all the profound implications. His talk was illustrated by pictures of ancient Russian monasteries and Mt.Athos-where his own spiritual journey began.

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Thanks were expressed to Major Jenkins by William Ferguson our youngest IOPS member,at Eton College, where there has been a growing interest in the writings of Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev.

After the meeting was formally closed members and guests enjoyed wine and canapes and deep discussions stimulated by the evenings theme!