Annual Pilgrimage for the Feast of the Icon of Our Lady of Walsingham Saturday, 20 September 2025

The day started with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in the Orthodox Chapel in the Anglican Shrine Church, celebrated by Father Julian Sadowski from the Parish of St John the Theologian in Norwich, and followed by a Bring and Share lunch in the Pilgrim Hall.

After lunch, pilgrims made their way to the Slipper Chapel at the Roman Catholic Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Houghton-St. Giles, for a Cross Procession.

Father Julian, who was recovering from a hip-replacement operation, came to send the pilgrims on their way, as they walked the Holy Mile to the Holy House in the Anglican Shrine, singing and praying the pilgrimage route.

On arrival, they were joined by Father Julian, together with Father Mark and Matushka Elizabeth Tattum Smith, from the Church of the Joy of All Who Sorrow in Mettingham. Father Mark served the Moleben in the Holy House, thanks to the generosity of the Shrine Administrator, Fr Ben Eadon, for granted permission to use the Holy House for an Orthodox service.

Many pilgrims joined in the Moleben, some staying long after the Moleben was over, to pray in front of the Holy Icon of the Mother of God of Walsingham.

Although a smaller group than usual attended this year (some who wanted to come were prevented through illness or unexpected circumstances), pilgrims came from London, Northampton, King’s Lynn, Mettingham, Norwich and from Walsingham itself. Before and after cups of tea the pilgrims said their goodbyes, in the hope that all would meet again next year!