Parish Life
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Worship
Worship is coordinated by the clergy team and the two Readers, Benedict Broomhead and Peter Bateman. Benedict and Peter run the Choir and the Serving Team respectively. We are always pleased to receive new servers and new singers.
Confessions
Confessions are heard during the Praises on Sunday morning (approximately 9.55 am to 10.15 am), before Great Vespers on Saturday evening (4.30 pm - 5.00 pm)
Childrens' Classes
These take place after the Liturgy as follows:-
3-6 year olds: 12 noon to 12.15 pm:
Tots Room (first floor)
7-12 year olds: 12 noon to 12.30 pm: Parish Room (behind altar)
13-16 year olds: 12 noon to 12.30 pm: Church Lounge (first floor)
Catechumenate
Those wishing to become Orthodox first enrol as Catechumens and spend some time acquainting themselves with the Faith and Life of the Orthodox Church. At a mutually agreed time the Catechumen is either chrismated or baptised depending on any previous church connection.
The Bible Study Group
The Bible Study and Prayer Group meets on a Tuesday evening from 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm. All are welcome and no existing knowledge or practice is assumed. Sharing prayers, psalms and scripture in this way widens our spiritual view and reveals new treasures in simple revelations previously unexplored thus enriching our journeys. We especially welcome input from our brothers and sisters with different orthodox cultural backgrounds which will help us to grow from our own infancy in orthodox life and faith as they share their own journeys with us.
Theological Education - "E-Quip"
The parish runs a Diploma Course ("E-Quip") in Orthodox Theology over 3 years from late September to mid-July with breaks of 4 and 3 weeks respectively for Nativity (Christmas) / Theophany (Epiphany) and Holy Week / Pascha (Easter).
This course, which assumes no previous knowledge beyond the basics of Christian faith and life, is designed to equip Orthodox Christians (and exceptionally non-Orthodox spouses of attending Orthodox) in Orthodox theology for their own witness and service.
Limited access e-learning online is available for long distance study but candidates will still be expected to complete the written work (2 pieces in each of 3 terms) and attend occasional tutorials. If you are interested, please contact Fr. Gregory on:-
St. Theodore Orthodox Bookstore
This substantial bookstore has over 1000 volumes and is to be found in St. Aidan's Church. It opens on Tuesday evenings between 7.30 pm and 9.30 pm in addition to usual Church opening times. Any surplus will be applied to St. Theodore Ecclesiastical Trust, a registered charity, (no. 1029085), whose Objects support the work of the Orthodox Church. The Bookstore is supplied in the main by Orthodox Christian Books Ltd.
Library
The parish runs a large library of books to lend and this has a separate section for the use of those on the "E-Quip" Diploma Course.
Pastoral Care
Fr. Gregory is available for any kind of visiting or ministry. Holy Communion may be received at home by the housebound and anointing is available for the sick. If you yourself or loved ones are admitted to hospital please let your priest know and he will visit where requested.
Diakonia (Service)
St. Aidan's runs a Charity Shop in the Parish Room on the first Saturday of each month between 9.30 am and 10.30 am when clothing or furnishings may be purchased very cheaply. St. Aidan's also supports Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Levenshulme and the surrounding areas. English classes are held every Saturday afternoon from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm during the academic year.
University Life
Fr. Gregory is Orthodox Chaplain to the University of Manchester. the Metropolitan University of Manchester and other associated institutions of Higher Education. We run a Student and Staff Fellowship at St. Peter's Chaplaincy (FOCUS) every two weeks during term time.
Her Majesty's Prison, Manchester
Fr. Gregory is the Orthodox Chaplain and maintains a monthly service on site for Orthodox prisoners.
