"In the Footsteps of the Forgotten English saints"

September 6 – 18, 2010

“In the Footsteps of the Forgotten Saints” is a religious and historical pilgrimage to the holy places associated with the early saints of the ancient Anglo-Saxon Church. The tour offers a rare glimpse into the often misunderstood and marginalized history of the unique development of Christianity on the British Isles. We will explore this spiritual tradition, which predates the powerful forces of religious politics and invading armies that distanced the ancient British Church from her Orthodox beginnings. Though very little remains from the period before the Norman Conquest of Britain in the eleventh century, we will bring back the lives of forgotten saints through services, tales and visits to surviving monuments of England’s Orthodox past. Guest lecturer for our pilgrimage is Dr. Paul Cavill, professor of Old English Literature at the University at Nottingham and author of several books on Anglo-Saxon Christianity.

 

ITINERARY:

Day 1, Monday, September 6, 2010:
After our arrival in London, we will travel 20 miles north to visit the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St. Alban. According to tradition, this monumental structure was erected over earlier humble structures that were built on the site where St. Alban was beheaded. St. Alban suffered during the Roman persecution in the third century A.D. and was England’s first saint. Venerable Bede testifies that the place of his martyrdom was a shrine of great importance, which drew multitudes to be healed and consoled. Most of the relics of St. Alban were lost during the Reformation with the exception of a few pieces that survived on the Continent where they had been sent as a gift. In recent times a relic of St. Alban has been returned to the Cathedral and we will have an opportunity to venerate it in honor of one of England’s patron saints.From St. Alban’s we will continue to the Church of St. Andrew’s at Greensted. St. Andrew the Apostle, who was spoken of in the Gospel, is believed to have visited the British Isles and preached the Good News. The Church of St. Andrew is one of the world’s oldest wooden structures still standing, and the oldest wooden church in existence. For nearly 1200 years it has been a place of Christian worship. The original foundation most likely dates to the mid-seventh century and is associated with the missionary work of St. Cedd. According to tradition, the body of St. Edmund the Martyr was brought here before being transferred to the town of Bury St. Edmunds. From St. Andrew’s Church we will continue to Waltham Abbey whose history can be traced back to the reign of King Canute. During his reign the miracle working cross was brought to the site. King Harold II, who fell in the battle of Hastings defending his kingdom and, as time has shown, the Orthodox continuity of the Anglo-Saxon Church, built a church here in 1050. It is believed he was buried behind the high Altar of that church after his heroic death at Hastings.

Day 2, Tuesday, September 7, 2010:
We will start our day with a visit to a small historical church dedicated to St. Michael and All the Saints in Copford Green, Essex. It was founded in 1130 and some elements remain unchanged from that time, but the paintings inside are of the most interest to us. The composition of the Raising of the Daughter of Jairus’s, although restored, gives a good idea of the work of the twelfth-century iconographers. The depiction of Christ in Majesty, although more distorted than the other composition, gives strong association with Byzantine Art. From Copford Green, we will transfer to Sutton Hoo to see one of the most important archeological sites in all of England. The sixth century Anglo-Saxon burial mounds found here have been under excavation since the 1930’s. A modern museum was recently built adjacent to the site and houses some of the archeological discoveries, including a full-size reconstruction of the burial chamber that was formed from a ship and buried with its noble owner. After our visit to Sutton Hoo, we will travel to the Chapel of St. Peter-on-the-Wall, which is one of the oldest Christian churches in England still in use. The chapel dates to 654 A.D. and is believed to have been built by St. Cedd out of the remains of an abandoned Roman fort.  During the Medieval Era, it fell into obscurity and most likely has maintained its original appearance. Time permitting, we will visit the Orthodox Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Essex, established by Archimandrite Sophronius Saharov, the spiritual child and successor of St. Silouan the Athonite.

Day 3, Wednesday, September 8, 2010:
Today we will travel to London to see some of the city’s important Anglo-Saxon ruins and some of its splendid museums. In the British Museum we will concentrate on the Anglo-Saxon collection, which is perhaps the best thematic collection in the world. From the British Museum, we will make our way to the historical Tower of London. Next, we will visit Westminster Abbey, founded on the present site in 616 A.D. Some centuries later, St. Dunstan introduced Benedictine Rule in the Abbey. The Abbey was greatly extended under the English King Edward the Confessor. Edward’s immediate successor, King Harold, was crowned here just months before the Norman invasion.

Day 4, Thursday, September 9, 2010:
Today we will explore Canterbury, Episcopal see of the English Church. We will begin our exploration with the historical Church of St. Martin. It is believed that St. Augustine, the sixth-century Latin (Roman) missionary to Britain, worshiped in this church along with his Continental helpers. The church already existed prior to his coming and there is a speculation that this building, more precisely the surviving Roman part of it, was originally a Christian place of worship or part of the funerary Christian chapel. For this reason it was turned into church for the sake of Frankish Christian Queen Bertha, who married pagan King Ethelbert of Kent on the condition that she be allowed to continue the practice her Christian Faith.Not too far from St. Martin’s Church, but already outside the city walls, St. Augustine established a monastery soon after his arrival in 597. From the onset it was intended to be the burial place for the Bishops of Canterbury and converted kings of Kent. The site was expanded and rebuilt several times. Most of its Anglo-Saxon foundations are now covered by the later Norman structure.  However, some of the remains of a very early Saxon church of St. Pancras are still the present to this day. The foundation of the Cathedral in Canterbury is also associated with the name of St. Augustine. It was an important bishophoric from the very beginning and was expanded and enlarged on several occasions prior to the Norman invasion. Following the Norman conquest a new church was erected. The present structure is a beautiful representation of the English Gothic style. It was erected over a period of the fourteenth through sixteenth centuries and partly in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Canterbury Cathedral was the see of several saintly bishops. Among the most famous are St. Theodore (+~690), St Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury (+ 988), and St. Alphege, the Martyr (+ 1012). From Canterbury we will continue to Folkestone to venerate relics of a saintly Saxon princess, St. Eanswythe, who established a convent after choosing virginity over an opportunity to marry the Northumbrian King. Her relics were translated to the current church in the twelfth century. The relics were re-discovered in nineteenth century and examined in 1980. Experts confirmed the find as St. Eanswythe’s relics because they fit what is known about the saint from her hagiographical account.

Day 5, Friday, September 10, 2010:
We begin our day with a visit to the Hastings Battlefield, place that dramatically altered the flow of English history and put an abrupt end to the development of a unique Anglo-Saxon Church. We will visit the Battle Abbey that was founded by William the Conqueror. Legend relates to us that it was his wish to build a commemorative shrine on the place where his enemies, the Anglo-Saxons, formed a defense line of shields on the battlefield. According to another account, William built the Abbey as a penance imposed on the Normans by Rome because of the tremendous bloodshed in the English kingdom during the conquest. From Hastings we will continue through Sussex and West Sussex to explore a number of important Anglo-Saxon churches. Our first stop will be at St. Botolph’s Church in Hardham. It was built around 1050 and has some of the earliest and most complete frescoes, which date from the beginning of the twelfth century. We will also see some interesting wall paintings in St. Mary’s Church in West Chiltington. While they are not as finely preserved as those in the church in Bosham, it is likely that the same artisans created them. The Church of St. Mary in Sompting has some unique examples of Anglo-Saxon architecture that survive nowhere else. Its Rhenish helmet like roof on the tower distinguishes it as a style that can be traced to the Anglo-Saxon period. A little church of St. John the Baptist is another Anglo-Saxon structure that contains some nicely preserved frescoes from mid-twelfth century. We will end our day with a visit to Holy Trinity Church in Bosham, which has also survived from pre-Conquest times. In fact, it is depicted on the Bayeaux Tapestry as the place where King Harold stopped to pray before leaving for Normandy. Holy Trinity Church is the burial place of King Cnut’s daughter. Legend has it that King Harold is also buried here, inside the church that became a part of the William the Conqueror’s personal estate.

Day 6, Saturday, September 11, 2010:
This morning we will explore the city of Winchester, the old capital of England. The settlement on this place is known from ancient pre-Roman times. It became the Saxon capital in the seventh century. St. Swithun was Bishop of Winchester in the nineth century. Winchester was the capital of Wessex, and then England until the Norman Conquest – after the conquest the capital was moved to London. Alfred is the only English king who would be given popular historical title “the Great”. He is renown for many good deeds on behalf of his people and his religious zeal and dedication. He is buried beside the Cathedral in Winchester. We will explore the sites of Winchester that are associated with him and other saintly figures of the Anglo-Saxon Epoch. After lunch we will travel to Romsey Abbey that was founded by King Edward the Elder in 907. There was a resurgence of the female monasticism during this time and King Edward built this priory for nuns who were members the royalty. His daughter, Princess Aelflaed, becomes the first Abbess of Romsey. Not long after is was built, Marauding Vikings destroyed the Abby, but it was restored in eleventh century and prospered till the dissolution of the monasteries in sixteenth century, under Henry VIII. The present Abbey is almost entirely Norman, although of a very fine style. It has some unique Saxon sculptures that date back to early eleventh century and the iconography shows heavy Byzantine influence. St. Mary’s Church in Breamore is the most important Anglo-Saxon monument in Hampshire. Most likely it was built around 1000 A.D. It does look Romanesque, akin to the European style that would be introduced in England after the Norman Conquest. However, the church clearly predates the invasion. Its architecture is unique because in addition to be Romanesque, it has some interesting architectural features that resemble early Christian architecture of the Continent. In route, and if time will permit us, we may stop by Stonehenge, the mysterious megalithic structure that predates the Egyptian pyramids. The origins and purpose of this curious stone circle are unknown, although many suggestions were given of its origin and purpose. Our last stop for the day will be St Laurence's Church in Bradford-on-Avon. The church is dedicated to St. Laurence and likely was founded by St. Aldhelm in early 700’s. This is one of the very few Saxon Churches that has survived practically intact. As in the case with Chapel of St. Peter-on-the-Wall, it fell out of religious use and, for long time, was maintained for secular purposes, which saved it from later reconstruction and involuntarily preserved its original appearance to a great degree.

Day 7, Sunday, September 12, 2010:
We plan to attend Divine Liturgy in Bath this Sunday morning. After the service we will explore some wonderful city sites, the Roman ruins and ancient Abbey that make Bath a prime tourist destination. During the Roman times the town was known for its baths built near a spring which the Celts still considered sacred. In 577 the settlement fell to the Saxons, who called it Badum and it is from that the present name of the city appeared.  In 675 King Osric founded a monastery in Bath that was greatly extended and rededicated in eighty century under King Offa. Under King Alfred the city was rebuilt anew. In the afternoon we will transfer to Gloucester. Gloucester historically was one of the most important cities, being capital of the Saxon Kingdom of Mercia and one of the largest cities in Medieval England. Here we will visit what is left of St. Oswald chapel that was build in 900 to house the remains of St. Oswald, Saxon King and Martyr, who was killed as a result of treachery. St. Oswald was killed in 642, but by the tenth century his resting place in Lincolnshire was within reach of Viking attacks so his relics were transferred to Gloucester. After the visit to the ruins of St. Oswald’s priory, we will visit the city’s main Cathedral and the museum where some of the carved stone from the priory are on the exhibit.

Day 8, Monday, September 13, 2010:
Today we will explore several historical monuments in Gloucestershire. Our first stop will be at St. James Church in Stoke Orchard. This church is very interesting for its twelfth century frescoes. They are unique in that they extensively tell the life of St. James. They are unlike any composition in Europe and for this reason the church is linked to the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostella (St. James of Compostella) in Spain. The church of St. Mary in Kempley was also built in the twelfth century after Norman times, but some of the interior frescoes that date back to 1130 are among the oldest and best preserved in all of England. From Kempley we will proceed to a little town of Deerhurst where there are two surviving monuments that date to Saxon times. The first is St. Mary’s priory church, built in the ninth and tenth centuries and contemporary with the Carolingian Renaissance. The church bears architectural similarities to churches built during that period on the Continent.  Another Saxon church, built by Earl Odda in 1056, was used as a farmhouse before it historical significance was discovered in mid-nineteenth century. We will finish our day in the university town of Oxford. After some general sightseeing we will venerate the relics of Oxford’s patroness, St. Frideswide (+735), in Christ Church Cathedral. St. Frideswide was a Saxon princess who escaped marriage by enclosing herself in cell, from which a convent eventually grew.   

Day 9, Tuesday, September 14, 2010:
Today we will have a lengthy transfer north to the important historical city of York. On the way we will stop to explore two Saxon monuments. One of them is the All Saints' Church in Brixworth. It is a very fine example of early Anglo-Saxon architecture and was called one of the most important monuments from the seventh century north of Alps. The town was originally founded as a monastery by the Bishop of Mercia, Sexwulf, some time before 675 AD. It was also identified with Clofesho, the site of Anglo-Saxon synods in the eighth and ninth centuries. Another monument is All Saints Church in Earl Barton, just five miles away from Brixworth. It is believed that this church was built in the tenth century. Of the original building only one tower survives. Even so, it is one of the masterpieces of late Anglo-Saxon architecture. 
From here we will travel north to the magnificent city of Lincoln. Most of the ruins here belong to post-Saxon Era; however, evidence of the Saxon structures and Roman settlements can be found in the area. Christian tradition can be firmly traced in Lincoln from the mid-seventh century, when it is mentioned that saintly Bishop Paulinus of York visited one of the town officials. There is debate over whether a Christian community was in this Roman colony as early as fourth century. The main attraction of the city is the gigantic, yet majestic, cathedral whose construction began at the end of the eleventh century. We will spend several hours exploring the city before continuing our way north, making a stop at Barton on Humber, the town known for its Saxon church tower of St. Peter. The structure was given up by the Church of England in 1970’s and was remodeled to be used as a center for medical research. After this brief stop, we will continue to Beverley to venerate the saintly Bishop John. St. John, an Angle Bishop who occupied, at different times, the sees of Hexhman and York. He was granted the gift of wonderworking and many miracles have been attributed to him during his lifetime and after his death. Some years before his repose, St. John retired to Beverly’s monastic foundation which he established.  He stayed there until his death. His relics are entombed in the Minster of Beverly, although they were moved and reburied during the numerous reconstructions that Minster underwent during its history.

Day 10, Wednesday, September 15, 2010:
This morning we will explore another historically important English city. York was founded by the Romans in 71 AD with the name Eboracum, the capital for Britania Inferior. It is here that that the Roman legions proclaimed Constantine the Great as Emperor. After the arrival of the Angles, the settlement was renamed Eoferwic and renamed again as Jorvik after the Viking occupation in 866. The current name of the city appears around year 1000 A.D. York played an important role throughout Anglo-Saxon history, headed by several saintly bishops and kings. York was destroyed on numerous occasions. Despite that, some important historical fragments remain from each era. Of great interest is the recreation of the Viking world, which provides visitors with an experience of that period. From York we will proceed to the Vale of Pickering, famous for its historical churches and abbeys. It is here that St. Cedd founded a monastery in mid-seventh century, known as Lastingham Abbey. From here he continued his mission to the pagan Saxons. Nothing remain from that period at Lastingham. Time permitting: we will stop to explore other churches in the area. We try to stop at St Gregory Minster, Kirkdale. It was rebuilt in 1054 after it was destroyed by marauding Vikings. The original structures dates to 654 and it is likely that the reconstructed church retains much of the austerity and simplicity of the original building. All Saints Church in near-by Appleton-le-Street contains much of its original structure and fine Anglo-Saxon towers. Luckily it escaped major renovation in subsequent centuries and presents an interesting site to visit. From there we will continue through the North Yorkshire Moors to the Whitby Abbey. Some magnificent ruins mark the spot of the abbey that once played a significant role in the history of the Anglo-Saxon Church. Whitby Abbey was founded by the Anglo-Saxon King Oswiu in 657. The monastery was home to two monastic communities – male and female and was headed by Abbess Hilda. While she was still Abbess, a famous council took place at Whitby where churchmen discussed the dates of Pascha, as well as differences in rituals observed in Celtic and Roman tradition. As a result of this council,  the Anglo-Saxon Church universally adopted Roman Paschal and Roman liturgical practice. In 867 the Abbey was sacked by the Vikings and was renewed only under the Norman rule when it was rededicated to St. Peter and St. Hilda, the first abbess of the Monastery.   

Day 11, Thursday, September 16, 2010:
Today we will start with exploration of the city of Durham. It was founded by a group of monks from Lindisfarne in 995 AD, who chose this place to settle with the body of St. Cuthebert, their beloved Abbot and Bishop. St. Cuthebert is one of the most important saints of the Anglo-Saxon Church. He became a monk as a young man and was known through his life for his charity, kindness and monastic austerity. He was elected Bishop of Lindisfrane Abbey and toward the end of his life, he retired to his cell where he led hermetical life until he reposed there soon thereafter. His gift of miracles gained him fame as “Wonderworker of Britain” His relics were saved by the monks and carried with the community after Lindisfarne was sacked by Vikings in 875. The monks traveled extensively trying to find a safe haven to reestablish their community and bury the relics of their beloved abbot. Eventually, they settled at the place that later became the city of Durham. Durham is famous for its Norman cathedral and castle, but for us it is interesting for the possibility of venerating the relics of St. Cuthebert. Some of the precious articles associated with his earthly life are on exhibit in the Cathedral’s museum. Another important saint, St. Bede (+735), famous Church author and first English historian, is buried at the Cathedral in Durham. From Durham we will travel to Wearmouth-Jarrow Abbey, a twin-foundation, where Venerable Bede was a monk for most of his life. The Monastery of St. Peter at Monkwearmouth was founded in 674 by Benedict Biscop. Its more Roman foundation was established in this land that was heavily influenced by the Celtic Christian tradition. About ten years later, Benedict founded another monastery, that of St. Paul at Jarrow, where young Bede would be a monk. These monasteries were very closely associated with each other, and from an early point they were considered inseparable twin-foundation. The monasteries were attacked by Vikings more than once, and finally they were completely destroyed and abandoned in 860. Not until after the Norman Conquest did life return to these Saxon ruins. At the site of the Jarrow Monastery there is an interesting archeological and interactive center which recreates an Anglo-Saxon farm and gives an impression of what monastic properties may have looked liked. We plan to visit the Center’s exhibit of various artifacts founded in the territory of the monastery, including the fragments of the oldest known stained glass window which  dates to the early seventh century.    We will end our day by visiting another precious Saxon remain in a little village of Escomb. Its Saxon church was constructed around 670 and thus was a place of worship for over 13 centuries. Some of the stone came from the ruined Roman fort that was situated in the vicinity. Roman inscriptions in stone can be seen even today.The church still has a consecration cross with typical inscription of the Celtic Church art. It is not known exactly who built the church, but the link from the Escomb Church to the monastic community at Lindisfarne is apparent.

Day 12, Friday, September 17, 2010:
The community was founded on the island by an Irish born monk, St. Aidan, about 635 on the request of the Northumrbian King Oswald, who wanted to have a Christian mission nearby for the sake of enlightening his subjects. Irish Monks settled at Lindisfarne and headed a successful mission to North of England and Mercia. Lindisfarne rose in importance to become the center of spiritual life and learning. In the early seventh century, the  famous illumined manuscript were produced here. They are of incredible quality and artistry. The Miracle-worker St. Cuthbert was a monk here, and later the Abbot and Bishop of Lindisfarne. In 793, peaceful monastic life was interrupted by Viking incursion. In fact, that shocking attack on the monastery is considered to be the beginning of the Viking Age. Though the monastery remained at Lindisfarne for another half a century, life was never the same. Due to the constant threat of  Viking raids, the monks had to leave the Holy Island in 860. The monastery was renewed under the Normans and later extended. Monastic life here came to a halt during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII. We will visit the Holy Island and explore the ruins of the monastic foundation. The tide most likely will trap us on the island for some hours, giving us a chance for quiet time, prayer and reflection. 

Day 13, Saturday, September 18, 2010:
This morning we will transfer to the airport at Edinburgh (or Newcastle) for departure home. Our pilgrimage is over till next time.

Important: the itinerary may be adjusted to satisfy the interests of the group to the best extent possible; i.e. services, rest, additional time spent in the most significant places Accessibility of some of the monuments is also subject to weather conditions and restoration works

Guest Lecturer: Paul Cavill is a lecturer in English and research fellow for the English Place-Name Society for School of English Studies at the University of Nottingham. He is also the author of several books on Anglo-Saxon Christianity. He resides in Leicester, England. 

Director of the tour: Fr. Ilya Gotlinsky, rector of the Dormition Orthodox Church (OCA) in Binghamton, NY. Fr. Ilya holds MA in Church History from St. Vladimir's Seminary in New York and lectured at St. Tikhon's Seminary in Church History. He also leads Christian Pilgrimages and Sacred Art Tours.

 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TOUR:

Financial arrangements:

          The current cost of the trip is about 3000 USD per person, based on double occupancy in a group of 25 people. The surcharge for single accommodations is 650 USD. The price might change based on the actual exchange rate or number of participants, but our hope is that it will remain essentially the same. In any case you'll be informed right away of any possible financial changes or adjustments. The tour will operate with at least 20 participants.   

          Price includes:

·     12 nights at Premier Inns or B/B, all rooms with private bath or shower

·     Full English breakfast daily (on the day of services B. may be substitute by Lunch)

·     9 Dinners and 2 Lunches

·     Entry tickets for the visits as per itinerary

·     Motorcoach with two drivers

·     Service charges and taxes at existing rates

·     Guest lecturer with academic qualifications for presentations

·     Local guides

·     Tips to drivers and guides

Price does NOT include:

·     Insurance*  

·     Air fare**

·     Meals, other than specified

·     Beverages during meals

·     Entrance fees other than specified

·     Personal services (phone calls, room services, laundry, etc.)

·     Payment for extra (optional) tours

·     Anything not specifically mentioned in "Price includes"

* Health/Emergency insurance is mandatory for all participants

** Round trip group Airfare (from NYC) will be offered on the website after November 1, 2009. We are encouraging people to travel together, but you are welcome to take care of your travel arrangements yourself. When making inquiry please indicate what is the most preferable way to travel for you. 

Sign up and Payment:

We would request $500.00 deposit at the time of signing up for the trip. Deposit is non-refundable, unless group is canceled by the organizers. The deadline for signing up and for final payment is May 1, 2010.  All payments should be made by check, US dollar draft or US dollar wire transfer (Bank information will be provided on the request. Bank wire fees are responsibility of the traveler) to the "Palomnik, LLC". Any returned checks are subject to $20 fee.

Special requests:

All special requests, concerns and suggestions must be submitted in writing to Fr. Ilya Gotlinsky no later than the date of the final payment (May 1, 2010).

Cancellation:

In the unlikely event of cancellation, the charges, in addition to the full amount of the deposit are*:

•         No penalties, except air ticket (if issued) over 91 days to departure 

•         50% of the tour cost, 90 to 31 days prior to the departure

•         100% of the tour cost 30 days prior to the departure

          All the cancellations must be in writing and sent directly to agent/coordinator - Fr. llya Gotlinsky, and must be received for reimbursement by the dates shown in the cancellation schedule.

Passport and Visa:

A valid passport is necessary for travel to the UK. The passport must be issued at least three months prior to the departure and must be valid until your return.

Rules on the road:

•         be aware that all medical needs and coverage regarding personal property will be sole responsibility of the traveler;     

•         act in a manner consistent with the surrounding environment;

•         make arrangement to have sufficient funds to cover personal needs and unexpected happenings.

The places that we will be visiting may not have the same amenities that one is accustomed to. It is expected that the traveler will follow the directions of the Tour Director at all times.

          Our tour will operate based on a high pace itinerary.  Please be aware that we will have long days, fair amount of walking and standing, will have several hotel changes. At time when we will try to make you trip as pleasant and relaxing as possible, it still will be quite physically demanding.

The Director reserves the right to restrict a person's participation in the group's activities, including exclusion from the group, when, in the opinion of the Director, such action is appropriate.

Please note:           The Director of the trip (Fr. Ilya Gotlinsky) does not hold any legal responsibilities concerning any of the arrangements. He plays only the role of an agent/coordinator.

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