Relics of St. Nicholas of Japan Arrive at English Monastery

The incorruptible relics of St. Nicholas of Japan laid to rest at the monastery cathedral. Photo: orthodoxjapan.jp

EAST SUSSEX — A historic spiritual exchange took place recently as relics of St. Nicholas of Japan – one of the Orthodox Church’s most beloved missionary saints – were gifted to a Russian Orthodox monastery in southern England. 

From May 15 to 26, Abbess Martha of the Holy Martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth and the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia Monastery in Robertsbridge, East Sussex, made a pilgrimage to the Japanese Orthodox Church. Her visit culminated with a blessing from Metropolitan Seraphim of Japan, who bestowed upon her a particle of St. Nicholas’ relics and his Holy Gospel.

This gift marked the fulfillment of a long-standing wish for Mother Martha, who has sought to bring relics of St. Nicholas to her community. She also visited numerous holy sites linked to the saint’s ministry in Japan. 

On May 25, before her return to England, Metropolitan Seraphim further honored her with an abbatial cross during a liturgy at Tokyo’s Resurrection Cathedral.

The monastery in Robertsbridge, established in 2006, was founded on land formerly known as Rocks Farm. Initially formed as a single-nun convent dedicated to Grand Duchess Elizabeth – who had deep personal ties to Britain – the community has expanded both spiritually and culturally. In 2007, the sisterhood received a second patronage in honor of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia. 

Originally intended as a convent, Mother Martha is currently the only nun in the community. Today, it functions as a Hierarchical Metochion and welcomes a diverse congregation with services in Slavonic and English, supported by a growing network of Orthodox faithful and pilgrims from across Europe.

Previously, UOJ reported on the relics of St. Joakim Krčovski being gifted to a Macedonian Orthodox community in Chicago.

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