Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, Manchester

The Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, Manchester (Greek: Ιερός Ναός Ευαγγελισμού της Θεοτόκου) is a Greek Orthodox church in Salford, Greater Manchester. Completed in 1861 in a classical architectural style, it is the oldest purpose-built Greek Orthodox church in England and since 1980, a grade II listed building for its “special architectural or historic interest”. As of 2017 the church provides liturgies on Sundays and acts as a hub for a community of an estimated 2,500 Greek diaspora, particularly Greek Cypriots, British Cypriots and Greek students in Manchester.

A church hall annexe is used for a Greek community school with over 100 pupils studying the culture of Greece, history of Greece and Greek language. The church hall is also used to celebrate events in the calendar of saints and the liturgical year such as Easter, Christmas and other traditions of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Architecture, building and artworks

The church building is located on the Bury New Road (A56) in Broughton, Salford, and was designed by the architects Clegg & Knowles who also designed many of the commercial warehouses in Manchester. The foundation stone for the Church of the Annunciation was laid in 1860 and the building was finally completed a year later in 1861 with a classical basilica. The icons on the iconostasis were painted by Theodoros Vryzakis, a key figure in Greek academic art of the 19th century whose work is also exhibited in the National Art Gallery – Alexandros Soutzos Museum in Athens, Greece. The Pevsner Architectural Guide for Lancashire describes the carving in the church as “uncommonly well done” and the main building as: A demonstration of the wealth of the 19th century Greek community. Elegant, powerful and purposeful, making a great show.