The Greek community in Manchester traces its origins to the early 1800s, with many Greeks—particularly from the island of Chios—arriving in the wake of the War of Independence that began in 1821.
In April 1843, a vote established a centre of worship and a church constitution was passed. Between 1843 and 1860 improvised churches were used, but these soon proved insufficient as Greek residents and businesses increased.
Land was acquired in Broughton and, in May 1860, the foundation stone for a dedicated place of worship was laid. Completed in October 1861, the Church of the Annunciation is the oldest purpose-built Greek church in England.
The building’s style is that of a classical basilica—chosen for its simplicity and to reflect the wish of the Greeks to assimilate into the surrounding community.
The interior is of particular historical significance. The iconography of the iconostasis was painted by Theodoros Vryzakis (1814–1878), widely regarded as the first modern Greek painter.
Notably, the composition for our church in 1861 was the only iconostasis arrangement he undertook while also creating the historical works for which he is best known.
The church originally featured a splendid domed ceiling, painted in 1870 by C. D. Duval with a representation of the Pantocrator—considered the most remarkable feature of the building.
Sadly, by 1962 the woodwork had succumbed to dry rot, and the entire roof had to be replaced.
Over the years, the church and its community were served by many priests—most notably Protopresbyter Konstantinos Kallinikos, later honoured with the title “Great Economos” by the Ecumenical Patriarchate,
an honorary doctorate of theology by the University of Athens, and the Order of the Redeemer by King George I of Greece. He served the community from 1904 until his death in 1940.
By the 1960s, the number of Greeks in the area had declined, but the arrival of Greek Cypriots revived the community. Since then, our parish has grown significantly from its humble beginnings.
Today, the community has a church hall connected to the main church, used for parish and community events, including feast days and celebrations in the Orthodox calendar.
The hall also houses the community’s Greek school, with 9 teachers and 110 pupils who learn the Greek language, culture, and history. The hall supports school functions and performances, national holiday celebrations,
and the annual school barbecue—you can even learn Greek dancing.
The church has celebrated its 150th anniversary and continues to serve as the hub of the Greek and Greek Cypriot community in Manchester.
