St John Chrysostom
Victoria Park

The Bishop of Manchester, the Right Reverend Nigel McCulloch visited Victoria Park on 1st November 2007 to celebrate with the people of St Chrysostom's, Manchester the 130^th anniversary of the church.

November 1^st being All Saints' Day, the bishop began his visit with mass for All Saints Day, taking communion to residents in nearby sheltered accommodation after the service. The bishop then met staff and residents at a local hostel for recovering alcoholics, among them, Cliff, a resident who has recently discovered a talent for painting. During the meeting, the bishop (who described Cliff as a 'stunningly talented artist') asked whether one of his works, which features poppies, might be loaned to Saint Chrysostom's for Remembrance Sunday - the first time Cliff's work has been displayed publicly.

The bishop saw evidence of the rich diversity of the community during a brief visit to Manchester Central Mosque, in St Chrysostom's parish.

Community leaders, headteachers, local councillors, university staff and students then joined the church's various congregations for the  Pilgrimage service to celebrate 130 years of church life in Victoria Park. Speaking afterwards, the bishop expressed his delight at the diversity of the those present: 'such a vibrant group of varied people of all ages and backgrounds; such a rich mix!'

Taking part in the service was a recently-formed student choir which sang publicly for the first time at the service. The parish's two church schools, Saint Chrysostom's and St John's CE Primary schools also contributed through art and music.

The Head of St Chrysostom's primary school described the service

Photos from this Run the race Bishop's pilgrimage

as 'a very moving experience'. Nicola, one of the participating school children said: 'it made me feel happy and joyful. It was about all being together: all part of one community.'

The Vicar, the Revd. Ian Gomersall said, 'It was wonderful to see the community so broadly represented through the day, and it has been good to make follow up visits to those places where the bishop visited. The Bishop's visit has strengthened the work we are doing in the community and has already opened new doors for us.'



After the service, worshippers stayed for a reception at the back of the church.

The Revd. Ian Gomersall concluded: 'The Bishop's visit was a joyful celebration of 130 years in the life of this varied and colourful community.'