Orkney Episcopal

Category: Pilgrimage

  • Procession with relics of St Olaf

    Procession with relics of St Olaf

    Our church is dedicated to St Olaf, who was King of Norway from 1015-1028 and died at the Battle of Stiklestad on 29th July, 1030.

    During Lent last year (2020), the Orthodox Church in Norway made a four day procession with the relics of St Olaf. The first three days of the procession took place in Trondheim and included prayers at Nidaros Cathedral. which was built over St Olaf’s burial site. On the fourth day, the procession followed the pilgrimage route from Trondheim to Stiklestad and back. At each stage of the procession, prayers were said, asking God’s protection from the coronavirus pandemic.

    This year, on 21st March, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the site of the church that was the original resting place of St Olaf’s relics. It was the first time in almost 1000 years that this event took place.

  • St Magnus Way Pilgrimage

    Last week Bishop Anne Dyer led a pilgrimage along the St Magnus Way

    A core group of seven pilgrims were joined by others on some days. The morning started with devotions at the starting point of the walk for that day. As well as lots of conversation while walking there was also plenty of time to contemplate the theme of that section, be it Peace, Loss or Forgiveness etc. Bishop Anne was also asked to bless the loo at Fursbreck Pottery as it has been refurbished and themed on the St Magnus Way and is available to those walking the route. On the last day the weary pilgrims were greeted by a crowd gathered at the Old St Olaf’s Church door and we all walked together to St Magnus Cathedral for a closing act of worship and very welcome refreshments.

    [Photographs taken at the end of the pilgrimage can be seen here. Many thanks to Bryan Leslie for allowing these to be shared.]

  • Walk of Witness 2021

    For many years, the Kirkwall Council of Churches has organised a Walk of Witness on Good Friday.  Beginning at our own church – St Olaf’s – we carry a cross and walk a route that takes us to each of the member churches in the town.  There’s a short service or time for reflection in each church, and we appreciate the opportunity to share with each other in our different styles of worship.  As we walk together, our denominational differences are forgotten and we are united in remembering that Christ died for us:

    “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

    In 2020, the pandemic brought us into a lockdown situation and our churches were closed.  But we still wanted to mark this important season in the Church year.  So, like many others, we decided to go online.

    This year, 2021, we find ourselves in a similar situation.  Even though some churches are able to meet in person, the severe restrictions on numbers and other considerations made us decide to take our Walk of Witness online once again.

    Follow the videos below to take that walk with us.

    St Olaf’s Scottish Episcopal Church

    East Church

    Peedie Kirk URC

    Kirkwall Baptist Church

    Our Lady and St Joseph

    Salvation Army

    St Magnus Cathedral

    Life Church

  • St Magnus Way

    St Olaf’s members Pirjo and Stuart Little are trustees of the St Magnus Way and Stuart is currently its Chairperson.

    The St Magnus Way is a 58 mile long pilgrimage walk opened in 2017 as part of the celebrations of the 900 years since the martyrdom of St Magnus, Orkney’s patron saint. The walk starts on the island of Egilsay but is mostly on Orkney Mainland. It is based on what is known of Magnus’ life, death and the subsequent building of a cathedral in his name following on from his canonisation in 1136. The shrine to St Magnus was a pilgrimage destination drawing pilgrims to Orkney for many years. The website and app give clear instructions on the way-marked route which is varied in its scenery and walking conditions. Some of the route is on paths and road but most is over open country and some sections need sturdy footwear. The website and app are full of photos and information on the story of St Magnus and the places along the way. For those wanting a reflective experience there are audio and written materials based on themes inspired by the life of Magnus such as peace, forgiveness and growth with questions to ponder as you walk.

    www.stmagnusway.com