Wednesday, 19th January 2011, ~ 12.20pm
The Orthodox monks from the St Edwards’ Brotherhood, Brookwood, will once again be visiting Chertsey to bless the waters of the Abbey River as part of their annual celebration of Theophany, the Baptism of Christ. For a number of years the Monks have come to Chertsey for the ceremony which is an appropriate location because it is also the site where Abbot Beocca and Ethor, the Mass Priest, together with approximately 90 brother monks were slain by Vikings when the abbey was sacked and burnt down in 871 AD. Having been killed by the Danes the monks were evidently regarded as martyrs. All are welcome to witness the blessing of the waters and people will gather in Colonel’s Lane near Abbey Bridge Farm usually at about 12.20pm.
Blessing the Abbey River
January 2009
