A PARISH is trying to raise £200,000 to bring a church back to life.

St Helen’s Chapel in Maidenburgh Street, Colchester, has been home to the Orthodox parish for eighteen years.

It has always been too small for the numbers attending, and now the parish has launched an appeal to raise funds to buy St Martin’s Church in

West Stockwell Street.

St Martin’s Church is an important part of Colchester’s medieval heritage. Sadly, it has been underused since the parish it once served was merged with its neighbours in 1953.

Since then it has been home to Colchester Theatre Group for 30 years, and has been used as an arts venue.

The church, which has been closed to the public for some time recently, is now looked after by the Churches Conservation Trust.

The Trust has allowed the parish to raise funds to buy it.

The £200,000 will pay for the purchase the building, plus heating installations, security and other facilities.

The parish understood it is a lot of money, though they said it is only half the cost of an average house in the town.

Father Alexander Haig, Parish Priest since 1996, says a total of £42,000 has already been received.

He hopes the majority of the final total can be found as soon as possible, as the Churches Conservation Trust is not committed to the parish until 80 per cent of the money is found.

He said: “We have been asking to take on this ancient, beautiful but little-used church for an incredible 25 years, and at last have reached agreement with the authorities.

"Now it depends on us – and God.

“We are grateful to all who wish us well and will certainly remember all benefactors in our prayers.”

A Facebook page and a website have been set up, which explain more about the project and offer details on how to donate to the cause.

Visit orthodoxcolchesterappeal.org.uk.

Those wanting to donate cash or cheques can visit the Maidenburgh Street chapel directly.

Bank transfers can be made by calling 01206 530 530 or emailing the appeal treasurer, Nick Taylor, at st.helen@taylorrushby.com.