The first Divine Liturgy of the newly established parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) has been celebrated in Gibraltar, marking an important milestone for the Orthodox community on the Rock.

According to the Diocese of Spain and Portugal, the service took place in the Cathedral of St. Mary the Crowned, where the Orthodox faithful are currently offered a temporary worship space. The liturgy was led by Hieromonk Theodor (Stenway), joined by Priest Pavel Golinsky from the parish of St. Nicholas in Basel and several visiting clergy.

A highlight of the event was the presence of the wonder-working Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God “of the Sign”, one of the most venerated relics of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad. The icon was brought from the Netherlands as part of its eight-week pilgrimage across Western Europe, visiting more than 40 parishes in 11 countries.

Following the service, parishioners gathered to discuss plans for the further development of the community and the strengthening of Orthodox life in Gibraltar.

The Gibraltar Chronicle reported that the arrival of the icon was a significant spiritual event for Orthodox believers in Gibraltar and neighboring regions of Spain.

The Orthodox community in Gibraltar began to take shape in 2023, bringing together believers of various nationalities — including Russians, Ukrainians, Serbs, Spaniards, and local residents. At present, services are held approximately once a month, with hopes of establishing a permanent place of worship in the future.