A Daily Rhythm of Prayer

Prayer is at the heart of life in Maria Skobtsova House. All guests and volunteers are invited to pray in the room we use as a chapel. This can be in solitude or together with others, and when together, this might be in a single language or in several. Volunteers maintain a daily rhythm of prayer in the Taizé tradition. For those with no particular religious inclination, the chapel offers a space for reflection and rest.

“It is a privilege to build on the promise of Psalm 91,1: “He who dwells in the Shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

Maria Skobtsova House Icons

"Look, I am standing at the door, knocking. If one of you hears me calling and opens the door,  I will come in to share their meal, side by side with them." Book of Revelation 3:20

ICONS for Maria Skobtsova House have been written by  volunteer ARTA SKUJA who comes from the small village of Užava in Latvia.

The central icon, Christ Knocking at the Door, together with Theotokos, the God bearer, and Archangel Michael, form a triptych that tells a story of Tenderness, Hope and Safety. The creation of these icons, inspired by the experiences, stories, reflections and life lived alongside the refugees in Calais, is an offering of hope. Words from the book of Revelation come alive - at any time of the day the doorbell can ring at the Calais house. The door is opened, and one encounters sometimes a lone figure, at other times a small group of refugees. By using simple words, they describe their needs: phone charge, shower, wifi, sleep. A stranger is welcomed, offered a place to rest, to pray, to wash clothes, to take a shower. Each evening the table is prepared, the meal is cooked, blessed and shared, side-by-side, among those who have come together.
Arta Skuja

Spiritual Gifts

“Christian love teaches us to give our brother and sister not only material gifts but also spiritual gifts” Maria Skobtsova

Guests praying in front of the Ethiopian / Eritrean Orthodox Christian ‘Selassie’, the Holy Trinity

“The chapel is helpful for us. It’s like bridge with our God. It help us to be faithful in God. Prayer makes everybody strong.”

Matthew 11, v 28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" Drawing, in Tigrinya, by Daniel, Maria Skobtsova house guest.

Friendships

“This house help us to love each other and to have a good relationship with others and we get lovely and supportive friends from this house”

Celebrating Orthodox Christmas in St Joseph’s Church with members of the Eritrean refugee community. Maria Skobtsova House facilitates the celebration of major religious festivals for the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox refugee community in Calais.

Prayer at the Calais roadside: two Eritrean Orthodox Deacons prepare to lead Sunday morning worship.

Prayer at the roadside