About Our Church
درباره ی کلیسای ما
Saint Abdias of Susa Iranian
Church History
The history of our church, Saint Abdias of Susa, traces its roots back to the 4th century with the life of Saint Abdias. Born during this period, Saint Abdias served as the bishop of Susa in Iran, and he was also referred to as the "bishop of Persia" by Socrates of Constantinople.
One notable event in the life of Saint Abdias was his refusal to rebuild a Zoroastrian fire temple that he had previously destroyed. This act of defiance was met with severe consequences, as Shah Yazdegerd I, the ruler of Persia at that time, ordered his execution. Saint Abdias, remaining steadfast in his Christian beliefs, chose to face martyrdom rather than compromise his faith.
Centuries later, in 2009, a small Iranian Christian community was formed in Sheffield, United Kingdom, finding its foundation at St Thomas Philadelphia Sheffield. This community embraced the legacy and teachings of Saint Abdias, drawing inspiration from his unwavering faith and commitment to Christ.
As time passed, this community grew in size and strength, eventually taking the step to become a separate entity and establish a new Anglican church. The church aligned itself with the Free Church of England (FCE), an association that shares similar beliefs and practices within the Anglican tradition.
In March 2023, after a year of being an associated congregation, our church achieved a significant milestone by becoming a full member of the Free Church of England. This recognition solidified our place within the wider Anglican community and allowed us to continue the legacy of Saint Abdias, upholding the values of faith, unity, and service to God and others.
Today, as Saint Abdias of Susa Church, we honor the memory of our namesake saint and strive to serve as a beacon of hope, love, and Christian principles in the city of Sheffield and beyond. Guided by our rich history and strengthened by our affiliation with the Free Church of England, we look forward to the future, continuing to spread the message of Christ and making a positive impact on the lives of those we touch.
Keeping
the Faith
The primary mission of Saint Abdias of Susa Church is to assist and empower Farsi-speaking families and individuals, including those who have recently immigrated to Sheffield or other areas of the United Kingdom, in their spiritual journey and growth in faith. Our church warmly welcomes and embraces these diverse members of our community, providing a nurturing and supportive environment where they can deepen their understanding of Christianity and connect with God on a profound level. Through tailored programs, teachings, and pastoral care in the Farsi language, we aim to enrich their faith experiences and foster a strong sense of belonging within the larger Christian community. Our commitment to these families and individuals extends beyond language barriers, as we seek to build meaningful relationships and walk alongside them on their path of spiritual discovery and transformation.
Spiritual
Community
Our spiritual community at Saint Abdias of Susa Church is a vibrant and close-knit family, united by our shared faith and the desire to grow together in our relationship with God. We embrace diversity and welcome people from all walks of life, including Farsi-speaking families and individuals who have recently arrived in Sheffield and the UK. In our community, we find strength in supporting one another through life's challenges and celebrating each other's triumphs and joys. Our gatherings are filled with warmth, love, and a sense of belonging, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Through heartfelt worship, prayer, and study of God's word, we nourish our spirits and deepen our spiritual connection. Our community also extends its caring hand to the broader society, engaging in various outreach activities and initiatives to positively impact the lives of those around us. As we continue to embrace the legacy of Saint Abdias and the teachings of Christ, our spiritual community remains a beacon of hope, love, and inspiration for all who seek to experience the beauty of a life devoted to faith and service.