Wales UK † Community of Saint Celer Plas Geler Pentre Cwrt (Llandysul) 2003-2018

Saint Celer

Wales, United Kingdom, †Mission Community of Saint Celer of Dyfed, 2003-2018

Prehistory

The Mission of Saint Celer in Wales, United Kingdom, must be introduced by referring first to the saint of dedication.

Little is known of the life of Saint Celer, a hermit (and perhaps a martyr) who, in the second half of the 7th century, lived in the woods and caves nearby the healing well in Dyfed, Wales. Although he was not killed for his Christian Faith as likely was another saint of a similar name, his was certainly the “white martyrdom” of a monk. A chapel dedicated to the Mother of God once stood over the well. Only a few stones now remain of this chapel. There are several very old yew trees there as well.

The name “Celer” means “speedy”, or “sent”. It seems that he was, in fact, a Roman soldier who converted to Christianity and who retained his name.

“Celer” is the correct spelling. There are other spellings which are incorrect for various reasons. Some refer to a different saint in North Wales.

People from all over Wales used to walk on pilgrimage to the cell, in order to receive counsel from the holy hermit, to pray, and to seek healing from the waters of the well. This pilgrimage continued after the death of Saint Celer.

In the Middle Ages, and well into the 18th century, a “Saint Celer Fair” was held there from 21 June (date of the repose of the saint) to 29 June (Feast-day of the Apostles Peter and Paul) and it was renowned throughout Wales. Crutches and mementos were left by the well, which testified to healings received.

The mission established, 2003

In 2003, the Priest-monk Vladimir (Lysak), by prayer and the Grace of God, re-established a mission there at Plas Geler, Llandysul, in the southeast of Wales. Thus was revived the active and public veneration of Saint Celer. This was undertaken with the blessing of Archbishop Gabriel of Komana (†2013), of the Archdiocese of Russian Orthodox churches in Western Europe belonging to the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Father Vladimir also had the blessing of his bishop in Canada to do this.

By unstinting efforts, Father Vladimir restored the monastic foundation and place of worship. An iconographer, Father Vladimir painted many icons during his sojourns in Wales, some of which were in the chapel, including the icon of Saint Celer. The icon of Saint Celer, painted by Father Vladimir, is presented at the beginning of this article.

Through the serving of the sacraments, he re-instated the hermitage of Saint Celer as a centre of spiritual and communal worship. During the times when he was resident for several weeks at a time, he served the Divine Liturgy and other services.

Some people came also for spiritual counsel, and several became his spiritual children. At other times, he was resident in Saskatchewan, Canada, where he lives as a solitary monk and where he writes icons. A cleric of the Archdiocese of Canada of The Orthodox Church in America, he also serves in parishes according to the blessing and the need.

After the establishment of the mission, Father Vladimir was elevated to the dignity of igumen.

When Father Vladimir was not present, Daily Matins and Vespers was served in the community in the manner of a reader. Panikhidas and Molebens were read on request. On Sundays and Feast-days, the Typica was read. In addition, the members and others received by e-mail a weekly pre-approved meditation regarding the Sunday and/or Feast-day.

When Father Vladimir was present, the daily services continued, but the Divine Liturgy was served instead of the Typical Psalms (Typica).

On 19 October, 2018, Nicole Crossley-Holland fell asleep in the Lord at home.

Father Vladimir returned to Wales for the funeral obsequies, after which he helped with the settling of Mrs. Crossley-Holland's affairs. However, once all these details had been addressed, the situation also meant that the mission was effectively closed. Father Vladimir did not have the right nor the blessing to remain in Wales. There was no-one remaining to host the mission community, and that community was yet too small to be able to maintain itself (other leadership had not developed beyond Nicole herself). The Faithful of this community had to find other places in which Orthodox Christian missionary activity was developing (it was so doing).

Particular mission details

This mission was part of the Deanery of Great Britain and Ireland of the Exarchate for Orthodox Parishes of the Russian Tradition in Western Europe, of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. The bishop was Archbishop John Renneteau of Chariopoulis.

This mission followed the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of this mission was the Feast of Saint Celer, 21 June.

In 2018, the pastor of the community was the Igumen Vladimir (Lysak).

Location :

The chapel of Saint Celer, in West Wales, was on the site of the Holy Well of Saint Celer. It was in the Village of Pentre Cwrt in Carmarthenshire. It was also not on public property. Therefore, contact before visiting was required.

Address :

Mission Community of Saint Celer of Dyfed

Plas Geler,

Pentre Cwrt

Wales

SA44 5AZ