Our mission is to give a warm, friendly welcome to people of all nations and backgrounds. This is the official page for St. George's Anglican Church located in Taormina, Sicily (Italy). We are a community of prayer, meeting God in thanksgiving for our joys and blessings, to share our needs and concerns and to seek direction in our lives. In times of confusion, sadness or distress, it can
be particularly comforting to share your prayer needs and requests with others who will pray with you and for you. To make a prayer request please phone +39 0942 23859 and speak to the Locum Chaplain.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them” Matthew 18:20
“Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity” Psalm 133:
WORSHIP AT ST. GEORGE’S, TAORMINA
Sundays
The Holy Eucharist is celebrated at St. George’s every Sunday at 11.00 a.m. All services are in English. George’s is strongly committed to ecumenical work and welcomes all to attend, regardless of denomination. Other Services
Services are also held on some principal holy days, especially during Lent and Holy Week. Times for special services will be published on the calendar and on the notice boards at the church. George’s is a chaplaincy of the Church of England’s Diocese in Europe, and all worship is conducted according to the provisions of Common Worship. Wedding Blessings
St. George’s provides a beautiful setting for wedding blessings and the renewal of marriage vows. Those seeking a wedding blessing must be legally married prior to the service either at home before coming, or by the civil authorities in Taormina. Wedding blessing services are generally conducted by the Locum Chaplain. For further information, including details on arrangements and costs, contact the Church Secretary. Bible Study
There is usually a Bible Study group on the third Wednesday of every month. Please see the notice boards for further information. George’s Church does not have a permanent Chaplain but it is served by locum priests who come on a voluntary basis, at their own expense, and stay for a period of 1 – 3 months. We have had a wide variety of wonderful priests who have come from many parts of Europe and as far away as America, Australia and New Zealand. Donations
St. George’s is completely self-supporting and relies for its continuation on gifts from members, visitors and others. All donations are very welcome and go towards the ministry of this church and to its upkeep. Please contact the Treasurer, Sylvia Moschella for information on making a donation. Grateful thanks go to all friends of the church and supporters of St. George’s past, present and future. BRIEF HISTORY OF ST. GEORGE’S
From the 17th century onwards, a great interest developed in Northern Europe for the art and history of the Greek and Roman eras. This brought numerous foreigners to visit Sicily, amongst whom several English families who then settled on the island, choosing it as their adopted country. They were active in diverse fields – for example, the wine trade, the processing of agricultural produce, the sulphur mines and archeological research. Many of them settled on the western side of the island. In 1799, the King of the Two Sicilies, Ferdinand IV, gifted the Duchy of Bronte to Admiral Nelson in gratitude for his help in the evacuation from Naples, threatened by Napoleonic troops. The duchy became the home of Nelson’s heirs until the 1950’s. In 1910, the V Duke of Bronte built the “Villa Falconara” in Taormina and was also instrumental in the founding of St. George’s. At that time, many wealthy foreigners spent the winter months in Sicily, and Taormina had a large community that created a lively atmosphere. One English family who earned themselves a place in the rich history of Taormina was the family of Sir Edward and Lady F***y Hill. He was the owner of an estate known as the Castle of Santa Caterina, which included a small chapel. Previously, church services for the English speaking community had been held in private homes, but Sir Edward offered the use of the chapel. When it became too small, he offered to buy a piece of land to build a church. The architect was his son-in-law, Harry Inigo Triggs, and the church was completed in 1922. The first churchwardens were Sir Edward’s daughter Mabel and Alexander, V Duke of Bronte. Mabel is still spoken of today as a benefactress to the town. She set up a school of embroidery for the young women of the town, so that they might make a modest living for themselves. She was also instrumental in the establishment of a Salesian community in Taormina, dedicated to helping young boys, which opened in 1911. The original building, donated by her, was named St. George in her honour. The small apartment adjacent to the church, to accommodate the Chaplain and his wife, was built in the mid-1980’s. For additional information on St. George’s Church, see our web page. https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/19604/
