Accessibility
Accessibility information to help you prepare for your visit.
You are welcome here.
At St Barbara’s, we want everyone to be able to take part in the worship and life of our parish. Here is the practical accessibility information to help you plan your visit.
At a glance
The essentials before you arrive.
- At the entrance
- Small step; portable ramp available.
- Once inside
- Step-free once indoors.
- Toilet access
- Mobile toilet at rear; access is via uneven ground and may not be suitable for all wheelchair users.
- Hearing
- The church is small, with good natural acoustics, so voices are generally heard clearly throughout. There is no induction loop installed.
Entering & Moving Around
- Entrance
- There is a small step at the main entrance, but a portable ramp is stored inside and can be set up immediately upon arrival.
- Inside the Church
- Once inside, both the church and refectory are on one level and completely step-free. Distances inside are short and easy to navigate.
- Wheelchairs & Mobility Aids
- Wheelchairs and mobility aids are fully welcome inside the church and refectory. Please let us know if you would like assistance finding a comfortable spot during services.
- Toilet Facilities
- Our church is a historic Grade II listed building without permanent indoor toilets. A mobile unit is located at the rear, but please note the path involves uneven ground and limited accessibility.
Parking & Arrival
Parking is permitted along the main avenues throughout Overleigh Cemetery.
To maintain access to the church building and ensure vehicles can pass along the tight avenues, please observe the following guidelines:
Church Entrances
Please keep the space immediately outside the church doors entirely clear. A maximum of four cars may park along the main approach avenue leading up to the church tower porch.
The Cenotaph
No parking is permitted around the central cenotaph at any time.
Cemetery Avenues
Visitors are encouraged to park along the network of avenues located on the far side of the church building. Because all cemetery roads are narrow, please be mindful to leave a sufficient gap so that other vehicles can safely pass.
During Services
Please participate in the service in the way that is comfortable and possible for you.
Standing & Sitting
Orthodox worship is traditionally active, with periods of standing as a posture of prayer and reverence. However, please feel free to sit whenever you need to. There is no need to feel self-conscious.
Assistance & Sacraments
If you need assistance during the service or when approaching for a blessing, please speak to a member of the parish. Please note that while Holy Communion is reserved for prepared members of the Orthodox Church, all visitors are warmly invited to receive a blessing and the blessed bread (antidoron) at the end of the Divine Liturgy.
First-Time Visitors
If you are visiting an Orthodox church for the first time, you are not expected to know every custom or chant. Simply enter into the reverence of the Liturgy, pray with us, and feel welcome in our parish family.
Hearing & Sound
Our church is very small, and services are held without electronic amplification. Due to the intimate size of the church, the priest, chanters, and readings carry naturally and can normally be heard clearly throughout the space. We do not currently have an induction loop system.
Children & Families
Children are a vital, living part of our worship and parish family, their presence and voices are always welcome in the Divine Liturgy. If your child needs additional space, movement, or support during a service, please do not feel anxious or embarrassed. If your family or child has specific accessibility needs, please feel free to reach out before your visit.