who we are
We are an Anglican church in the Catholic tradition in the Diocese of Southwark (Church of England). Our congregation is made up of people of all ages and backgrounds, sharing the love of Christ and serving the local community.
We are proud of our reputation as a diverse and inclusive church, and we are committed to being a space where all people are not simply welcomed but delighted in — regardless of age, wealth, education, ethnicity, sexuality, or gender.
We are growing in faith, understanding, and number, as together we consider and join in with what God is doing in and around Avondale Square and South East London.
What We BelieveWe believe that every human being is made in the image and likeness of God, without exception. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Saviour, that he died and rose again for the benefit of all, without exception.
In John 10:10, Jesus said, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." We believe that through worship, prayer, hospitality, study, and living each day in community, we will — with God's help — discern what that abundant life looks like. We believe that the Holy Spirit is continually at work in the Church: awakening us, challenging us, and setting our hearts on fire for God, for creation, and for humanity.
Our Building
The church was built in 1963 as part of the redevelopment of the Avondale Square estate, designed by Nugent Cachemaille-Day, replacing an earlier church lost during World War II.
Inside, the church is clean, bright, and spacious, with angels adorning the ceiling and a captivating reredos painted by John Hayward — a prolific stained glass artist who created nearly 200 windows in churches and cathedrals across Britain. A small, beautifully formed side chapel is available for private prayer or quieter services.
The church also has a rich acoustic, ideal for choral music, and is available to hire for recording purposes.
Our church hall hosts community events and groups throughout the year. It includes a large room with a small stage, a smaller soft-furnished room, a kitchen, and toilets. We welcome bookings for private and community events — get in touch to find out more.
For the history of the church, visit our Wikipedia page.
Meet the Team
-

The Revd Helen Harknett
Vicar
-

The Revd Ivan Ibuno
Assistant Curate
-

Natalia Restrepo
Church Warden
-

Lucy Ohamuo
Church Warden
-

Patricia Reid
Honorary Church Warden
-

John Gardiner
Treasurer
-

Viktoria Swan
Parish Safeguarding Officer
-
Ini Udom
Deanery Synod Member
-

Ann Oliver
Deanery Synod Rep & Hall bookings Officer
-

Beata Ciliakova
PCC Member
-

Sophie George
Safeguarding Officer
-

Marion Johnson
PCC Member
-

Joanne Fox
PCC Member
-

Humberto Galindo
PCC Member
-

Shola Oguntimilehin
PCC Member
-
Daniel Powell
Estate Missioner
-

Caroline Chittock
Estate Missioner & Sacristan
Where to Find Us
St Philip & St Mark’s
Avondale Square
London
SE1 5PD
Vicar: Revd Helen Harknett
Day off: Monday