Inside the stunning hidden gem West Midlands church as Serbian Orthodox Christians celebrate the Nativity of Christ

Stunning images show Orthodox Christians gathering to celebrate their Christmas Day at the first purpose-built Serbian church in the UK. 

The Lazarica Church in Bournville, Birmingham, is regarded as a hidden gem in the city with its colourful paintings based on medieval frescoes.

The beautiful place of worship was constructed for political refugees from Yugoslavia after World War Two and decorated in 14th century Byzantine style using Serbian materials. 

Today (Wednesday, January 7) worshippers gathered to celebrate the Nativity of Christ liturgy. Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7 in accordance with the original Julian calendar.

Serbs became associated with the iconic village after Dame Elizabeth Cadbury sponsored thirteen Serbian refugee children following World War One. 

The Cadbury family offered the land to the late Fr Milenko Zebić and the church was constructed in 1968 with the help of the Bournville Village Trust. 

It is dedicated to the Holy Prince Lazar of Kosovo, whose relics are said to lie in the church foundations. 

The marble for floor and walls, the sandstone columns, the walnut furniture overlaid with beaten copper and the candelabra were all brought from Yugoslavia.

The al-secco paintings, which adorn the walls and ceiling, by the Serbian artist, Dušan Mihajlović, are said to be copies of the best known mediaeval frescoes found in Serbia.

A church spokesperson said: "Lazarica is evidence and a reminder of the strength and power of faith. 

"Those who came to the UK after the Second World War, who lost all their earthly possessions, their friends, family, their homeland and their youth, brought with them their faith and the need to follow the example of Christ, Saint Sava and Saint Lazar. 

"This church is their legacy."