The Deanery's roots go back to the days of Anthony Bloom, Metropolitan of Sourozh. From 1958 until his passing away in 2003, Metropolitan Anthony led a vibrant diocese of Russian émigrés and British converts to Orthodoxy, as well as people from other Orthodox backgrounds, following the principles put forth by the 1917-18 Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church. Through the liturgical services, pastoral care, homilies, radio broadcasts to Soviet Russia, regular talks and ecumenical work of his Diocese, Metropolitan Anthony was a leading figure of Orthodoxy in Britain in the 20th century, with a reach far beyond the shores of this country. His legacy is kept alive by the Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh Foundation.