Welcome to the website of the parish of St Helen with St Martin York

A distinctive feature of this Parish is that it has two churches. St Helen is the Parish Church and St Martin is a Chapel of Ease. Both have regular weekly services. The style of worship in each is different. The parish is at the historic centre of the City. It comprises parts of 3 streets and St Helen’s Square which together form the principal shopping area of York.

Our main services are held on Saturdays at St Helen and Wednesdays at St Martin. The Saturday service includes congregational hymn singing and we are supported by our choral scholars on most occasions. 

We are an inclusive church where everyone is welcome.

Unfortunately the churches are not open every day but it is normal for them to be open on weekdays and on Saturdays. We depend on volunteers and so times are not fixed.  Please phone and check if you are making a special visit.

The information above is correct at 7th March 2025

St Helen's Tenor Choral Scholarship
St Helen's are seeking a Tenor choral scholar for September 2025.  Tenor choral scholar applications will be reviewed and will remain open until the position is filled. For more details click here for the application form.

New in York? Busy on Sundays? Looking for a church? Come to Holy Communion with hymns and music, supported by our 4 choral scholars, at St Helen at midday every Saturday, We will welcome you.

Here is our current  Mission Statement

We exist to reveal Christ through worship and loving service.

Our churches offer Christian hospitality, care and hope.

St Helen’s and St Martin’s are, for everyone, sacred places where worship to God is offered.

St Helen’s is committed to contributing to the life of the city.

St Martin’s promotes peace and reconciliation.

The parish is a registered charity No.1153456

The parish shares a Rector with three adjacent parishes. These are All Saints Pavement, St Denys and St Olave. We collaborate as the York City Centre Churches group and our shared vision is to work together to serve all the people of our parishes whether residents, visitors or students and to be part of the life of the city and beyond. The four parishes have a magazine pub;ished at the beginning of the month called "Touchbase". This magazine can be found on our joint website: York City Centre Churches group

Donations. Our overheads and expenses continue but our income has reduced since the Covid-19 pandemic. Please support the parish and its work. More information on how to do this is on our GIVING page.

Safeguarding  The parish Safeguarding policy is fully compliant with Church of England national policy. It is reviewed annually by the PCC. Full details are on the SAFEGUARDING page.