The priest and people of the Anglican parish at Rawreth Essex made an immediate response today to the media coverage of the Russian Submarine disaster. The press indicated that the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas in Murmansk was providing spiritual and physical help to the relatives of the crew. The Rawreth church, which shares the name of Saint Nicholas patron saint of seafarers, wanted the Russian congregation to know of their concern and that they share the grief that those families must be suffering. They also wished to send a token of financial help to the Orthodox Church in Murmansk.

The Parochial Church Council voted an immediate approval of £300.00 to be sent by the quickest means. The Anglican Communion Office suggested that the parish approach the Diocese in Europe to assist them. According to the parish treasurer Richard Boyd, a cheque has been to sent to the diocese for an international money transfer. The diocese will arrange for their colleagues in Moscow to draw down the equivalent in Roubles, and remit this to the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas in Murmansk. The church enclosed a letter from Revd Linda Steward, the parish priest, to be sent to the Priest and congregation at St. Nicholas in Murmansk, assuring them of the prayers of St Nicholas Church.