On Sunday, 7th April 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain presided over Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God, Wood Green in North London. Among those concelebrating were the Revd Presbyters Petros Georgiou and Andreas Minic, with the Revd Archdeacon Dr George Tsourous also serving.

Following the Liturgy, His Eminence Nikitas presided over the Doxology (Te Deum) in commemoration of Greek Independence Day (March 25th) and in honor of those who sacrificed their lives for freedom in Cyprus (1st April) between 1955 and 1959. Also in attendance at the Divine Liturgy were the newly appointed High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, His Excellency Kyriacos Kouros, who delivered his inaugural speech. Representatives from the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic, along with members of their respective diplomatic corps and military attachés, were also present. Notable attendees included Pambos Charalambous MP, President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, and Trustee of the Archdiocese Christos Karaolis, as well as several Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

On the Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross, 7th April 2024, His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Archangel Michael in Golders Green, London. His Grace conveyed His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas’s paternal wishes and blessings, as we continue our lenten journey towards Pascha. Bishop Iakovos stressed the importance of repentance, of our participation in the daily lenten services of the Church and of the sacrament of confession for our spiritual growth, within the context of the lenten fast. His Grace also thanked the priest-in-charge, V.Rev. Archimandrite Vissarion Kokliotis, as well as the presidents of the ecclesiastical council and ladies auxiliary committee for their tireless efforts and recent ministries. Fr Vissarion Kokliotis concelebrated at the Hierarchical Liturgy and Deacon Gregory Florides served and preached the sermon in Greek and English.

On Sunday of St Gregory Palamas, 31st March 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain presided over Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St Eleftherios in Leyton. The service was co-celebrated by the V. Revd Archimandrite Philotheos Mavrakis, Priest-in-charge, and the Revd Presbyter Andreas Minic, with the Revd Archdeacon George Tsourous also serving.

During his visit, the Archbishop delivered a sermon stressing the point that the Gospel passage answers the question – ‘Who is Jesus’. He elucidated that the reading provides a compelling answer, affirming Jesus as capable of healing the entire person, both body and soul. He is perfect God and perfect man.

Following the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the community came together in the Community Hall for a meal prepared by the parishioners themselves, further enriching the day’s celebrations with a spirit of communal joy and fellowship.

Photo credit: Alexios Gennaris