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

On Saturday, 30th March 2024, Deacon Georgios Athanasopoulos was ordained to the Holy Priesthood at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos and St. Andrew in Birmingham. His Grace Bishop Maximos of Melitene celebrated the Divine Liturgy with numerous vlergy from the Holy Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain. Amongst those concelebrating were the V. Revd Archimandrite Christodoulos Kokliotis, Priest-in-charge, the Revd Protopresbyter Christos Stephanou, the Revd Protopresbyter Theodore Polyviou, the Revd Oeconomos Aimilianos Epameinondas, the Revd Oeconomos Nikolaos Karafyllides and the Revd Presbyter Andreas Minic. Archdeacon Dr. George Tsourous as well as Deacon Gregory Craveiro also served.

During his ordination speech, Fr Georgios shared reflections on his spiritual journey, acknowledging the profound call to the priesthood as a divine gift. He expressed heartfelt gratitude towards God, highlighting the unwavering support and guidance received from His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas and His Grace Bishop Maximos. Fr Georgios also paid tribute to Father Christos Stephanou, his spiritual father, for his paternal love and guidance. Furthermore, he conveyed his deep appreciation for his wife and family, who have been pillars of support and love.

In his address, Bishop Maximos not only extended his hopes for Fr Georgios’ priestly service to profoundly touch the lives of those he meets, thereby affirming the truth of the Gospel, but also imparted words of encouragement and wisdom. He counselled Fr Georgios to face any potential difficulties with courage and to embody simplicity and humility in his priestly ministry.

At the conclusion of the liturgy, Chairman Georgios Georgiou, on behalf of the Parish Council, extended warm greetings to the newly ordained priest and his wife, underscoring the community’s support and joy for this significant milestone.

With the support of Fr. Christodoulos Kokliotis, the Priest-in-charge, and Chairman Georgios Georgiou, the Ladies Committee ‘Panayia Eleousa’ orchestrated a splendid reception in celebration of the ordination. This event not only marked a significant milestone in Fr. Georgios’ spiritual journey but also brought the community together in a shared spirit of joy and festivity.