PRESS RELEASE
We are pleased to announce the following:
– His Grace Bishop-elect Raphael of Ilion will be ordained on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, (Matins: 9:00 AM) at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Panteleimon and St. Paraskevi in Harrow, London.
– His Grace Bishop-elect Iakovos of Claudiopolis will be ordained on Thursday, March 11, 2021, (Matins: 9:00 AM) at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Divine Wisdom in Bayswater, London.
On Sunday, 15th September 2024, the Feast of St. Nikitas the Great-Martyr, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain presided over Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Church of St. Nicholas in Shepherd’s Bush, London, marking his patronal feast.
Concelebrating with the Archbishop were Their Eminences Metropolitan Iakovos of Ireland and Metropolitan Nikodemos of Nigeria, Their Graces Bishop Maximos of Melitene, Bishop Raphael of Ilion, and Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis. Metropolitan Athanasios of Koloneia prayerfully attended.
Among the clergy serving were the V. Revd Archimandrite Nephon Tsimalis, Protosyncellus, the Revd Protopresbyter Michael Kouremetis, and the Revd Presbyter George Tsiappourdhi. The Revd Archdeacon Dr George Tsourous and the Revd Deacons Gregory-Palama Florides, Gregory Craveiro, and Georgios Ntallas also served.
In attendance were MP Bambos Charalambous, His Excellency Yannis Tsaousis, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic, and His Excellency Dr Kyriacos Kouros, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, accompanied by members of their diplomatic corps. Several Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and hundreds of faithful filled the church.
Just before the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Nikitas performed the 40-day blessing for the newborn child of Deacon Georgios and Evangellia Ntallas, Nikolas, a deeply moving moment that touched all those present.
Following the Liturgy, His Eminence blessed the Festal Loaves and kollyva in honour of St. Nikitas. A warm reception in the community hall provided an opportunity for fellowship, where the Archbishop was greeted with heartfelt nameday wishes.
During the meal, Archon Panikos Herodotou delivered a moving tribute to the Archbishop. Mr Kevin Wang and Mr Aristotle Vainikos, co-ordinators of the Christian Orthodox Thyateira Youth (COTY) also conveyed greetings and flowers on behalf of the Archdiocese’s youth ministry, while the students of St. Nicholas Sunday School extended their own well-wishes, embodying the spirit and future of the community.
In response, Archbishop Nikitas expressed his deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, commending the congregation for the simplicity, prayerfulness, and humility that made the day’s celebration so special. He concluded by wishing that St. Nikitas bless and protect everyone present, offering his continued prayers for the spiritual prosperity of those present.
On Sunday 8th September 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain presided at Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Mother of God, Camberwell, on the feast day of the community. The V. Rev. Archimandrite Christodoulos Persopoulos, Priest-in-charge, concelebrated the Divine Liturgy and Deacon Gregory Florides also served. HE Christos Goulas, Consul of the Hellenic Republic and Mrs Maria Loi of the Cypriot Educational Mission in the United Kingdom graciously attended the community’s festival. The hierarchical Divine Liturgy was followed by a warm reception in the community hall, where His Eminence had the opportunity to bless and meet the faithful congregation.
With the blessings of and at the directive of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the Mother Church of Constantinople has launched a new ministry – The Office to Combat Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery. The following describes the role, structure and mission of the new ministry.
1. Central Coordination Hub:
The office will act as the central point of coordination for all activities related to combating human trafficking and modern slavery. This will include gathering and disseminating information, issuing public statements, and organizing meetings, seminars, conferences, and other related activities. By centralizing these efforts, the office will ensure that the Church’s response is cohesive, informed, and impactful.
2. Educational Resource Center:
The office will serve as a resource center for educating clergy, laity, and the broader community about the realities of human trafficking and modern slavery. It will develop and distribute educational materials, host workshops, and provide training to ensure that clergy are well-informed and prepared to address these issues in their ministries. This will empower clergy to actively participate in discussions and initiatives at local, national, and international levels.
3. Monthly Online Seminars:
To maintain ongoing engagement and education, the office will host a monthly online seminar. These seminars will be designed to inform clergy and lay leaders across the globe about the latest developments in the fight against human trafficking and modern slavery, share best practices, and highlight the Church’s ongoing work in this area. This regular communication will foster a global network of informed and engaged clergy who are equipped to lead efforts in their communities.
4. Development and Dissemination of Educational Resources:
The office will be responsible for the development, publication, and dissemination of an educational resource book, currently being prepared by the Joint Committee of the Patriarchate and the Church of Greece. This book will serve as a vital tool for clergy and educators, offering theological reflections, practical guidance, and case studies on how to address human trafficking and modern slavery within the context of Orthodox Christian teaching.
5. Network of Experts and Representatives:
The office will compile and maintain a comprehensive list of Orthodox clergy, scholars, and NGOs who are knowledgeable about human trafficking and modern slavery. This network of experts will be available to speak at conferences, represent the Patriarchate at international forums, and provide guidance on policy and advocacy initiatives. By establishing this network, the Church will ensure that it has a strong and credible voice in the global dialogue on these issues.
Location and Oversight:
The office will be based in London, operating under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain and under the direct supervision of His Eminence, Archbishop Nikitas. London, as a global hub, offers strategic advantages for networking, advocacy, and collaboration with other organizations and government bodies involved in combating human trafficking. Its location provides easy access to European and international institutions, further enhancing the Church’s capacity to influence policy and drive meaningful change. The establishment of an office dedicated to combating human trafficking and modern slavery within the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain is not only a necessary step in fulfilling our Christian duty to protect the vulnerable but also a strategic move to position the Orthodox Church as a leader in this global fight. Through coordinated efforts, educational initiatives, and active participation in the global dialogue, this office will enable the Church to make a meaningful impact in the struggle against these modern forms of slavery.
On Thursday, 15th August 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas presided over Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Wood Green. He was joined by His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Ireland and His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis. Among those concelebrating were the V. Revd Archimandrite Nephon Tsimallis, Protosyngellus, the Revd Protopresbyter Panayiotis Dik, the Revd Oeconomos Nikolaos Kokkinos and the Revd Presbyter Petros Georgiou. Archdeacon Dr George Tsourous, Deacon Gregory Florides and Deacon Georgios Ntallas also served.
Distinguished guests in attendance included H.E the Hon. Mrs Iphigenia Kanara, Deputy Head of Mission and H.E. the Hon. Mr Christos Gkoulas, Head of the Consular Section, from the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic, Ms Melivia Demetriou, Political Counsellor of the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus, and Pambos Charalambou, MP for Enfield, alongside Counsellor Eddie Griffith, former Mayor of Haringey and Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate The Archbishop delivered a sermon emphasising the importance of the Dormition of the Mother of God, who embraced God through her unwavering obedience, urging the great number of faithful in attendance to follow the example of the Theotokos in their lives.
At the conclusion of the Liturgy, His Eminence bestowed the Offikion of Oeconomos upon the Revd Presbyter Petros Georgiou, in recognition of his dedicated service, unwavering commitment to the Church, and pastoral care within the community.
Following the end of the Liturgy, His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis extended a warm welcome to His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas and also His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of the newly-established Metropolis of Ireland who visited London and expressed gratitude to all who labour for the good of the Church and the community in Wood Green.
The Community at Wood Green celebrated its annual Greek festival, introducing and celebrating with the local residents Hellenic culture, food, and music. Various stands were set up, offering traditional Greek Cypriot delicacies and products from Greece, Cyprus, and other Orthodox countries, providing an opportunity for attendees to interact and enjoy fellowship.
Photo courtesy: Alexios Gennaris
On Saturday, 10th August 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain made his inaugural pastoral visit to the Church of the Holy Transfiguration in Great Walsingham. The Revd Presbyter Christopher Knight, Priest-in-Charge, and the congregation warmly welcomed His Eminence, who was accompanied by Archdeacon George Tsourous.
Before Vespers that evening, Fr Christopher took the Archbishop on a memorable tour of Walsingham’s sacred sites. Their journey included a visit to the revered Anglican Shrine of Our Lady, which also includes the Orthodox Chapel of the Theotokos the Life-giving Spring, a symbol of the village’s rich spiritual heritage. They also stopped at the Slipper Chapel, where, in medieval times, pilgrims would remove their shoes before continuing barefoot to the Holy House. Their pilgrimage through history continued with a visit to the Orthodox Chapel of St Seraphim, culminating in a tour of the Icon Heritage Museum.
The following day, Sunday 11th August, His Eminence celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Holy Transfiguration. Celebrating with His Eminence were the Revd Protopresbyter Patrick Hodson, the Revd Presbyter Christopher Knight, the Revd Presbyter Constantine Litvinenko and Archdeacon George. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence tonsured Mr Stephen Riley-Elliott as a Reader.
As is the tradition of the Feast of the Transfiguration, His Eminence blessed the grapes and other fruits, as the congregation thanked God for the abundance of His mercy.
The community hosted a hospitable reception for His Eminence, the clergy, and the faithful who gathered that day. During this time, His Eminence engaged with attendees, offering the opportunity to ask questions about the Faith and the ministries of the Archdiocese and Orthodoxy in the UK.
