On Sunday, 2nd June 2024, Sunday of the Samaritan Woman, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Parish of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Holborn, London. Among those concelebrating were the Revd Archpriest Stéphane Maikovsky, Priest-in-Charge, the Revd Presbyter Ian Page, and the Revd Presbyter Stefan Strekopytov, who is the current, interim Priest-in-Charge during Fr Maikovsky’s sabbatical year. The Revd Archdeacon George Tsourous, along with Revd Deacons Eugene Gafton and the newly ordained Deacon John Brydges, also served.

At the end of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, the Archbishop honoured Anne-Marie de Visser, the previous Choirmistress, for her dedicated service to the community and the choir by awarding her the Cross Medal of the Archdiocese.

Following the Liturgy, the community hosted a warm reception in honour of the Archbishop. The event featured homemade dishes provided by members of the community from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

The Archbishop greatly appreciated this visit and took the opportunity to solemnly engage with and extend his blessings to the parishioners of Holborn.

On 23rd May 2024, the Buddhist Society marked its 100th anniversary at the Guildhall of the City of London Corporation. The Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain was represented by Revd Presbyter Andreas Minic, Ecumenical and Inter-religious Officer of the Archdiocese. In attendance were the Ambassador of Nepal and representatives of the Lord Mayor of London. Guests enjoyed live performances of Japanese and Tibetan music and listened to a reflection on the Buddhist Society’s centennial by its president, Dr. Desmond Biddulph. The Archdiocese reaffirmed its deep commitment to dialogue and broader engagement within UK society.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Office of Thibet

On Sunday 26th May 2024, His Grace Bishop Maximos of Melitene celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St Andrew the Apostle in Egham. The V. Revd Archimandrite Grigorios Laurenzano concelebrated with His Grace and the Revd Archdeacon George Tsourous also served.

At the end of Matins, His Grace tonsured Georgios Sarafidis, Charalampos Sarafidis and Neophytos Ferekkides as Readers.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Bishop Maximos bestowed the Office of Confessor to the V. Revd Archimandrite Grigorios Laurenzano, recognising his dedicated pastoral work and authorising him to offer spiritual guidance as a confessor.

Afterwards, the community warmly welcomed Bishop Maximos at a reception outside the Church, where the faithful had the opportunity to meet and interact with him.

His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Ireland was enthroned by His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, representative of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, on Saturday, 18th May 2024. The ceremony took place at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation of the Mother of God in Dublin, Ireland. Among the attendees were His Eminence Metropolitan Athanasios of Colognia and His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis. The event also welcomed distinguished guests including His Eminence Dermot Farrell, Catholic Archbishop of Dublin; H. E. Mrs. Magdalini Nicolaou, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic in Ireland; H.E. Mrs. Vanya Andreeva-Malakova, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Ireland; and H.E. Mrs. Larisa Miculet, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Ireland. Other notable dignitaries and numerous Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate from Canada, Greece, and the UK were also present.

On Sunday 19th May 2024, John Brydges was ordained to the Holy Diaconate at the Church of Ss Constantine and Helen in Croydon, South London. His Grace Bishop Maximos of Melitene presided over Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy joined by Revd Oeconomos Georgios Christidis, Priest-in-charge of the Parish. The Revd Deacon Georgios Ntallas also served. In a heartfelt ordination speech, the newly ordained deacon expressed profound gratitude towards God, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas, His Grace Bishop Maximos, his spiritual Fr Georgios Christidis, and numerous mentors and community members who have guided his spiritual journey. Deacon John reflected on the unexpected paths that led him to the diaconate, celebrating the support and instruction received from church leaders, fellow clergy, and his parish community.

He acknowledged the crucial role of his family, particularly his wife, whose support and partnership have been essential in his spiritual and personal life. The deacon reminisced about the influence of his and his wife’s parents, who instilled in him values of selflessness and faith.

Deacon John’s commitment to serving God was evident as he spoke about his eagerness to learn and uphold the divine services, under the guidance of His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas. He closed his speech with a prayer, hoping his ministry would be pleasing to Christ and beneficial to all, driven by faith, hope, and love.

In his heartfelt response to the newly ordained deacon, Bishop Maximos emphasised that service to the Church is a profound sacrifice made for the people of God. He offered paternal advice, encouraging the deacon to trust in God and maintain faith through any challenges that may arise. Bishop Maximos urged the deacon to always pray, retain his strength, and approach his new ministry with joy and happiness. He highlighted the importance of loving and ministering to the people of God with kindness, politeness, and discretion. Bishop Maximos also reminded the deacon to embrace his role wholeheartedly, serving wherever the Church may need him, embodying the spirit of true servanthood in his every action.

In a jubilant atmosphere, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain presided over the Service of the Resurrection and celebrated the Paschal Divine Liturgy at the Church of St Andrew in Kentish Town, London. His Eminence was accompanied by the V. Revd Archimandrite Chrysostomos Michaelides and the Revd Oeconomos Father Kristian Akselberg, who is the Priest-in-Charge. The service was further graced by the presence of the Revd Archdeacon George Tsourous, along with Revd Deacons Dimitrios Mamouchas and Georgios Ntallas, who also served during the service.

This venerable celebration marked the climax of Holy Week, convening the people of God to participate in the triumphant proclamation of Christ’s Resurrection. As the clock neared midnight, His Eminence, bearing the Holy Light, intoned the joyous declaration, “Christ is Risen,” filling the hearts of all present with reverence and jubilation. The “Feast of Feasts,” was attended by dignitaries including the Consul of the Hellenic Republic, His Excellency Christos Goulas, among other esteemed guests.

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, 5 more graduates of the 7^th Season of the Archdiocesan Discover Orthodoxy Class were baptized by the V. Rev Archimandrite Nephon Tsimalis, Protosyncellus, on St. Thomas Sunday, 12th May 2024, at the Holy Church of St. Nektarios the Wonder-Worker in Battersea, London. Among those assisting, was the Rev. Protopresbyter Christodoulos Christodoulou, priest-in-charge of the most hospitable parish. Following the sacred service, the newly-illumined Orthodox Christians received the Holy Eucharist for the first time. The 7^th Season of online catechism has offered the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain nearly 100 new adherents.

The 8^th Season of Discover Orthodoxy: A Journey to Fullness, online catechism class will begin on 10^th September 2024. To register, please email: Archdiocesanprivateoffice@gmail.com.

On Palm Sunday, 28th April 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain presided over the Service of the Bridegroom, marking the second stop on his pastoral visit to the parishes in Scotland. He was accompanied by His Grace Bishop Raphael of Ilion. The choirs beautifully rendered the hymns of the Bridegroom service, enhancing the solemn atmosphere. Following the service, Archbishop Nikitas took the opportunity to engage with the congregation and the clergy of the Parish of St Andrew in Edinburgh.

On Holy Friday, 3rd May 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain presided over Matins and the Service of Holy Friday (Epitaphios Lamentation) at the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of St John the Baptist in Essex.