On Monday, 7 April 2025, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, in his capacity as President of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), participated in a high-level meeting with H.E. Mr Adam Szłapka, Poland’s Minister for European Union Affairs. The meeting took place in Warsaw, as part of Poland’s current Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The delegation, representing both CEC and COMECE, shared concerns and perspectives on key issues facing Europe today: the need for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, the moral and political complexities of migration, and the future of EU enlargement.

Archbishop Nikitas offered a clear reminder that Christian engagement in public life must remain rooted in dignity, justice, and neighbourly concern. These values, the delegation noted, are not simply abstract ideals but deeply practical guides—especially at a time when Europe’s social cohesion and geopolitical stability are under strain.

The Churches called for policies that put the human person at the centre: a fair asylum system, responsible approaches to security and defence, and an enlargement process marked not only by merit but by genuine solidarity. The delegation also voiced support for the local churches in Poland, in light of recent pressures on religious education.

The meeting formed part of the ongoing dialogue between EU institutions and the Churches, as outlined in Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. For Archbishop Nikitas, it was another opportunity to advocate for a Europe shaped not merely by power or interest, but by care, conscience, and community.

On Saturday, 29th March 2025, the Orthodox Community of St Columba in Inverness had the joy of welcoming His Grace Bishop Raphael of Ilion, who celebrated the Divine Liturgy, assisted by the Revd Protopresbyter John Garnett.

During the Liturgy, His Grace offered a homily on the theme of repentance, drawing inspiration from the teachings of St John Climacus and his seminal work, The Ladder of Divine Ascent. His Grace spoke of repentance not merely as remorse for past actions, but as a continual turning of the heart towards Christ—a lifelong ascent marked by humility, prayer, and perseverance.

Following the Liturgy, the faithful gathered in a spirit of fellowship for a catechetical session with Q&A, where His Grace responded to a range of thoughtful and heartfelt questions with pastoral warmth and theological clarity.

The Community of St Columba, which is regularly served by the Very Revd Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne Antonios Kakalis, continues to be a shining example of a growing, vibrant, and spiritually rooted parish within our Archdiocese—bearing witness to the living tradition of the Orthodox faith in the north of Scotland.

On Sunday 30th March 2025, the Fourth Sunday of Lent (St John Climacus), His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St John the Baptist in Haringey, North London. Concelebrating with His Eminence were the Very Revd Archimandrite Apostolos Trifyllis and the Revd Presbyter Konstantinos Mamouris, while the Revd Archdeacon George Tsourous and the Revd Deacon Georgios Ntallas also served at the Holy Altar.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence elevated David Dochitoiu Barau and Alexandru Cotro to the Order of Readers. In conferring this honour, he emphasised the sacred responsibility entrusted to Readers within the Church, calling them to serve with humility, reverence, and devotion to the liturgical life of the Christian community.

Immediately following the Liturgy, the Annual Memorial Service was held in honour of the victims of the 1974 invasion of Cyprus, and of all those who gave their lives for the freedom of Cyprus and Greece throughout history. The service was attended by His Excellency Kyriacos Kouros, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Kingdom, and Mr Christos Karaolis, President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK. Both dignitaries addressed the congregation, offering words of reflection, remembrance, and enduring hope for justice and reconciliation.

The day concluded with a festal meal in the Community Hall, where clergy, faithful, and guests shared in fellowship, united in faith, remembrance, and gratitude for the blessings of the day.

On the evening of Sunday, 23rd March 2025, at the Church of the Holy Transfiguration in Coventry, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas presided over the fourth Lenten Vespers, joined in prayer by His Grace Bishop Maximos of Meletini and numerous clergy from across the Midlands, including the Revd Protopresbyter Steven Maxfield, the Revd Protopresbyter Theodoros Polyviou, Priest-in-Charge, the Revd Oeconomos Nicholas Karafyllides, the Revd Presbyter Samuel Papachristophorou and the Revd Presbyter Georgios Athanasopoulos. The Revd Archdeacon George Tsourous and Revd Deacon Catalin Constandis also served. The service was attended by a large gathering of the faithful from various parishes in the region.

Following the Vespers, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas offered a brief but pointed reflection. He spoke of Lent not as a burden, but as a gift—a time to strip away distractions and return to what matters. Drawing on the themes of forgiveness, silence, and watchfulness, he called each person to take this season seriously, not with anxiety, but with honesty and a renewed desire for God.

Photo credit: Alexios Gennaris

On Sunday 23rd March 2025, the third Sunday of the Holy and Great Lent (Veneration of the Holy Cross), His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain made a pastoral visit at the Church of Holy Trinity and St Luke in Birmingham and celebrated the Divine Liturgy. His Grace Bishop Maximos of Melitene concelebrated with The Archbishop. Among those serving were the Revd Protopresbyter Christos Stefanou, Priest-in-Charge, the Revd Presbyter Andreas Minic and the Revd Archdeacon George Tsourous.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas elevated Petros Georgiou and Abel Fodor to the Order of Readers. In conferring this blessing, he underscored the sacred duty of Readers in the Church, calling them to serve with humility, reverence, and dedication to the liturgical life of the community.

The celebration concluded with a festal meal in the Community Hall, where those present shared in fellowship and joy, united in gratitude for the day’s blessings.

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