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.
